Ayyappan Temple,
Nanganallur, Chennai
Ayyappan Temple is a Hindu Temple
dedicated to Lord Ayyappan located at Nanganallur,
a well-known locality in Chennai City in Tamil Nadu. Ayyappan
Temple is situated just behind Nanganallur Anjaneya Temple. Lord Ayyappa
shrine is nothing but a replica of Sabarimala. It is said that nowhere in
the world, there are two powerful bachelor gods is standing back to back and
blessing the devotees in the world. The deity came from Sabarimalai itself and
the Melshanthi (head priest) of the Sabarimala temple in 1991 is the head
priest here.
Legends
An ardent Lord Ayyappa (Guru Swamy) wished to make an
idol of Lord Ayyappa for the Thiruvilakku Puja. The idol was made and kept
in the Guru Swami’s home with the contributions from devotees and pujas were
performed. Many devotees wished to build a temple. A plot was chosen
for the purpose but it was dropped for unknown reasons. They met the Melshanthi
(Chief Priest) in Sabarimala and it was decided to follow the Deva Prasannam
formula for the purpose.
Lord Ayyappa appeared in the Deva Prasannam and said
that he would like to be enthroned at a place where Sage Bhringi and Sage
Agasthya performed penance and that was found to be Nanganallur. The
temple came into being. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa, before his stay
in the temple, bathed in the Holy Pampa, climbed the 18 steps in the Sabari
shrine, worshipped himself and then only ascended the Nanganallur temple
throne.
During the days of closure of the temple in Sabarimala,
He is covered by sacred ashes. When this Ayyappa went to Sabarimala, this
sacred ash was applied. It is also noteworthy that the belief goes that
Lord Ayyappa has said in the Deva Prasanna that he would be in Sabarimala
during the opening days and be present in this temple on the closure days.
The Temple
Ayyappan Temple is situated just behind Anjaneya Temple.
The Temple follows Kerala Style Architecture. The flag post-Kodimaram is
covered with copper plate. Lord Ayyappa shrine is nothing but a replica of
Sabarimala. The idol in sanctum sanctorum could be comfortably viewed on
the mirror from both sides of the sannidhi during crowded hours. During the whole
Karthikai Month (Nov-Dec), Sun rays will fall on Lord Ayyappa.
The jewels of Ayyappa of this temple are placed in the
palace of Pandala Maharaja with all puja procedures and then brought to this
temple and used in the Alankara – dressing – of Lord. This journey lasts
from January 14 to February 2. The sanctum sanctorum glitters with gold
as in Sabarimala. There are shrines for Maligaipurattu Mansa Maha Devi, Kanni
Mula Ganapati, Nagaraja, Valiyagatutta Swami, Kochu Kodutha Swami, Karuppu
Swami and Karuppayi Amman in the Temple premises.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and
from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Milk pot Utsavam in
Karthikai from November 30 to December 6 with mass feeding and procession-Aarrattu
Vizha are celebrated in the temple with all grandeur.
Prayers
People pray to realize various wishes they have in mind.
Devotees carry milk pots to Lord Ayyappa and organize feeding – Annadhana. It
is said that visiting both Ayyappan and Anjaneyar temples for 9 weeks on Saturdays
will ward of any kind of evil in life.
Contact
Ayyappan Temple
Nanganallur, Chennai – 600 061
Phone: +91 44 2232 5897
/ 2224 4033
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location