Vaitheeswaran Temple - Poonamallee, Chennai

 

 

This temple is very similar to the Vaidheeswaran Koil temple near Kumbakonam, which is one of the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaaragan (Mars in English or Chevvaai in Thamizh).
This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Angaaragan. It is said that Sri Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.
Sri Angaaragan’s Paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the sanctum under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan.
The temple is so huge with very vast praakaarams. The main deity is facing east in the form of Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi is facing south.
In the inner praakaaram Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Brahma, Sri Subramanyar, Sri Sandigeswarar and Sri Durgai are seen. There are 3 Chakras installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar in the Praakaaram called Sri Chakram, Subramanya Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram.
On the northern praakaaram there is a Baana Lingam installed facing the entrance.
Though there is an entrance at the eastern side, the temple has its main entrance and Rajagopuram facing north.
There are some beautiful carvings on either sides of the entrance.
The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Thaazhi Panai Maram (Palm tree). The temple pond (called Vinai Theertha Kulam) is located on the eastern side of the temple, which needs attention.
Surya Pooja happens in this temple in the Thamizh month ‘Maasi’. On the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of Maasi, Sun’s rays directly fall on the main deity around 6 am in the mornings. This amazing act happens only on these 5 days of the year and never repeats again.
This temple is also called 'Uthara Vaitheeswaran Koil'. A wonderful temple with amazing architecture.

The temple is lavish, big and well maintained. Here the temple has a separate Sevvai Padam (legs) and a statue of the Sthala Vruksha Thaazhi Panai Maram (Thazhi Palm) and also 3 Chakrams which were established here by the Adi Shankara (Sri Chakram, Subramania Chakram, Shanmuga Chakram) near the Subramania Swami Sannidhi.
The munmandapam near the Shiva Shrine has beautiful carvings on the roof. The South entrance has some interesting sculptures on either side.

The main deity is touted to be having curative effect on the ailments and diseases, as going by the name “Vaitheeswaran” which in Tamil is equivalent to “A Physician”. People come here to pray in front of the main deity for their ailments, as the positive vibrations inside the temple gives curing/ healing effects on almost all diseases.

Sri Hridhayaaleeswarar - Thiruninravur, Chennai

 

The story of this temple dates back to 7th century during Pallava reign. There was a Shiva devotee living in this place during 7th century called Poosalaar. He has been an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Poosalaar had an extreme ambition in his mind to build a temple for Lord Shiva at this place within his lifetime. He sought for help with many rich people who can fund him to raise a temple. But hardly anyone helped him. Knowing that he won’t get any help, Poosalaar finally decided to build a temple for the Lord by himself, at his heart itself. As he was well read and knew all the Aagama Vidhis and nuances to build a temple, he wanted to start building the temple.

He sat under a tree called Iruppai tree in the village and started meditating. He planned each and every small detail to perfection for the construction of his own temple in his mind itself. He also marked an auspicious day to commence the holy work. The temple started growing up in his mind. It is said that Poosalaar actually took the same time (or months) which will be consumed to construct an actual temple. He built the temple step by step. He had designed everything in his mind right from Vimana, Sanctum, Temple Pond, Compound walls etc., and executed each in detail as per what he had in mind.

After everything shaped up in his mind the temple construction work came to a finish. He even had organised all the utensils required for the temple. Finally, he also fixed an auspicious date for Kumbhabishegam (consecration) of the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva to be present for the consecration and offer His blessings. During the same period, a king called Rajasimma Pallava was ruling this part, with his capital as Kaanchi (today’s Kanchipuram). He also was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and was building a huge beautiful temple for the Lord, at Kaanchi. He also named the God as Kailasanathar and the temple as Rajasimmeswaram.

The king also marked a date for consecration, while the finishing touches were going on at the temple. One day after visiting the progress of the temple work, he was very tired when he went to bed. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that He cannot make it to the consecration of the king’s temple on the said date and asked him to change the day of consecration, as He had to be present for consecration of another temple built by Poosalaar of Thiruninravur.

The king woke up shockingly and couldn’t believe himself. He was worried that God Himself has given priority to someone else’s temple than his temple. He wanted to know about the temple which God informed him of. He immediately started with his queen, ministers and parivaar to see Poosalaar’s temple at Thiruninravur.

