Mylapore Sri Madhava Perumal Temple, Chennai

Address

Mylapore Sri Madhava Perumal Temple, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Phone: +91 44 24985112 / 2466 2039

Diety

Madhava Perumal Amman: Amirthavalli

Introduction

Madhava Perumal Temple, located in Mylapore, Chennai, is a significant place of worship dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main deity of the temple is Lord Madhava Perumal, and his consort is Goddess Amirthavalli. The Lord is also known as Kalyana Madhavan.

Puranic Significance

History and Significance:

The Madhava Perumal Temple is believed to be about 800 years old, and its history is associated with the Azhwar saints.
The temple has historical and mythological significance, and it is considered one of the prominent non-Divya Desam temples.
It is the birthplace of Peyazhwar, one of the twelve Azhwar saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries AD.

Legends and Myths:

The temple is linked to the legend of Sage Bhrigu, who wanted to find a solution to an issue caused by Sage Bhrigu’s testing of Lord Vishnu’s composure.
To resolve this, Sage Bhrigu prayed to have Mahalakshmi as his daughter. She manifested as a child in the temple’s Theertham. When she reached marriageable age, Lord Vishnu married her, and they stayed at this temple.
The temple is also connected to the legend of Sage Vyasa, who did penance here.
Santhaana Pushkarani, the temple tank, is associated with the birth of Amirthavalli Thaayar and is believed to be the place where couples can pray for children.

Special Features

Architecture and Structure:

The temple is built in Dravidian architectural style and has two precincts.
It features a rectangular plan surrounded by 10-foot-high walls with a 5-tier gopuram, the gateway tower.
The temple has a Kalyana Mandapam, Alankara Mandapam, and Palliyarai (bedroom of the deity).
There are images of various deities, including Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Madhava Perumal, in the temple.
Garuda, the eagle mount of Lord Vishnu, is located facing the central shrine.

Rituals and Festivals:

The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama for rituals.
Devotees believe that offering prayers to Lord Madhava Perumal can help find a suitable match and become affluent.
The temple hosts various festivals and rituals, and a ten-day festival is celebrated close to Aippasi Sadayam day.