Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple- Chennai

Address

Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple- Beach Rd, Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090

Diety

Mahavishnu Amman: Adhi Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santhana Lakshmi, Vij

Introduction

• Location: The Ashtalakshmi Temple, located on the shores near Elliot’s Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and her eight primary forms, collectively known as the Ashtalakshmi. These eight forms bestow eight types of wealth: offspring, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge.
• Unique Architecture: The temple’s unique multi-tiered structure allows visitors to worship all shrines without stepping over any sanctums, emphasizing its careful and thoughtful design.
• Significance: This is the only temple dedicated to Sri Mahalaksmi, the consort of Sri Mahavishnu, on Tamil Nadu’s east coast.
• Puja Rituals: The temple follows the Aarukala Puja system, performing six pujas daily in strict adherence to Vedic traditions. Lamps are lit using only ghee.

Puranic Significance:

• Temple’s Origin: The Ashtalakshmi Temple was built according to the wishes of Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal of the Kanchi Mutt. The construction was initiated by Sri Mukkur Srinivasa Varadhachariar, a devout figure who fulfilled the spiritual desires of the Kanchi Periyava.
• Consecration: The temple was consecrated on April 5, 1976, in the presence of the 44th guru of the Ahobila Mutt, Vedhantha Dhesika Yatheendhra Mahadhesikan Swami.
• Shrine Layout: The temple’s multi-tier design houses the Ashtalakshmi in four levels across nine separate sanctums:
  • Second Level: The shrine of Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu is located here, and devotees begin their worship from this level.
  • Third Level: This level contains the shrines of Santhanalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi, Vidyalakshmi, and Gajalakshmi.
  • Fourth Level: The only shrine here is dedicated to Dhanalakshmi.
  • First Level: Houses the shrines of Aadilakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, and Dhairya Lakshmi.
• Additional deities, including the Dashavatara (the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu), Guruvayoorappan, Ganesha, Dhanwanthari, and Anjaneyar, also reside within the temple.

Beliefs:

• Blessings of Mahalakshmi: Each of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi offers distinct blessings:
  • Adi Lakshmi: Grants health.
  • Dhanya Lakshmi: Ensures freedom from hunger.
  • Dhairya Lakshmi: Bestows courage and self-confidence.
  • Gajalakshmi: Provides prosperity.
  • Santhana Lakshmi: Blesses devotees with children.
  • Vijaya Lakshmi: Grants success in all endeavors.
  • Vidya Lakshmi: Bestows knowledge and wisdom.
  • Dhana Lakshmi: Ensures wealth and financial prosperity.
• Devotee Offerings: Devotees perform abishekams (sacred bathing ceremonies), offer vastras (clothing) to the deities, and distribute nivedhanas (sacred food offerings) to fellow worshippers as part of their prayers.

Special Features:

• Architectural Marvel: The temple features an Ashtanga Vimana design in the tower, based on the Omkara structure. Remarkably, the shadow of the tower does not fall on the ground, a feature similar to the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) in Thanjavur.

Festivals:

• Purattasi Navaratri Festival: The temple celebrates a 10-day Purattasi Navaratri festival with great grandeur. During this festival, the deities are adorned with 10 different Alankaras (decorative dressings), drawing large crowds of devotees.
• Other Important Pujas:
  • Deepavali Lakshmi Puja (Festival of Lights).
  • Special pujas during Thai Fridays (January-February).
  • Special Aadi Friday pujas (July-August).

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Adyar

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvanmiyur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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