He came to Thiruninravur the next day and enquired with many people about a new Shiva temple built by Poosalaar. Nobody knew anything about the temple but directed the king to the place where Poosalaar was meditating under the Iruppai tree. King went and asked Poosalaar himself about the temple. Poosalaar, on hearing the king explaining about his dream, was overwhelmed to realize the mercy shown to him by Lord Shiva. Poosalaar explained the king that he had been constructing the temple in his heart (Manasu in Thamizh) and had fixed a date for consecration.

Poosalaar made the king to look at his heart and realize the temple which he constructed. King was able to see and realize the temple made by Poosalaar. Knowing this Rajasimma was amazed to see the devotion and sincerity of Poosalaar. The king himself took all the specifications of the temple which Poosalaar had in mind and physically constructed a temple for the Lord here. This temple is also called Manakkoil. As Poosalaar originally built the temple for the Lord in his Hridayam, the Lord here is known as Hridhayaaleeswarar.

Though there are 2 entrances to this temple, on east and west, the Lord here faces east here. There is a grand Dhwajasthambha and Nandhi on the outer prakaaram. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta or Thoongaanai Maadam (தூங்கானை மாடம்) shape, that is, the sanctum's shape will look like the back of the sleeping elephant. Lord Hridhayaaleeswarar offers dharshan in the form of a Shiva Lingam. Poosalaar is seen praying the Lord. There is an idol of Rajasimma Pallavan too inside the temple.

Sri Ganapathy and Sri Subramanyar are seen standing on either side of the entrance of the sanctum like Dwarapaalakas. Other deities like Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Naalvar, Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Siva Subramanyar with Sri Valli and Sri Devasena, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai, Sri Sandigeswarar, Sri Sivagama Sundari Sametha Sri Natarajar and Sri Bairavar are seen in the inner praakaarams. Wonderful carvings are seen on the pillars of the temple, but many of them painted white, hiding their originality. There is also a mandapam in which Vaahanam (Rishabham) for the Lord is kept for Urchavams. Many devotees in recent years have started worshipping Lord here, for getting recovered from heart ailments, as the Lord himself is called Hridayaaleeswarar. A beautiful temple worth a short drive, away from Chennai.

 

Note: It is believed that people with heart ailments should visit this temple for early recovery/ relief of the disease. As the vibrations in this temple has healing powers towards the heart related ailments and give good results and relief from the ailment.

 

Uniqueness of this temple

1. Parihaar stala for all heart ailments.

2. Sage Poosalaar built same replica in his mind and the same has been built by Rajasimma Pallavan physically. Hence the name Sri Hridhayaleswarar

3. The architecture of Garba Graha is similar to sleeping elephant like most of the temples in orissa sarvajan sukhino bhavanthu

4. The temple also has the statue of Rajasimma Pallavan

Sri Vedapureeswarar – Thiruverkadu, Chennai

 

 

This is one of the 32 Paadal Petra Sthalam (i.e. temple visited by the Saivite Saints who have composed divine hymns on the Lord) in the Thondai Region (Mandalam). There are about 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams in Tamilnadu. Thiruverkadu is unique in the sense it is also the birth place of the one of 63 Nayanmar “Sri Moorka Nayanar”. This temple was visited by the Saivite Saint Thirugnaana Sambandar and composed “Devaram” i.e. Divine Hymns on the Lord. This temple was also visited by Saint Arunagirinathar and composed “Thirupugazh” on Lord Muruga. This Village was also known as Vada Vedaranyam since Lords here appear in their Wedding Posture similar to the one at Vedaranyam in the Nagapattinam District.
Legends associated with the temple.

