Chennai called as Madras then was known as Detroit of India. Chennai was also called as Madrasipattinam, and chennapatnam. Temples add a major part of travel in Chennai. Be any street or lane you will find a small temple. South Indian style of architecture, in chozha or Vijayanagara or Pandya style, is seen in most of the temples of Chennai.
Being a chennaite, I have been a regular visitor to the temples every month. There are five popular must visit temples, inside the city.
KAPALEESHWARAR- Located in Mylapore, devoted to lord shiva, goddess Parvathi Devi worshipped lord shiva here in the form of a peacock. It was built by pallava king, that this temple is also called as Kayilai mayilai. Pradosam, Panguni uthiram and Brahmotsavam are grandly celebrated.
MARUNDHEESHWARAR- Located in Tiruvanmayur near Adyar, this temple comes under Paadal Petra sthalam devoted to Lord shiva. The belief that diseases are cured, after visiting this temple is followed. It was built by chola king in the 9th century. Mahashivarathri, kumbhabhisekham and Pradosham are popularly celebrated.
PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE- A 6th fenugreek Hindu Vaishnavaite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located at Triplicane. It comes under Divya Prabandam and under 108 divyadesams. It was built by Pallavas. Legend is seen here with a moustache. Allikeni Lotus pond has lot of historical evidences. Vaishnavism tradition is followed while utsavams are grandly celebrated. Theppam festivals take place for 7 whole days.
MANGADU- Located south of Kanchipuram belief that, Sri Adi Shankaracharyar visited this temple is devoted to Amman-Goddess Parvathi. She is known as Tapas Kamakshi who performs penance here. Chozha architecture is seen in this temple, where Raja Gopuram faces south. Tuesday’s, fridays this temple is crowded, while aadi, Thai month festival are celebrated.
ASTHALAKSHMI TEMPLE- Located Besant Nagar, on the shores of Elliots beach, Goddess Lakshmi is seen in 8 forms here. This temple was built by Sri chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal, that it took 2 years to complete construction. You would also find, avatarams Vishnu along with other Gods and Goddess shrines. Navarathri is very grandly celebrated here.
One part of Chennai always associated to temples, which play a very major part of, Tamil Nadu culture. There are numerous temples, that be any street you are never devoid of, bells ringing, Kolams, changing and agabagthis fragrance entering your nostrils.
