Mylapore Kolavizhi Amman Temple, Chennai

Address

Mylapore Kolavizhi Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

Diety

Amman: Kolavizhi Amman

Introduction

The Kolavizhi Amman Temple, located in Mylapore, Chennai, is an ancient and significant place of worship dedicated to the goddess Kolavizhi Amman. The temple is situated on Gopathy Narayana Chetty Street, opposite Valiswarar Temple, and to the east of the Mundakkanni Amman Temple in Mylapore.

Puranic Significance

The Kolavizhi Amman Temple is believed to be approximately 1,000 years old. It has a long history and has played a protective role for the village of Mylapore when it was still a significant settlement.The main deity of the temple is Kolavizhi Amman, also known as Bhadrakali Amman, Ambika, and Mayurapuri Grama Devatha. The deity is believed to be Suyambhu, meaning self-manifested.

Legends and Miracles:

There is a belief that a British man lost his vision after photographing the Fire Walk festival and regained his eyesight only after worshiping Kolavizhi Amman.
The goddess is considered a guardian angel who protects her devotees from dangers, including natural disasters.

Beliefs

Devotee Benefits:

Worshipers at this temple are said to be cured of diseases and blessed with peace and prosperity.
Kolavizhi Amman is also believed to remove hurdles, including legal cases.

Special Features

Temple Orientation: The temple and the presiding deity face north. The goddess is renowned for her love and affection towards devotees.

Unique Features:

In the sanctum, the stucco statue of Amman is located on the back-side wall, and Abhishekam is performed for the Utsava Moorthy (procession deity).
The temple also has shrines dedicated to Sapthamadhas (seven divine mothers), Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha), and Nagar (the snake god).
The temple well is covered with iron grills, and various locks are affixed to the grills.

Festival

The temple has a significant place in the religious life of Mylapore. During the Brahmostavam and other functions, priority is given to Kolavizhi Amman before the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Kolavizhi Amman leads the 63vara procession, a significant event in the temple’s calendar.
Important temple functions include Pournami Pooja, where vegetables are offered and hung in the temple; Poochoridal, which involves carrying fire pots; and Milk Abhishekam performed in a procession.