Once when Lord Brahma was proceeding towards Kailash, the son of Lord Shiva, Lord Skanda / Muruga asked Brahma for the meaning of the Pranava Mantra “OM”. When Brahma could not explain the meaning Lord Muruga imprisoned him. As a result, all creations came to a standstill and the devas prayed to Lord Shiva to get Brahma released. Lord Shiva sent Sri Nandhigeswarar to talk to Lord Muruga and rescue Lord Brahma. But Lord Muruga did not listen to Sri Nandhigeswarar and hence Lord Shiva himself approached Muruga and convinced him to release Lord Brahma. Later Lord Shiva instructed Lord Muruga to go to Thiruverkadu and worship him there. Later Lord Muruga visited Thiruverkadu formed a Pond (Theertham) using his Spear (Vel) installed a Shiva Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence the Pond here is called as “Velaayudha Theertham” i.e. pond formed with the spear. In this temple we can see Lord Muruga in a separate shrine without any weapons in his hand. Also there is a Shiva Lingam in front of Lord Muruga which is a rare one.
Another legend associated with the temple is that during Lord Shiva’s wedding everyone including Gods, Devas and Saints gathered at Mount Kailash to witness the celestial event. Due to this the earth was tilted towards North and Lord Shiva directed Sage Agasthiyar to go towards South to balance the Earth. Sage Agasthiyar prayed the Lord saying that he will not be able to see the God’s wedding. Hearing this Lord Shiva granted Sage Agasthiyar a boon that wherever He prays the Lord he will have the darshan of his wedding. Sage Agasthiyar on his way stayed here at Thiruverkadu and worshipped Lord Shiva and had the darshan of Lord’s wedding. One can see Lord Shiva and Goddess in ceremonial wedding posture just behind the Shiva Lingam inside the Sanctum. Sage Agasthiyar was blessed to have God’s darshan from various places and Thiruverkadu is one of them.

In ancient days, this place was a forest filled with VeLvela trees (வெள்வேல மரம்) and hence was called as Velankaadu (வேலங்காடு), which later turned to get its present name. It is also said that Lord Muruga, before His battle with the demon king Surapadhman, got His weapon ‘Vel’ (வேல்) from Sri Karumaari Amman here and so the place was called as Velankaadu.
It is said that Sri Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha) worshipped the Goddess here by performing Abhishegam using Valampuri Sanghu (Conch). The Goddess got pleased with His worship and blessed Him that the poojas at the temple will first be performed to Sri Vinayagar and then to Her. Sri Vinayagar can be seen present in the temple just as we enter the temple near the Dhwajasthambham. While entering the temple, one has to pray Him and then go further to worship Sri Karumaari Amman.
Once, when the Asuras gave troubles to Devas, they came and worshipped Lord Shiva at Thiruverkaadu, to save them. Lord Shiva called His Devi Sri Verkanni and directed Her to look after His duties till He is back from Devaloka. Lord Shiva gave her the holy ashes from His body and blessed Her. The Goddess asked Sage Agasthiyar to look for a holy place where she can perform the heavenly duties assigned by Lord Shiva. When Sage Agasthiyar was thinking of such place, he heard an Asareeri (அசரீரி – a holy voice) saying that the place where he was standing itself is a holy place. Goddess took abode here as Sri Karumaari Amman and also blessed the place that one will be removed of all the sins by worshipping Her at Thiruverkaadu.
Thiruverkaadu is the place where all 3 Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva have worshipped the Goddess. Hence She is called as Sri Karumaari here. Ka means Brahma, Ru means Rudhra or Shiva, and Ma means Vishnu.
The temple here is facing east. There is a beautiful Rajagopuram to enter the temple. Once we enter Sri Vinayagar is seen on an elevated shrine under a tree.
After crossing Sri Vinayagar, the sanctum of Goddess Sri Karumaari Amman is seen. The Goddess is facing east. It is said that originally the Goddess evolved from an ant hill. Amman is so beautiful with a smiling face and decorated well with lots of flowers.
Sri Subramanyar is found at the praakaaram around the sanctum. Navagrahas are found at the north eastern side of the temple. Sri Brahma is found on one of the walls facing north.
There is another small shrine adjacent to this temple, where a huge ant hill is found under a Peepul tree. Devotees offer milk and eggs for the snakes in this ant hill. Camphors are also lit here to offer worship. The entire ant hill is yellow in color as devotees have applied turmeric powder on it.
The temple pond is found in front of the temple which is so beautiful with a small Mandapam in the middle.
A tall and beautiful temple Chariot is parked in a separate Mandapam adjacent to the temple.
Thiruverkaadu attracts thousands of devotees and tourists everyday from various parts of the country. Sri Ambaal here is believed to be so powerful granting the wishes of the devotees worshipping her.

