Chormepet Kumaran Kundram Temple, Chennai

Address

Chormepet Kumaran Kundram Temple Hastinapuram Main Rd, Nehru Nagar, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600044

Deity

Sri Swaminathaswamy, Balasubrahmanyar

Introduction

• Location: Kumaran Kundram is a hillock situated in Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Age: The temple is approximately 40 years old and is dedicated to Lord Murugan.
• Accessibility: It can be accessed by road from Chromepet towards Hasthinapuram, with a flight of about 80 steps leading to the presiding deity, Sri Swaminathaswamy, who faces north.
• Key Features:
  • Thala Virutcham: Pipal tree.
  • Theertham: Kumara Theertham.
  • Agamam / Pooja: Kaaranaagamam.

Puranic Significance

• Establishment: The idea for the temple was proposed in 1956 by Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal, a prominent saint from Kanchi Mutt, who envisioned a temple for Murugan on the hill.
• Initial Developments: The first temple built in that year was for Siddhi Vinayagar. In 1979, the consecration of the Sri Swaminathaswamy temple took place after the discovery of a lance, the weapon of Lord Muruga, during hillside clearance.
• Expansions: Over the years, additional shrines for Shiva, Sarabeshwara, Ambal, and the Navagrahas were added.
• Renovations: A five-tier Rajagopuram was constructed between 2011-2014, accompanied by significant renovations and a new Artha mandapam. The Mahakumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) for these additions took place on February 9, 2014, attracting thousands of devotees.

Beliefs

• Devotional Practices: Devotees seek Lord Murugan’s blessings for overcoming marital hurdles and having children. His northern-facing idol has earned him the name “Aiswarya Murugan,” symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
• Rituals: Regular abhishekams (ritual baths) are performed for Lord Murugan, Lord Shiva, and Ambal, with offerings of new clothes to the deities.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Soorasamhaaram Festival: Celebrated annually in October/November, this is the prime festival at the temple.
  • Karthigai Deepam: Celebrated in November/December, this festival also holds significance.
  • Vaikunta Ekadasi: Observed during the month of December.

Cultural Activities

• The temple hosts cultural and religious events, including music, dance, and discourses, particularly during the Rajagopuram construction and renovation phase in 2013-2014.
• Girivalam: A monthly circumambulation around the hill on full moon nights attracts numerous devotees, reinforcing the temple’s role as a significant spiritual center in the community.

Century/Period/Age

500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Chromepet

Nearest Railway Station

Chromepet

Nearest Airport

Chennai

lightuptemple