Nanganallur Sri Ayyappan Temple, Chennai

Address

Nanganallur Sri Ayyappan Temple, Nanganallur, Chennai – 600 061 Phone: +91 44 2232 5897 / 2224 4033

Diety

Sri Ayyappan

Introduction

Ayyappan Temple is 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 Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The deity came from Sabarimalai itself and the Melshanthi (head priest) of the Sabarimala temple in 1991 is the head priest here.

Puranic Significance

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.

Beliefs

People pray to realize various wishes they have in mind. Devotees carry milk pots to Lord Ayyappa and Anjaneyar temples for 9 weeks on Saturday will ward of any kind of evil in life.

Special Features

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

Festivals

Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Milk pot Utsavam in Karthikai from November 30 to December 6 with mass feeding and procession-AarrattuVizha are celebrated in the temple with all grandeur.