 

Details about the Temple

The Lord here is called as Vedhapureeswarar (also known as Sri Verkateeswarar) and the Goddess Sri Baalaambigai (also known as Verkanni Ammai). The temple is constructed on a vast area and the Raja Gopuram is facing east. The Rajagopuram is five tiered and has various sculptures on it. Sri Nandhigeswarar located at the outer Prakaaram decorated with many flowers and Vilvam allowing us to have the Darshan of Sri Vedhapureeswarar. In the Sanctum we can see Sri Vedhapureeswar in the form of Shiva Lingam and behind that we can have the darshan of Lord Shiva and Parvathi in the wedding posture which is the specialty of the temple.
At the inner prakaaram we can see the four Saivite Saints who have sung Thevaram and Thiruvasagam i.e. Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. Also the “Arupathumoovars” i.e. Sixty Three devotees of Lord Shiva known as “Nayanmars” are located in a row at the Southern Prakaaram. Sri Dakshinamurthy is found at the southern side of the Prakaaram. At the south western side there is a separate shrine for Lord Ganapathi.
The Sanctum and Vimanam is constructed in “Gajabrishta” form i.e. style similar to the backside of an Elephant (semi circle). One can also see Sri Lingothbavar i.e. Linga where one can see the Lord Brahma in Annapakshi (bird) form on the upper portion of the Lingam and Lord Vishnu in Varaha form on the lower portion of the Lingam on the backside of the outer wall of the Sanctum. Just behind the Sanctum one can also see the deities of Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Visalakshi, Anabaya Chozhan and Sekkizhar are seen facing the East towards Sri Lingothbavar. Sri Sandigeswar is facing south towards the Lord and another Sri Sandeeswarar is also seen sitting and meditating the Lord looking towards the Sanctum. Ambal Sri Balaambigai is facing South and has Simha Vahanam facing her towards North. There is a tall Dhwajasthambam in front of the shrine. There are separate shrines for Lord Saneeswarar.
This is also the birth place of one of 63 Nayanmar named “Moorka Nayanar” and there is a separate shrine to Moorka Nayanar on the North Eastern side of the outer prakaaram. Moorka Nayanar was born at Thiruverkadu and was doing service to Saivite Saints by first offering food to them. Nayanar partakes food only after feeding the Saivaite Saints. By doing this service he lost all his wealth. However he later adopted Gambling as a means to earn livelihood to serve the Shiva devotees.

Sri Arunagirinathar has sung Thirupugazh on Lord Muruga here and has a separate shrine facing west on the South Eastern Side of the temple. The Sthala Vruksham (Tree) is called “Vel-Vela Maram” which is seen on the outer prakaaram. There is a Shiva Lingam and Sri Nandhi under the Sthala Vruksham. The Theertham (Water) of this temple is called Velaayudha Teertham formed by Lord Skanda.

The temple is constructed on a vast area and the Raja Gopuram is facing east. The Rajagopuram is 5 tiered and has various sculptures on it. Sri Nandhigeswarar is so beautifully present at the outer praakaaram decorated with many flowers and Vilvam, allowing us to have the Dharshan of Sri Vedhapureeswarar. In the sanctum, we can see Sri Vedhapureeswarar in the form of Shiva Lingam and behind that the wedding posture of Lord Shiva and Sri Parvathi. At the inner praakaaram, we can see the Naalvar viz Appar, Sundharar, Manickavaasagar and Thirugnanasambandhar. Along with them are seen the others among 63 Naayanmaars in a row at the southern praakaaram. Sri Dhakshinamurthy is found at the southern side of the praakaaram. At the south western side there is a separate shrine for Sri Sannadhi Vinayagar. The sanctum is apsidal which is called Gajabrishta shape (Thoonganai Maadam). Sri Lingothbavar is present behind the sanctum on the outer wall. Just behind the sanctum, Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Visalakshi, Anabaya Chozhan and Sekkizhar are seen facing East towards Sri Lingothbavar. Sri Sandigeswarar is facing south towards the Lord and another Sri Sandeeswarar is also seen sitting and meditating the Lord looking towards the sanctum. The Vimaanam of the sanctum is of the Gajabrishta shape (கஜப்ருஷ்ட விமானம்). Ambaal Sri Balambigai is facing south and has Simha Vaahanam facing Her towards north. The Shiva Ganaas are seen on the top of the walls of the temple on specific directions, guarding the whole temple. There is a tall and beautiful Dhwajasthambham adding beauty to the temple. There is a separate shrine for Sri Saneeswarar and Sri Moorgha Naayanaar on the north eastern side of the outer praakaaram. It is said that Sri Moorgha Naayanaar was born here at this place. Sri Arunagirinaathar has sung Thiruppugazh on Lord Muruga here and has a separate shrine facing west on the south eastern side. The Sthala Viruksham is called VeLvela Maram (வெள்வேல மரம்) which is seen on the outer praakaaram. There is a Shiva Lingam and Sri Nandhi under the Sthala Viruksham. The Theertham of this temple is called Velaayudha Theertham formed by Lord Muruga.

