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Saturday, April 27, 2019

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

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.