Nanganallur Sri Ayyappan Temple, Chennai

Address

Nanganallur Sri Ayyappan Temple, Nanganallur, Chennai – 600 061 Phone: +91 44 2232 5897 / 2224 4033

Deity

Sri Ayyappan

Introduction

• Location: Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Significance: Dedicated to Lord Ayyappan; a replica of the Sabarimala temple.
• Historical Age: Believed to be around 1000 years old.
• Unique Feature: Two powerful bachelor gods (Ayyappan and Anjaneyar) standing back to back, blessing devotees.
• Head Priest: The Melshanthi of the Sabarimala temple since 1991.

Puranic Significance

• Origins:
  • An ardent devotee, Guru Swamy, made an idol of Lord Ayyappa for Thiruvilakku Puja.
  • The idol was initially kept at Guru Swamy’s home; later, devotees wished to build a temple.
  • The location was determined through Deva Prasannam, where Lord Ayyappa chose Nanganallur, a site of penance for Sages Bhringi and Agasthya.
  • Belief that Lord Ayyappa bathed in the Holy Pampa and worshipped himself at Sabarimala before ascending the Nanganallur throne.

Beliefs

• Devotee Practices:
  • People pray to realize their wishes.
  • Devotees carry milk pots to both Ayyappan and Anjaneyar temples for nine weeks on Saturdays to ward off evil.

Special Features

• Architecture:
  • Follows Kerala-style architecture.
  • Flag post (Kodimaram) covered with copper plate.
• Idol Visibility: The idol in the sanctum can be viewed comfortably on mirrors from both sides during crowded hours.
• Karthikai Month: Sun rays fall on Lord Ayyappa during the entire month.
• Jewelry Tradition: Ayyappa’s jewels are placed with the Pandala Maharaja and used for the Lord’s dressing from January 14 to February 2, enhancing the temple’s splendor.
• Additional Shrines: Features shrines for various deities, including Maligaipurattu Mansa Maha Devi, Kanni Mula Ganapati, Nagaraja, and Karuppayi Amman.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations:
  • Panguni Uthiram (March-April)
  • Milk Pot Utsavam in Karthikai (November 30 to December 6) with mass feeding and Aarrattu Vizha procession.

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Anjaneyar Koil

Nearest Railway Station

Pazhavanthangal

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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