Importance: Muka nayanars birth place. Poison has no effect here. When lord Siva got married to parvathi in Kailas, earth tilted to one side because of the presence of everyone in that place, so Agastiyar was asked to go to vedaranyam to balance the earth. Agastiar said he will not be able to participate in the marraiage cermony and enjoy.
Siva promised that he will be able to see their marriage. when ever Agasthiyr wishes he will be able to see both Siva and Parvathi in bridal form. Here inside the sanctum at the back of linga we see Siva and Parvathi in bridal form and the marriage event is sculptured. So the place is known as veda vedanarayan.
BY Worshipping Thhirverkadu Baalambikai, Thiru validhayam Sri Jagadambikai and Thiruvotriyoor Vadavambikai in one day is very good.
Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan, Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva of this place.
Lord Subramanya acquired his Vel from Parasakthi to defeat Suran, hence the name verkadu. Thirumoorthy’s worshipped Parasakthi known as Karumari here.Ka represents Brahma, Ru, represents Rudhara and Ma, represents Vishnu.

Sri Kamakshi Amman – Mangadu, Chennai

 

 

 

 

Sri Kamakshi Amman

      Siva and Devi were sporting in their garden in the Mount Kailash. Devi in her playful mood closed the eyes of Lord Siva. Immediately the whole creation fell into eternal darkness. Goddess craved Siva's pardon. Lord Siva directed Goddess to the earth for performing severe penance. Goddess came and started her severe penance on the Panchagni in Mangadu. Goddess performed penance on the Panchagni, resting the left leg on the Panchagni,folding the right leg. Her left hand is raised above her head, holding a jabmala. This can be seen in this Mangadu Temple as Tapas Kamakshiamman.

Sri Ardhameru Sri Chakra

      When Goddess Left the place without extinguishing the fire the whole area suffered from the unbearable heat for a long time. Sri AdiSankara of Kaladi came here and installed SRI ARDHAMERU CHAKRAM and extinguished the fire. SRI CHAKRAM in Mangadu is very rare in India.

Elaborate Version -

Sukracharayar, the guru of the asuras was performing yagna on earth. Shiva appeared before him and blessed him. Since he could leave the yagna and appear before Kamakshi he communicated to her through a Asarreri vakku to proceed to Kanchipuram and that he will marry her there. Kamakshi obeyed the words of Shiva and proceeded to Kanchi and made a sand Shivalingam and propitiated the lord. Shiva blessed his devotees and entered into a wedlock with Kamakshi on the auspicious Panguni Uthiram day. She is called as Kalyana Kamakshi here.

Since the goddess hurriedly left for Kanchi she forgot to put out the fire in Agni kundam at Mangadu. This created havoc in the surrounding areas. The lands became dry and parched and the water in the lakes started depleting. The dry area became a source of concern to the people living there. They started wailing as they were suffering.

God did not want his devotees to suffer. A spiritual preceptor and exponent of Advaita philosophy –Adi Shankara was on a holy tour of India. And he happened to pass this area. He was shocked beyond words to see the sad state of affairs. People came to him and sought his help to set revive its old state. They prayed to him to solve this problem. Is he not a deiva piravi?

Shankaracharya was able to find out the cause for the calamity through his ganana drishti. In order to bring the area back to normalcy he consecrated a unique Ashta kantham-( 8 mooligai)-Ardha meru-SriChakra in this place. This Srichakra yantra is called the Raja Yantra. The lowest part is in the shape of a tortoise-Kurma.with three steps on top of it and there are 16 Lotus petals and a Srichakra yantra embedded on it. In order to signify 43 Devatas there are 43 triangles. Since Adi Shankarar had made it out of Ashta kantham Abishekam is not done but sandalwood paste, javaathu, and Poonugu is applied on it. Kumkuma archana is done to Ashtakantham. Artha meru srichakra is very important here. Abishekam is done to Pancha loka kamakshi.

