Sri Rama Temples in Chennai, TamilNadu and Brief History

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, India, is not only a bustling metropolis but also a treasure trove of cultural and religious heritage. Among its many attractions, the city is home to several temples dedicated to Lord Rama, a central figure in Hindu mythology and the hero of the epic Ramayana. Here is an overview of some prominent Sri Rama temples in Chennai and their brief history. 1. Sri Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple, West Mambalam Sri Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple is one of the most prominent Rama temples in Chennai, located in the bustling area of West Mambalam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and his devoted follower Hanuman. History: The temple is believed to have been constructed in the early 20th century. It is renowned for its annual Brahmotsavam festival, which attracts a large number of devotees. The temple's architecture is traditional Dravidian, with a tall gopuram (tower) and intricately carved pillars. 2. Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam Located not far from the Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple, Ayodhya Mandapam is another significant place of worship for devotees of Lord Rama. Though not a traditional temple, it serves as a venue for various religious and cultural activities. History: Ayodhya Mandapam was established in the mid-20th century by the Sri Ram Samaj, a spiritual organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Lord Rama. The mandapam (hall) is used for conducting Ramayana discourses, bhajans (devotional songs), and various festivals, especially during Rama Navami. 3. Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Nandambakkam This temple is located in the suburban area of Nandambakkam. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. History: The temple dates back several centuries and is known for its serene environment. The temple complex includes a beautiful garden and a pond, making it a peaceful retreat for devotees. The temple's annual festival, celebrated during Rama Navami, draws a large crowd. 4. Sri Rama Anjaneya Temple, Guindy Situated near the Guindy National Park, this temple is unique as it is dedicated to both Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, emphasizing their inseparable bond. History: The temple was built in the late 20th century and has since become a popular destination for worshippers. The temple's architecture combines traditional and modern elements, with beautifully crafted statues and a tranquil atmosphere. 5. Sri Rama Baktha Anjaneyar Temple, Nanganallur Nanganallur is famous for its Anjaneyar temple, but it also hosts a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, reflecting the area's rich religious heritage. History: The temple was established to cater to the spiritual needs of the growing population in Nanganallur. It is known for its vibrant celebrations of Rama Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, attracting devotees from all over the city. Cultural and Historical Significance The Sri Rama temples in Chennai are not just places of worship; they are also centers of cultural and spiritual activities. These temples play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich traditions associated with Lord Rama. They serve as venues for reciting the Ramayana, conducting bhajans, and celebrating various festivals, thereby keeping alive the age-old customs and practices.

Venugopala Swamy Temple – A 12th Century Marvel in Mysore District Karnataka - Our Visit in Jan 2024

 The Venugopala Swamy temple, bearing the Hoysala style of architecture was built in the 12th century CE at a place called Kannambadi Village near Mysuru.

It was built around the same time as the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura was built, in the Mysuru district. 

The huge temple complex was submerged while building a dam – Krishnaraja Sagara dam in 1930, along with Kannambadi village. 

The dam was built at the new kannambadi village, which stores the Kaveri river and helps in irrigating millions of agricultural land. 

How to reach there?

The Venugopala Swamy temple is a must-see place for all, and it is located at Hosakannambadi Village – 9 km by road from Brindavan Gardens and 30 km from Mysuru city. One has to spend at least couple of hours to observe and relishing the beauty of the temple. Taxis can be hired to visit the place from Mysuru city.

About the Temple Main Shrines circled by smaller shrines

Venugopala Swamy Temple is a beautiful and serene spot which is not known to many. Venugopala Swamy Temple was originally a 12th-century temple built by the Hoysalas.

However, it was submerged when the KRS Dam was built. It used to resurface whenever the water level in the dam used to drop.

Mesmerizing beauty with the deities touched my soul.  The main deity of Sri Venugopala Swamy has a divine pull that you can feel inside the temple.  

The main sanctum is circled by smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha,  followed by Goddess Andal, Rukmini and Satyabama and smaller shrines for rivers like Godavari, Thungabadra, Kaveri, Bhramaputra, and others,  followed by Astha Lakshmies,  Sri Adi Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Danya Lakshmi, Dana Lakshmi, Dyraya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi.    

