Mylapore Mundakanni Amman Temple -Chennai

Address

Mylapore,

Chennai district,

Tamil Nadu – 600004.

Phone: +91- 44 – 2498 1893, 2498 6583.

Amman

Mundakanni Amman

Introduction

The Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple, located in Mylapore, Chennai, is a significant shrine dedicated to Mariamman. The main deity of the temple is Mundaka Kanni Amman, who is considered to be a form of Mariamman, a goddess associated with protection against diseases.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

The temple is believed to be around 1,500 years old, making it one of the ancient temples in Chennai.
Originally known as Mandhakini Amman, the name evolved to Mundaka Kanni Amman over time.

Temple Complex: While the temple is relatively small, it holds immense significance and is known for its miracles. The temple’s simplicity is one of its distinguishing features.

Kottravai Worship: The temple is also believed to have been a place of Kottravai worship. Kottravai was a cult that existed during the age of Tholkappiam and Silapathikaram.

Form of Saraswathi: Mundaka Kanni Amman is considered a form of Saraswathi, who blesses people to excel in their fine arts and learning.

Relief from Naga Dosha: The temple is known as a place that relieves people from Naga Dosha, and it has a snake anthill and a banyan tree behind the sanctum of Amman.

Aadi Festival: The temple is particularly busy during the month of Aadi (July-August), as people from various places visit to worship the deity and perform special rituals and prayers.

Association with Saints: Vayilar, one of the Nayanmar saints, and Peyalvar, one of the Alvar saints, are believed to have been born at this holy place.

Administration: The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu.

Temple Architecture: The temple is east-facing and has a small three-tiered gopuram at the entrance. The main deity, Mundaka Kanni Amman, is in a swayambu form and is adorned with a serpent crown.

Traditional Belief: One of the notable features of the temple is the trident, the primary weapon of the goddess, seen at the center of the swayambu form. The main shrine has a thatched roof and has been maintained in its original style without modern renovations. The deity is often described as having the power of the Trinity—Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Naaga Devathai Shrine: The temple also has a shrine for Naaga Devathai, where people with serpent curses offer milk, rosewater, turmeric abishekam, and light ghee lamps.

Sapta Kannikas: In front of the Amman Sanctum, you can find sculptures of Sapta Kannikas, the seven virgins: Brahmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Kaumari, Indirani, and Chamundi.

Other Deities: The temple complex also houses shrines for various deities, including Lord Vinayaka, Kashi Vishwanathar, Vishalakshi, Dakshinamurthy, Ganesha, Narthana Vinayagar, Murugan, Aiyappan, Veera Anjaneya, Ramalingaswami, and Navadevatha (a shrine of the snake god).

Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, with the whole month of Aadi and Thai months being considered particularly auspicious for worship. Other festivals include Chithra Pournami, Navarathiri, and Aadi pooram.

The Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and remains a place of faith, devotion, and miracles. It is known for its simple yet spiritually enriching ambiance.