Since Adi Shankara consecrated Srichakra it was able to quench the fire –Agni in this place. In spite of it devotees feared to go inside the temple and worship the goddess. The icon of Thava Kamakshi was the reason for the fear. For several hundred years the temple had very few visitors. But now it is bursting at its seams. And devotees make a beeline irrespective of the time.

The pontiff of Kanchi mutt Parmacharyar found that the icon of Thava kamakshi was the reason for the fear of the devotees and removed the icon of thava kamakshi from the moola sthanam and shifted it to an adjoining place to the left side inside temple premises. Then he consecrated another icon of Kamakshi with a parrot on one hand and a sugar cane in the other hand. She is Santham personified and she is called Santha kamakshi. The mangadu moolasthana amman is called Adhi kamakshi. The icon is made of panchaloka.

     The Ardhameru Sri Chakram is the chief divinity in this temple. Kumkum Archana is performed and no abhishekam for Sri Chakram, since it is made up of herbals. Sri Adhi Kamakshiamman (in Panchalogam) has been installed in the sanctum by Sri Kanchi Paramacharya Swamigal.

Maha Kumbabishegam

First Maha Kumbabhishegam was performed on 8th July of 1987 with a newly built seven storied Rajagopuram and again on 3rd June of 2001. Both were performed in the presence of His Holiness Sri Jeyendra Saraswathi Swamigal and Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.

Devotees can propitiate Goddess Kamakshi by visiting her temple consecutively for six weeks, this is called –Aaru vaara vazhipadu.

We should choose one particular day of the week and worship the Goddess on the same day for 6 consecutive weeks. Men and women who are in search of employment opportunities should choose Tuesdays to worship the deity. They should visit the temple on 6 consecutive Tuesdays and propitiate Kamakshi.

We should choose either Tuesdays or Fridays or Sundays to worship the Goddess. What is special about the three days? In many families girls do not find a suitable life partner and thus their wedding is delayed. Maidens visiting the temple should tie a yellow cloth with a turmeric piece to tree at the entrance of the temple. It is believed by following this ritual and praying to the Goddess, the girl is sure of finding a virtuous husband.

For those who are childless worshipping the Goddess on Fridays is helpful. There is a special ritual which is followed in the temple. The couple should tie a tiny cradle with a small baby idol in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess. This can be done on the first or last Friday. Thus praying to the Goddess on Fridays for 6 weeks is recommended for Progeny.

We have read about the particular days of the week that is recommended for a certain purpose. Let us glimpse at the method of worship.

On the chosen day of the first week the devotees should propitiate the Goddess with Thamboolam – Vettrilai pakku, coconut, fruits, flowers camphor and two lemons. After performing archana to the Goddess and praying fervently to Artha meru srichkara Aadhi Kamakshi, we should proceed to the sanctum sanctorum of Tapas Kamakshi and inform the priest about our prarathana and then he would give us a lemon which is precious.

This lemon should be placed in the pooja room of our house with piety. When we visit the temple the following week. We should by another fresh lemon in addition to the lemon in the pooja and offer it to the Goddess. Even this time the lemon obtained from the sanctum of tapas Kamakshi should be placed in the house for worship. The same procedure should be followed for six weeks without break. After completing six weeks of worship on the seventh week we should visit the temple on the same day like the previous weeks with Tamboolam and milk. But lemon should not be obtained from the priest.

Even today, no abhishekams are performed to the Sri Chakra as it contains rare herbs. Only Kumkuma Archana is performed that too only to the Sri Chakra and not the idol, as the powers of Sri Kamakshi Amman has been instilled in the Chakra by Sri Aadhi Sankaracharya.

The idol Sri Aadhi Kamakshiamman made of Panchaloha (5 metals) was installed by Sri Kanchi Paramacharya Swami in the later years.

A special neivedhyam –offering should be prepared at home. One or two liters of milk should be condensed and sugar candy honey, elaichi powder should be mixed in the milk to enhance its taste..After offering this to Kamakshi it should be distributed to every one irrespective of age. Since Kamakshi is fond of milk it is given to all the devotees. The Goddess showers her grace abundantly on her devotees. Is she not our Mother?

