Vadapalani Andavar Temple- Chennai

Address

Vadapalani Andavar Temple Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026 Phone: +914424836903

Diety

Vadapalani Andavar Amman: Valli, Theivanai

Introduction

Vadapalani Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is located in Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was renovated in the 1920s and a Rajagopuram was built during that time. The temple has grown in popularity, which is believed to be in part due to the patronage of cinema stars. Thala Virutcham: Athi tree Theertham: The tank in the temple – Tirukulam Agamam / Pooja: Sivagamam

Puranic Significance

According to the sthalapurana, Muruga devotee Annaswami Nayakar built the shed and kept a Murugan painting there for his personal worship. During his worship, he experienced divine power entering his body and inspiring him to speak surprising things later found to be true. His utterances were labeled ‘arul vakku’ (‘God blessed statements’) and could cure diseases, provide jobs, solemnize marriages and more. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Special Features

Many sannidhis are present in the temple courtyards, including Varasiddhi Vinayaka, Chokkanāthar (Lord Shiva), Meenakshi Amman, Kāli, Bhairava, Shanmuga with Valli and Devasenā. The moolavar in standing posture resembles Palani Murugan. In the inner prakara, many niches house Dakshina Murti, Chandikeswar, Mahalakshmi, and others. It has a spacious hall used for marriages and religious discourse. It is one of the most-frequented Murugan shrines in Chennai. The entrance to this temple is crowned with a Rajagopuram adorned with several stucco images depicting legends from the Skanda Purana. In front of the temple is the temple tank. The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 meters. The 108 bharata natyam dance gestures can be seen on the eastern tower.

Festivals

Chithirai Tamil New Year Day falling almost on April 14, a day before or after occasionally, Chithirai Poornima-full moon day in April-May, 11 day procession festival in connection with Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, also in the months of Aani, Aadi and Avani Tamil months covering June to September, 6 day Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November, Panguni Kruthika Laksharchana in March-April with 3 day float festival are grandly celebrated in the temple