The smaller shines also include Nava Grahas’ including sun (Surya), moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu (north node of the moon), and Ketu (south node of the moon)

Further to this, there are shrines for Dasavatharams  that include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Budha and Kalki.

The temple also has photographs of the originally built temple that was submerged in the river and later on with the help of local artisans and public, the now standing beautiful temple is in place

Outside the main temple, you will find a beautiful Ratha (Chariot) on the banks of River Cauveri.   The backwaters of River Cauveri and Krishnaraja Sagar Dam is a sight of beauty and picturesque.   You will find many tourists enjoying the breeze and the beauty of this place.

Must visit if you are visiting Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru.  We loved being there and I hope you will also find this place interesting and enjoyable. 

Important Information

·       Open for Devotees/Tourists between 9AM to 6 PM

·       Videography / Photography / Drone cameras are strictly prohibited. You can use mobile phone outside the temple (Inside temple premises strictly prohibited)

·       Devotees/Tourists are suggested to maintain cleanliness, sanctity and serenity of the temple

·       Though there are a few shops selling bottled mineral water and light snacks nearby, it is better to carry water and other light snacks/ drinks for consumption outside the temple premises.

·       Consumption of any kind of food and beverages are strictly prohibited in and around the temple premises

·       Tourists/Devotees are strictly advised not to litter the place

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venugopala_Swamy_Temple

Few pictures from our trip:

 

Dhenupureeswarar Temple (Madambakkam) - Auspicious Visit to Suyambu Lingam

 Happy New Year 2024.    

We recently visited to a very old shrine of Lord Shiva in Madambakkam, at the outskirts of Chennai city and had a wonderful darshan of Lord Dhenupureeswara

·   This temple is the place I wanted to write about as the first post this year as I  visited this temple, recently .  Dhenupureeswarar Temple, is located in Madambakkam near Tambaram, Chennai.  Dhenupureeswarar is the local name for the Hindu deity Shiva

Here are few updates on this wonderful age-old temple and pictures from our visit

•    Today Madambakkam Sivan Temple of Dhenupurishwarar is one of the famous temples of Chennai, especially because of the sculpture of God Sarabeswarar present here.
•       Thenupureeswarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is called Thenupureeswarar in local language. The name is given to Lord Shiva in this region is because he had once given Moksha to a cow.
•       The temple is more than 1000 years old and has immense importance in Chennai. Lord shiva and his consort Dhenukambal are worshipped in the temple. The temple boasts of beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva and other deities in different postures.
•       There are 18 more temples which are built around the temple forming Om shape. The temple is counted amongst the 163 notified megalithic areas in Tamil Nadu. The temple has an inscription from the period of Cholas and Pandya. The area where the temple is located is a residential area with a large population.

HISTORY

•       Thenupureeswarar temple is more than 1000 years old and has a rich history associated with it. The temple is believed to be built during the reign of Parantaka Chola II in the year 956-973 AD. He was the father of Raja Raja Chola I. He constructed the famous Brihadeeshwarar temple of Thanjavur. 
•         The sanctum of the temple is apsidal in shape similar to other Chola temple in the state. The shape resembles the back of a sleeping elephant and is a popular design of temple in South India. During the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, the temple was consolidated with stones. 
•     You can find Chola sculpture which is kept in the temple in a well preserved condition. Carved pillars from the period of Chola are also found inside the temple. An archaeological survey of India has conducted many conservation and restoration task of the temple. The temple is also listed under monuments of national importance by ASI.

