Karapakkam Sri Gangai Amman Temple, Chennai

Address

Karapakkam Sri Gangai Amman Temple, Chennai

Old Mahabalipuram Road,

Chennai – 600097

Amman

Sri Gangai Amman

Introduction

Location:

• The Karapakkam Gangai Amman Temple is located in Karapakkam, a suburban area in Chennai, which is now surrounded by large IT companies. Historically, this area was a thriving agricultural region.
• It is well-connected by town buses that travel towards Sholinganallur, Thiruporur, and Mahabalipuram. The temple is 35 km from Mahabalipuram, 20 km from Thiruporur, and 3 km from Sholinganallur.

Puranic Significance:

• Sage Kapila was once fetching water from the Ganga to offer prayers to the Lord. However, while doing so, he tripped and the mandalam (container) fell, causing the water to spill. As the water splashed, Mother Swayambu Gangai appeared in the water.
• The remaining water from this incident formed a perennial pond, known as Thirukulam.
• For approximately 300 years, the Swayambu Gangai Amman was worshipped under a Neem tree, where she blessed the devotees.
• The temple’s rise in significance is linked to the agricultural community in the area. The goddess blessed the farmers, encouraging more of them to come to the temple for her blessings.
• Sundaram, a resident of Karapakkam, built the temple 30 years ago, alongside the consecration of a second Gangai Amman idol. Later, the temple was expanded with the construction of a 5-tier Rajagopuram and further consecration, making it a grand temple.

Beliefs:

• Devotees offer garlands for blessings related to marriage and foreign work.
• Butter offered to Anjaneya is considered auspicious for childbirth and ensuring a healthy delivery.

Special Features:

• The original Amman idol is over 300 years old, installed under a Neem Tree.
• In 2015, a new temple structure was built and Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) was performed.
• The temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram, a temple tank, and significant features such as Palipedam, Soolam, and Simha Vahanam right after the Rajagopuram.
• The sanctum sanctorum includes the main sanctum, Antarala, and a Muka Mandapam. The pillars of the Muka Mandapam are adorned with stucco images of deities.
• Above the sanctum, there is a 5 Kalasa Vimana with a 3-tier structure.
• The temple has various shrines, including:
  • Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Kalabairavar, Anjaneyar, Durga (stucco), Vinayagar, Iyappan (in a Kerala style Vimana), Venkatesa Perumal, and Valli Devasena Subramaniyar.

Century/Period

300 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Karapakkam

Nearest Railway Station

Tambaram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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