Vadapalani Andavar Temple- Chennai

Address

Vadapalani Andavar Temple Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026 Phone: +914424836903

Deity

Vadapalani Andavar Amman: Valli, Theivanai

Introduction

• Location: Vadapalani Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is situated in Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Renovation: The temple underwent significant renovation in the 1920s, during which a Rajagopuram (tower) was constructed.
• Popularity: The temple’s prominence has grown, partly due to the patronage of cinema stars.
• Thala Virutcham: Athi tree
• Theertham: The temple tank known as Tirukulam
• Agamam/Pooja: Sivagamam

Puranic Significance

• Sthalapurana: According to local legends, a devoted follower of Muruga named Annaswami Nayakar built a shed to house a Murugan painting for personal worship. During his prayers, he felt a divine presence and began to utter prophetic statements, which were later recognized as ‘arul vakku’ or ‘God blessed statements.’ These utterances were believed to have healing powers and could assist in various life events, including job placements and marriages.
• Administration: The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Special Features

• Deities: The temple houses several sannidhis (shrines) in its courtyards, including:
  • Varasiddhi Vinayaka
  • Chokkanāthar (Lord Shiva)
  • Meenakshi Amman
  • Kāli
  • Bhairava
  • Shanmuga with Valli and Devasenā
• Moolavar: The standing posture of the main deity resembles that of Palani Murugan.
• Niches: In the inner prakara (circumambulatory path), niches are dedicated to Dakshina Murti, Chandikeswar, Mahalakshmi, and other deities.
• Facilities: The temple features a spacious hall for marriages and religious discourses.
• Architecture: The temple entrance is crowned with a Rajagopuram adorned with stucco images depicting legends from the Skanda Purana, rising to a height of 40.8 meters. Notably, the eastern tower displays 108 Bharatanatyam dance gestures.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Chithirai Tamil New Year Day: Celebrated around April 14.
  • Chithirai Poornima: The full moon day in April-May.
  • Vaikasi Visakam: An 11-day procession festival held in May-June.
  • Aani, Aadi, and Avani: Celebrated during the Tamil months covering June to September.
  • Aipasi Skanda Sashti: A six-day festival in October-November.
  • Panguni Kruthika Laksharchana: Celebrated in March-April with a three-day float festival.

Century/Period/Age

500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Vadapalani

Nearest Railway Station

Egmore Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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