Chennai: A century old Bajanai Mandapam has been converted into a Perumal Temple at Pazhavanthangal. Lakshmi Narayana Perumal temple, located in College Road, though built in early 2000, has a historical significance.
According to Bakthavatchalam, one of the trustees of the temple, “The locality contains many temples but if we look at the master plan of the area, the place where the temple is located currently has been marked as a place for temple. The Bajanai Mandapam here dates back to nearly hundred years and all the other temples around here has come much later.”
He adds, “The Bajanai Mandapam here had a Krishnar photo. Regular Bhajans used to happen here and it was only in 2002 it was decided that a temple has to be built at this place,” he says. “The idea was mooted and temple construction was initiated by ex-councillor Nandha Kumar who facilitated in building the temple,” he adds.
Upon entering the temple, In the main sanctum, Lord Lakshmi Narayana Perumal is present in the sitting posture with his consort Lakshmi at his lap. Opposite to the main sanctum, on both the sides of the entrance, small shrines for Sri Krishnar and Anjaneyar are present. On the left side to the main sanctum in a separate shrine, Lord Ramanujar is present. On the backside of the main sanctum in separate shrines ,on the left side Lord Sudarshanar is present at the front with Lord Narasimhar at the back and on the right side, there is a separate shrine for Lord Andal. The first Kumbabhishekam of the temple was done in the year 2002 after its construction and in 2015, the temple’s second
Kumbabhishekam was done.
Speaking about the important poojas and festivals in the temple, he says “Every year only once the Urchava Moorthi of the main deity will be taken on a procession and it will be during the 4th week of the Tamil month of Purattasi. Every year, latcharchanai, Sudarshana Jayanthi, Hanumath Jayanthi, special poojas to Ramanujar during Thiruvadirai every month. Occasionally on Wednesdays Venna Kappu Sathal will be done to Lord Krishna. Aadi Pooram for Ambal and on Swathi to Narasimhar. Every Saturday there will be a special Abhishekam to main deity Perumal.”
“During Krishna Jayanthi, Special Thorumanjanam will be done to Lord Krishna and the Urchava Moorthi will be decorated for the ocassion and prasadhams will be distributed to the devotees. On Vaikunda Ekadasi, at 5am in the morning the Sorka Vassal will be opened and the Urchava Moorthi will be decorated and poojas will be performed. We still haven’t formed the trust but we have a group that administers the activities of the temple.”
The temple is open from 7.00 to 10.30 am and from 6.00 to 8.30 pm.
For more details, contact Bakthavatchalam at 98409 22926.