Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan Temple, Chennai

Address

Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan Temple,

Mettukuppam, Vanagaram,

Chennai District – 602102

Phone: +91- 94444 04201

Moolavar

Swaminatha Balamurugan

Introduction

Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan Temple is located in the scenic Vanagaram village, 20km from the heart of Chennai city. This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is constructed by Srilasri Muruga Siddhar Guruji Dr. A.R. Varadharajanar. The vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) is of peacock design. This temple is situated at a distance of 10 kms from koyambedu on the way to thiruverkaduin vanagaram. From vanagaram one has to travel 2 kms on left side to reach this temple.

Puranic Significance

The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old. According to ‘Kandha Puranam’, Lord Muruga had a red and beautiful mole (macham) on His right cheek by nature. It is surprising to note that the idol of Sri Balamurugan in the Vanagaram Temple also has similar red and beautiful mole (macham) on his right cheek, which is never found in any Muruga idol in the world. During important days, the Lord is dressed with a kum kum dot on his cheek covering the mole which could be seen only on such days. As oil is applied on other days, the mole is not visible on the plain idol. Each day, the Lord is dressed with such colour clothes attributed to the planet (Graha) ruling on the day. Those facing planetary problems, pray on this day with particular colour clothing. On the Kruthika star day, special pujas are performed at midday-Uchikala Puja. Lord comes in procession in the evening.

Special Features

Sri Chakra Vinayagar: Sri Chakra Vinayagar is worshipped first before starting any new venture or religious function according to the general belief. He is considered the remover of all hurdles. Offerings of Modakam and grass garland (Argampul Maalai) are very special to him. Special decorations with Vibhuti, turmeric and sandal are performed to Sri Chakra Vinayagar on important days.

Sri Vishnu Durga Lakshmi: Sri Vishnu Durga Lakshmi is the embodiment of Shakti and is the Goddess of valour and annihilator of all negative and evil forces. Besides, she is considered to be Mahalakshmi Avatar, sporting Shanku and Chakram in Her hands. Devotees shackled under the burden of debts, performing archana and lighting lamps during Rahukalam on Tuesdays and Fridays are sure to get rid of their sufferings. Garlands made of lemon are offered along with special decorations on important days. During Navaraathri festival, she is decorated in different forms every day, on all the nine days.

Sri Ramar, Lakshmanar, Sita: Sri Ramar is the embodiment of Dharma and is one of the most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu. In this temple, Sri Ramar is seen with Lakshmanar and Sita devi. Rama Navami, the birthday festival of Lord Rama is celebrated in the temple in a grand manner.

Sri Yoga Anjaneyar: Sri Yoga Anjaneyar is a great devotee of Sri Rama. He symbolizes heroism and valor to fight for the cause of dharma, devotion and above all, humility. The Anjaneyar sannidhi in this temple is unique as the deity is adorned with a special Saligrama Maalai. Garlands of betel leaves, vadai and decorating the deity with butter are very special to Sri Anjaneyar. Hanumath Jayanthi festival is celebrated in the temple in a grand manner.

Swarna Akarshana Bairavar: To curtail the ego of Lord Brahma, Lord Sivan took the avadharam of Bairavar. He is the guru of Sani Bhagavan. The best worship of Bairavar is Swarna Akarshana Bairavar in which form, he is in a seated posture with Bairavi on his lap, Amudha Kalasam on one hand and Soolam on the other. This Sannidhi at Vanagaram temple is unique, as it is only the second temple in Tamil Nadu, besides the one at Chidambaram.

Belief

People believe that prayer to Lord Muruga in this temple would grant them child boon. Those pressed by debt burdens pray to Mother Vishnu Durga Lakshmi and Swarna Aakarshana Bhairava for relief. Devotees offer vastra according to the navagraga planet which is related to their problem.