Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant
Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, located in Besant Nagar in the City of Chennai,
Tamil Nadu. The Temple lies on the Bay of Bengal shorelines near the Elliot's
beach, in Chennai. The temple is dedicated to the
goddess Lakshmi,
and her eight primary forms – the Ashtalakshmi –
the giver of all eight forms of wealth, namely, offspring, success, prosperity,
wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge. The sanctums are depicted on a
multi-tier complex in such a way that visitors could visit all the shrines
without stepping over any of the sanctums.
Ashta Lakshmis are always
depicted and worshipped in a group in temples. The eight forms of the goddess
are Aadhi Lakshmi (primary one), Dhanya Lakshmi (grains and agriculture), Dhana
Lakshmi (for money and gold), Gaja Lakshmi (with elephants and giver of animal
wealth and power), Santana Lakshmi (giver of progeny), Veera Lakshmi (valorous
one), Dhairya Lakshmi (bestows courage and strength for overcoming difficulties
in life), Vijaya Lakshmi (victorious one) and Vidya Lakshmi (bestows knowledge
of arts and sciences).
Legends
The Vedas and Puranas say that
Goddess Lakshmi has emerged out of the ocean when the Devas and Asuras churned
the Milky Ocean. Mahavishnu married her. Goddess Lakshmi is the deity who
grants the eightfold achievements (Ashtama Siddhis) and eightfold wealth (Ashta
Ishwaryams). As both Mahavishnu and Mahalakshmi (with her eight forms) reside
in this temple it is known as the Ashtalakshmi Temple. It is befitting to have
a temple constructed and consecrated on the shores facing the sea for Goddess
Lakshmi whose birthplace is the sea.
History
The temple was constructed on
the wishes of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi
Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt. The foundation was laid in January
1974 by public participation. The consecration of the temple took place on 5
April 1976 in the presence of the 44th guru of the Ahobila Mutt
Vedhantha Desika Yatheendhra Mahadhesikan Swami. In 2012, the temple was
renovated at a cost of Rs 7 million. Another Rs
1.6
million was spent on conducting the Jeernotharana Ashtabandhana Mahakumbabishekam,
a Hindu ceremony. A total of 32 kalasams were newly laid in the temple,
including a gold-plated 5.5-foot-high kalasam atop the sanctum sanctorum.
The Temple
For brief details, please
refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 6.30
a.m to 12 Noon and 4.00 p.m to 8.30 p.m. Morning Hours will be extended up
to 12.30 p.m on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
Pooja Timings
It is noteworthy that the
Aarukala Puja system (six pujas a day) is strictly followed in the temple as
per Vedic rules. Only ghee is used for lighting lamps.
S. No
|
Pooja Details
|
Timings
|
1
|
Suprabhatham
|
6.30 a.m.
|
2
|
Vishwaroopa Dharshan
|
7.00 a.m
|
3
|
Kalasanthi
|
8.00 a.m
|
4
|
Uchikalam (Noon Pooja)
|
12 Noon
|
5
|
Sayaratchai (Evening)
|
6.00 p.m
|
6
|
Iravu Pooja (Night)
|
7.30 p.m
|
7
|
Arthajama Pooja
|
8.30 p.m
|
Festivals
Navaratri, Pavitra Utsavam,
Dhanur Masa Pooja, Gokulastami, Deepavali, karthigai Deepam, English New Year,
Pongal, Tamil New year are the festivals celebrated here. 10 days of Navaratri
festival in Purattasi (September-October) is celebrated in a grand manner and
draws huge crowds of devotees. The images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
are decorated with different Alankaras (adornments) on each day. Deepavali
Lakshmi Puja (October-November) is an auspicious day for devotees to come to
this temple and pray for prosperity. Lakshmi Puja is an important part of the
Diwali celebrations, especially for North Indians and businessmen. Special
pujas are performed on Thai Fridays (January-February) and Aadi Fridays
(July-August) that are dedicated to goddesses and women.
Prayers
Mother Mahalakshmi ensures a
happy and prosperous life to her devotees. Each Lakshmi has her own special
blessings. Mother Adi Lakshmi grants health, Dhanya Lakshmi freedom
from hunger, Dhairya Lakshmi courage and self-confidence, Gajalakshmi all
prosperities, Santhana Lakshmi Child boon, Vijaya Lakshmi victory in all endeavors,
Vidya Lakshmi knowledge and wisdom and Dhanalakshmi wealth. Devotees perform
abishek, offer vastras to Lord and Mother and distribute Nivedhanas to other
devotees visiting the temple.
Contact
Mahalakshmi Temple,
Besant Nagar,
Chennai – 600 090
Phone: +91 44 2491 7777
/ 2446 6777 / 2491 1763
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
600 meters from Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple, 700 meters from Besant Nagar Bus
Stop, 1.5 Kms from Pamban Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi, 3 Kms from Indira Nagar
Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Little
Mount Metro Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 14 Kms from
Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and
16 Kms from Chennai Airport. Besant Nagar is well connected to all parts of Chennai
by all means of Transport. While going from Besant Nagar Bus Stop to
Kalakshetra Colony, turn left at the police booth and then turn left (the
opposite right turn leads to Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple). Autos are
available from bus terminus to reach this Temple.
