Mylapore can be termed as the temple town of Chennai with temples located in every nook and corner around the locality. However, one unique temple which is located very close to Kapaleeswarar Temple is Sengazhuneer Pillaiyar Temple.
According to temple priest Shanmuga, “The idol is more than 300 to 400 years old. Sengazhuneer is a small stream near Thiruvarur and though there is not any conclusive evidence, it is believed that the Vinayagar idol was found out from the stream, thereby the ancestors of those who are currently running the Vaniga Vaisya Dharma Paripalana Sangam in East Mada Street brought it to Mylapore when they came here. There is no conclusive evidence about when it was brought here.”
Situated in the small lane that connects Kutchery Road and North Mada Street, it is a very small temple with only one sanctum sanctorum in which the Sengazhuneer Vinayagar idol is present. There is enough space to go around the sanctum.
“The first temple consecration was conducted in 1971. After the first one, in 1985, the second consecration took place and the latest one was done in 2004. The next one was supposed to be conducted last year but it is getting delayed and hopefully we plan to conduct it within this year,” says the priest.
Special occasions in the temple include Sangadahara Chaturthi and Vinayaga Chathurthi. “During Sangadahara Chathurthi every month, special abhishekams are performed to the deity in the evening. During Vinayaga Chathurthi for three days, special abhishekams take place both in the morning and evening. The deity will also be taken on a procession during this time,” says the priest.
He also adds that apart from these two occasions, abhishekams are also done on other days if people wish. “The temple attracts a lot of people and the Almighty grants any wishes one could ask for if they pray sincerely. Every month for at least 20 days we will be doing abhishekams,” adds the priest.
The temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments. “The Executive Officer of the Madhava Perumal Temple is always appointed as the Executive Officer of this temple and the Executive Officer of Mundagakanni Amman Temple is the treasurer of this temple,” says the priest.
The temple is open everyday from 7 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm with abhishekams happening at 9 am and 6 pm.