IMPORTANCE/SIGNIFICANCE

•       There is a cultural significance associated with the temple. First that it is temple that preserves the sculptures and artefacts of Chola dynasty and second that it is listed under National Monument authority notified sites. 
•     The temple finds mention in the 15th Century Tamil Poet Arunagirinathar's work. The temple also has religious significance as there is a self manifested Shivaling in the temple.
• 
  
• FACTS/MYTHOLOGY
•       According to the Hindu Mythology, at the site of the temple, Thenupureeshwarar had granted Moksha to a cow. 
•         The cow was no one but sage Kapila Maharishi who was cursed to become a cow because he had performed worship of Shivalinga with left hand. The cow released milk on the site where there was a Shivling inside the ground. 
•         The cowherd reprimanded the cow for wasting the milk. After the shivalinga was unearthed by the villagers, Thenupureeshwarar blessed the cow and released it from the curse. 
•         The King Parantaka Chola II dreamt of this entire event and decided to build the temple at this site to commemorate the event and give respect to Thenupureeshwarar and his consort.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS/GATHERINGS

•       Many festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva are celebrated in this ancient temple. Many people gather around the temple to commemorate and celebrate these festivals and events like Pradosha, Uttiram and Panguni. Also during Navaratri, many devotees pay a visit to the temple to perform Pooja.
•      Every Sunday, during Rahu Kalam time,  between 4.30 to 6 pm, devotees throng around the pillar which has the sculpture of Lord Sarabeshwarar and offer their special prayers to wade of evil.

 References: 

https://travel.bhushavali.com/2011/08/madambakkam-dhenupurishwarar-temple.html

https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/dhenupureeswarar-journey-towards-a-1000-year-old-temple-003343.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhenupureeswarar_Temple_(Madambakkam)

https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2017/08/sri-dhenupureeswarar-temple-madambakkam.html

FEW PICTURES from our visit

Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year 2024.  God bless you all.  Om Namah Shivaya!

 

 

 

Swathi Perumal Tour from TTDC- Visit to Singirikudi, Poovarsamkuppam and Parikkal Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temples in straight line

Hindus have a strong belief that Lord Narasimha will resolve the devotees issues and bless them prosperity.

The timings for all these temples from 0830 to 1230 and for Parikkal it is up to 1 pm also.  We took the TTDC - TamilNadu Tourism tour "One Day Swati Perumal Tour" which started at the TTDC office in Chennai at 6 am and ended around 8.30 pm.   Worshipping Lord Narasimha on his birth star of Swathi Nakshatram is said to be very auspicious. 

These Narasimha avatars remind us of Prahalaatha who demonstrated the world that ego and disrespect of God would provoke lord to take avatars and perish the culprits.

We Hindus were brought up with a fear that doing evil would earn the curse of the people around as well as the God and end up our life miserably.

When you go back you get an abnormal energy and no doubt Lord gives you the strength to overcome your obstacles.

Sri Narasimhar Temple, Singiri Kudi, Cuddalore

In the Singiri Kudi temple in Cuddalore district, Lord Narasimha appears in the sanctum very furiously with 16 hands as at the time of destroying Hiranya. As He killed Hiranya facing west, here too the Lord is facing west accordingly. Feeding the devotees is the main prayer commitment followed in this temple/The temple has Lord Narasimha holds in his 16 hands various weapons as Pathakahasthem,Prayoga Chakram, a sword called Ksheerika, bow and arrow, conch, discus, armourand a beheaded head etc. while he killed Hiranya with other hands by tearing the intestine and wearing it as a garland. The temple has its own chariot also.

Sri Narasimhar@ Poovarasan Kuppam,

One of the most foremost shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha, Poovarasan Kuppam, near Villupuram (Tamil Nadu), is also called South Ahobilam. It is at this spot he gave darshan to these rishis.after the vadham of king hiranya However, the rishis could not bear the intensity of heat emitting from the Lord because of the fury andrequested his consort to calm him down.
Goddess Lakshmi sat on his thigh looking at him with one eye other eye looking at devotees

This act of the Goddess Lakshmi brought a soothing and tranquil effect on the Lord. This pose where the Goddess [thayaar/mother], looks at the devotees and her Lord simultaneously is believed to be having a conversation with the Lord presenting the devotees petitions to him. To this day, it is only at this temple in the whole world does the Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar appear in such a pose.

Sri Narasimhar Temple, Parikkal

Parikkal is a 2000 year old temple constructed from rock stone and is a famous temple for Hindus. The temple has been renovated recenly with all colours and is an eye appeal for new devotees. It is on the road to Villupuram from cuddalore/The temple has its own chariot also

This is to show that Lord Narasimha has shed His fury and graces devotees with all mercy.

