Anna Nagar Ayyappan Temple, Chennai

Address

Anna Nagar Ayyappan Temple, Ayyappan Temple, Plot No. C-45, 2nd Avenue, (New No.X 42, 6 th Main Road), Anna Nagar, Chennai – 600 040 Phone: +91 44 2621 3282 / 2619 4623

Deity

Ayyappan

Introduction

• Location: Junction of 6th Main Road and 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Ayyappan.
• Significance: A well-known and popular place of worship in Chennai.

Puranic Significance

• Architectural Style:
  • Built in traditional Kerala architectural style, reflecting the art and design of Kerala temples.
• History and Development:
  • Approximately 25 years old, with a rich history.
  • Built in consultation with Kanipayyur Krishnan Namboodri, a temple architect.
  • Established the Sri Ayyappa Seva Samajam (SASS) in 1976 for the annual Vilakku pooja during the mandala makara Vilakku season in Shanti Colony.
  • In 1979, SASS started a charitable medical center for the underprivileged.
  • The Tamil Nadu Housing Board allocated a 7-ground land near Visveswarayya Tower for the temple’s construction.
• Construction and Consecration:
  • Initially established a makeshift temple in a thatched shed alongside the charitable medical center.
  • The permanent temple construction adhered to traditional shastraic guidelines.
  • The Kumbabishekam (consecration) and idol consecration took place on May 13, 1984.
  • The Panchaloha Ayyappan idol was crafted by Chengannur T. Rajarathinam.

Special Features

• Architectural Features:
  • Main sanctum of Lord Ayyappa faces west, while idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Durga, and Lord Anjaneya face east.
  • Includes a Navagraha shrine and an Anjaneya shrine.
• Unique Additions:
  • In 1989, the Natamandapam with an imposing gopuram (entrance tower) was added.
  • In 2005, the 22-segment Dwajasthambam and 27 thazhikakudams were covered with approximately 6 kg of gold, followed by a special Kumbabishekam on June 20, 2005.
  • The temple complex features an auditorium named after Sri Adi Sankara, accommodating around 1,000 people for spiritual and cultural programs, designed in the Koothambalam style.
  • Includes a canteen and a dining hall.

Festivals

• Annual Temple Festival: Celebrated during the second week of December.
• Other Celebrations:
  • Arrattu procession (Utsava moorthy carried to Marina Beach)
  • Pradhishta Dinam
  • Panguni Uthiram
  • Navarathri
  • Skanda Shasti
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi
  • Rama Navami
• Kotiarchana: Performed every fourth year by Ayyappa devotees observing Vratham (fasting).

Century/Period/Age

1979

Managed By

Sri Ayyappa Seva Samajam (SASS)

Nearest Bus Station

Annanagar Ayyappan Koil

Nearest Railway Station

Annanagar metro station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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