There is an interesting story about her fondness for milk. When Kamakshi was in deep penance in Mangadu with no one around only the cows were her food givers. The cowherds used to graze the cattle near the place where Kamakshi was meditating. The divine intervention is discernible at this juncture. At least one cow used to feed her milk every day. For many years this was her staple food. Thus she grew fond of milk and it is offered to appease her.

The temple is thronged with devotees on English and Tamil new years day .

Mangadu is a paradise on earth during Navarathri. It reaches a crescendo on Navarathri Fridays when women surge to have a holy communion with the goddess.

Mangadu is 20 kms from Chennai on the Chennai Bangalore high way near Poonamalle.

 

Festival:

The temple celebrates many festivals as 10 day Chithirai festival in April-May with a sea of devotees seeking the grace of Mother Kamakshi. Other festivals include Tamil and English New Year days, Pongal falling almost on January 14, Navarathri in September-October, Masi Magam and Shivrathri in February-March. Devotee crowd is ever huge on every festival day.

Temple's Speciality:

This is the holy place where Mother Kamakshi performed severe penance standing on one leg amidst fire before Her wedding with Lord Ekambareswarar in Kancheepuram. Sri Chakra occupies all importance in the temple. Abishek is offered to the panchaloka – an alloy of five metals – idol of Mother Kamakshi and archana to Sri Chakra.

General Information:
 

The region was a forest of Mango trees once, hence named Mangadu.  Maa in Tamil means Mango.  A little away from Mangadu is the temple of Lord Velleeswarar.  Velli is the name of planet Venus-Shukra.  As in the Kanjanur Shukrapureeswarar temple, this temple is of Shukra importance.  Mother Kamakshi is the important deity in Mangadu and Kancheepuram.  Similarly, Velleeswarar is the main deity in this temple.  Only the feet of Mother are installed here.
Lord Ganapathi is holding paddy stalks and mango in His hands.  These are offered as nivedhana to Lord Vinayaka in the faith that farm yields would be in plenty.  Another Vinayaka in the Goshta appears with an umbrella and a mango.

Prayers

A six week worship is in practice in the temple.  Devotees choose any day in a week to begin the worship with lime fruit and continue the same for six weeks on the same day of the week to realize their wish.  Unmarried girls pray to Mother with a yellow thread in the belief that they too will get a suitable match as Mother performed penance here and got wedded to Lord in Kancheepuram.  This prayer applies to men also.
Those seeking child boon pray to Mother with a cradle so that they would have to arrange a cradle in their houses too for the child blessed by Mother Kamakshi.  Many are experiencing the fruits of the six week worship.  People also pray for promotions in job and for relief from diseases.

Thanks giving:

Devotees perform milk abishek to Artha Meru Chakra and offer vastras. They also follow the traditional abishek and archanas, arrange feeding etc.

Greatness Of Temple:

The Artha Meru Chakra in the temple was installed by Acharya Sankara having 43 Trikonas-triangles.  This is made of eight herbals called Astagandham.  Hence no abishek is offered the Chakra.  The pujas for the chakra is performed with sandal and other cosmetic powders and archana with kumkum.  On the Vijayadasami day,  last day of Navarathri, this Chakra is covered with gold, while on other days, it is with a silver cover.
Sri Chakra occupies great importance in the temple.  This Artha Meru Sri Chakra is revered as Raja (Royal status) Yantra.  The base is of Koorma (tortoise) design. There are three steps above the base. It is further built with 16 Lotus petals and 8 petals of Lotus still above.  The Sri Chakra is drawn on this peeta-seat.  No Sri Chakra is as big as the one in Mangadu.  It is dressed with a 9 yard sari.
The penance undertaken by Mother Kamakshi is of a highest order which none could imagine.  She made five Agni Kundas – fire pits.  She stood near the central pit keeping Her left toe touching the fire, placed the right leg on the left thigh.  She kept Her left hand near Her naval part, held the right hand with a japa mala above Her head.  Her beautiful eyes were closed to have the hands of Lord.  She undertook this peanace in this holy Mangadu.  This scene is beautifully sculptured in the temple.
Devotees have four Ambikas for darshan in the temple. 1) As Sri Chakra, 2) Adhi Kamakshi made of Panchaloka metals, 3) Kamakshi doing penance amidst the five Agni Kundas and 4) the small Lamp burning near Adi Kamakshi revered as Ambika Herself.  The darshan of all Ambicas can be had simultaneously from the mandap.  Ambika in the sanctum sanctorum is holding a parrot in the right hand and the crescent moon on the head.
It is noteworthy that the tradition of felicitating a person for his/her winning an exam with distinction or any tough competition with the success of standing on a single leg began from the penance posture of Mother Kamakshi.  The condition of penance was not made easy or relaxed even for the consort of Lord. 
Mangadu has an added importance.  When Emperor Mahabali offered three feet of land to Lord Vamana the dwarf, knowing the design of the Lord, planet Venus-Shukra intervened to stop Mahabali from the offering.  He blocked the Jal Patra the water bowl.  Lord Vamana used a darba grass to remove the block and thus made Venus blind in one eye.  To get back his eyes, Shukra-Venus also performed penance on Lord Shiva in this place when Kamakshi also was on a penance.  Lord Shiva appeared before Shukra the devotee first and granted his eye back.  Priority was to a devotee.             
When Lord Shiva came to this place to acknowledge the penance of Mother, Lord Vishnu too came here with gifts to His sister the bride.  When Lord Shiva and Mother Kamakshi left for Kancheepuram, Lord Vishnu too was to accompany them.  But Maharshi Markandeya begged Perumal to stay in the place.  Obliging the Rishi, Perumal stayed here as Vaikunta Perumal with His discus and a ring in a finger showing his coming with gifts for His Sister.    He is praised as Seer Perumal – Gift Perumal.
A Homa-Nava Kalasa Homa with nine brass pots-Kalasas is conducted in the temple on full moon days.  Nine forms of Shakti are personified in these Kalasas.  Pushpanjali is offered to Sri Chakra. 
Niraimani Darshan is another event celebrated in the temple on the Purattasi full moon day in September-October.  Artha Mandap, Thapas Mandap and the front Mandap are decorated with sweets, fruits, vegetables and grains showing all prosperity.  Devotees believe that this Niraimani Darshan would bring all prosperity to the family.  
Three Mothers in the temple bless and please the devotees in their daily procession in a golden car in evenings daily.  Brahmmi, one of the Saptha Mathas is the driver (Sarathi) of the car.  Nava Kannikas the nine virgins are around the car-rath.  There is also a Kuthuvilakku perennially burning in the Mahamandap.  Left of this is the shrine of Mother Thapas Kamakshi.

Temple History:

Legend associated with this temple is that once in the heavenly abode Sri Parvathi closed the Lord Shiva's eyes just for fun. When she closed the Lord’s eyes the world plunged into darkness and all the beings suffered. The Lord got angry and asked her to get out of the place and suggested that she can join him only after doing severe penance . Accordingly she came to earth and saw a large mangrove (mango forest) and thought that it is the apt place for her to do the penance. She chose a place in the middle of the mangrove and started her tapas in the middle of Panchagni . Panchagni means fire on all four sides and above the head hot rays of sun . The Devi stood on one leg as her right leg folded and her right hand above her head holding the rudraksha beads. Siva pleased with her penance, came down and gave darshan to Devi and married her at Ekambareswar temple in Kancheepuram.

There is a temple for Lord Shiva near the Kamakshi Amman temple which is known as Valleswarar temple. There is a temple for Lord Vishnu also known as Vasikunta Perumal Temple near by this Amman temple.
The heat of the Panchagni and that of the penance of Devi did not subside and hence the people had great sufferings . When once Adi Sankacharya visited this place he realized the situation and installed an Ardhameru Sri Chakra in a small temple and instilled the power prevailing there in it. He gave the necessary instructions of poojas to the Ardhameru Sri Chakra which is very rare of its kind and not seen anywhere else.

Even today the poojas and abhishekams are done to the Sri Chakra. There is an idol of Tapa Kamakshi ( the Devi in her posture of Tapas) on the right side of the main shrine.
Significant vratam performed in this temple is six weeks vrat. You can choose any day of the week for this six week vrat . Suppose you start the vrat on Monday you should reach the temple on Monday with two lelons . One will be kept in the temple and the other will be given to the person who perform vrat. He/she should keep the lemon at home and come to the temple next Monday with the lemon along with two fresh ones. Like this one should visit the temple for six weeks . On the sixth Monday they will perform archana and provide you with prasadams. It is believed that those who perform this six weeks the Devi will fulfill their wishes.