Anjaneya /Hanuman ji grace devotees together. Devotees light lamps with gingely oil and spread all the nine varieties of pulses in his shrine and write on them their prayers. It is believed that their prayers would be responded..

The temple is famous for secular tradition as people of other religions – Muslims and Christian also worship the Lord here without any feeling of discrimination.

Few pictures from our visit:

Visit to Chengallama Parameshwari Temple in Sullurpet - AP/ TN border - Dec 2023

 #incredibleindia #templesofsouthindia #templesofindia

Temple with no doors .....Yes, you read it right. This is one temple where the main sanctum santorium temple doors are not there. There is a mythological story behind this. On the national highways, borders of Tamilnadu and Andhrapradesh, you will find a beautiful incarnation of Mahishasura Mardhini in Shantharupam guarding the travellers and passers by.

She is said to be a manifestation of thridevis.

In search of our Kuladeivam, some years ago, after connecting various dots lefts by our ancestors and set of astrologers, we landed up in this temple. We were equally surprised that the temple is run by the community of Balija Chettiars, and the priests are also from that kith n kin. Not too inclined on the caste system, but at the same time was bit surprised how kulasamies come from those places our ancestors worshipped for ages and left behind their goodwill of good deeds to befall on upcoming generations...

Besides this backstory, the very story of temple is equally interesting. The significance of the place is the power of the goddess you will feel, the kind of energies that engulf you, if you believe in her, she shows you the way, she guides you through, she holds you from falling, she lifts you up in the most unexpected ways. That is Sri Chengalama Parameshwari for you. Maa thali

She also has strong connect to ISRO n India space missions....as scientists make it her abode before every big launch

https://www.chengalamma.org/

Few pictures from our visit:

Visit to Siruvapuri Sri. Bala Murugan Temple - 40 kms from Chennai - Dec 2023

 40 kms from Chennai City, the amazing abode of Lord Murugan, at Siruvapuri, with amazing history and heritage. The temple vibrations are soul touching and said to help those with dreams of building and getting into new homes.

A pleasant rainy afternoon driving into village, finding the local harvest, peaceful abhisekham at the deity, surely makes your weekend travels worthwhile

For more information, check this blog link:

http://murugan.org/temples/siruvapuri.htm

Siruvapuri Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, a popular deity in the Hindu pantheon. The temple is located in Siruvapuri near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Here's some information about visiting the Siruvapuri Murugan Temple:

1. Location:

   • The temple is situated in Siruvapuri, which is approximately 40 kilometers from Chennai. It is easily accessible by road.

2. Deity:

   • The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya. Lord Murugan is revered as the God of War and Victory, and the temple attracts devotees seeking his blessings.

3. Temple Architecture:

   • The Siruvapuri Murugan Temple features traditional South Indian temple architecture. It typically includes a main sanctum where the main deity resides, along with various other shrines and structures within the temple complex.

4. Poojas and Rituals:

   • The temple conducts various daily and periodic poojas (rituals) dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees often participate in these rituals to seek the deity's blessings.

5. Festivals:

   • The temple celebrates various festivals, with special events and processions during important occasions like Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, and other Murugan-related festivals. Festivals can be vibrant times to visit, with increased spiritual activities.

6. Thirukalyanam (Divine Marriage):

   • The divine marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan is a significant event in many Murugan temples, including Siruvapuri Murugan Temple. Thirukalyanam is a grand celebration that attracts devotees.

7. Visiting Hours:

   • The temple typically has specific visiting hours for devotees. It is advisable to check the temple's official website or contact the temple authorities to get the latest information on opening hours.

8. Attire and Etiquette:

   • Visitors to the temple are expected to dress modestly and adhere to traditional temple etiquette. It's customary to remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum.

9. Accessibility:

• Siruvapuri is well-connected by road, and there are various transportation options available from Chennai. Devotees can reach the temple by private vehicles, taxis, or buses.

Few Pictures from our visit: