Thirumazhisai Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Chennai

Address

Thirumazhisai,

Chennai District,
Tamil Nadu – 600124.

Moolavar

Veetrirundha Perumal

Amman

Shenbagavalli Thayar

Introduction

The Veetrirundha Perumal Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Veetrirundha Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Shenbagavalli Thayar. It is located near the Thirumazhisai bus stop, a suburb of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, along the route from Poonamallee to Thiruvallur. The temple holds significant spiritual value and is closely associated with Thirumazhisai Alwar, who was born in this region.

Situated just a 10-minute walk from the Jagannathar Temple, this temple features a Hanuman sannidhi (shrine), where Lord Hanuman is revered as the Doctor’s Doctor, offering divine healing and blessings. Devotees visiting the Jagannatha Perumal Temple also come here to seek blessings from Veetrirundha Perumal and Lord Hanuman.

Puranic Significance

The temple is steeped in ancient lore and divine manifestations:

Divine Vision of Lord Vishnu:
The great sages Brighu and Markandeya performed intense penance longing for a full vision of Lord Vishnu, who initially appeared only hazily in half form. Lord Vishnu directed them to the sacred site of Maheesara Kshetram (now Thirumazhisai), revealed by Lord Brahma after identifying it as a spot heavier than the rest of the world by a single grain of paddy.
Lord Vishnu with Ashtalakshmis:
At this site, Lord Vishnu granted darshan in full splendor, accompanied by Ashtalakshmis (eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi):
- Four Lakshmis on the crown
- Two, Sridevi and Bhudevi, on either side.
  Worshiping here is believed to bestow sublime and enriched lives upon devotees.
Blessings in Kaliyuga:
In the early days of Kaliyuga, it is said that Sri Venkatesa Perumal of Tirupati granted darshan to Lord Brahma in his sitting posture at this temple, initiating his divine blessings upon devotees.

Special Features

The Veetrirundha Perumal Temple is notable for its historical and architectural uniqueness:

Rare Sitting Posture:
Unlike most Vishnu temples where the deity is depicted reclining (e.g., Srirangam) or standing (e.g., Tirupati), the Moolavar (Prime Deity) is seen in a sitting posture flanked by his consorts.
Historical Significance:
- Believed to be over 1000 years old, the temple has references in ancient palm leaves preserved in the Sarasvati Mahal Library at Tanjore.
- Rock edicts indicate patronage from the Chola dynasty kings.
Shrines and Features:
- A special shrine is dedicated to Thirumazhisai Alwar.
- Vinaya Anjaneya Swamy Shrine: Located adjacent to the main temple, this newly built shrine houses Varahamukha Anjaneya, believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes and alleviate sufferings, particularly those related to VISA issues.
- A tall archa-vigraha of Anjaneya Swamy stands at the temple entrance, carrying the Sanjeevi Parvai, a symbol of divine healing.