Chennai: It is a fact that temple trees (sthala vrikshas) are an important part of any temple. But here is a special tree that became the main reason behind the construction of a temple.
Aalavattamman Temple at Chitlapakkam, near Tambaram, was built because of a 100-year-old tree that has been worshipped for decades. The tree is very special as peepal tree and neem tree are intertwined with each other.
“Decades ago, the whole area had paddy fields. People worshipped this peculiar tree by placing three stones underneath it as a deity. A big well was also present behind the tree. Once every year, people used to gather here and celebrate a festival. Former Member of Parliament, Chitlapakkam Rajendran, mooted the idea of building a temple here and it was constructed over the well,” said V Ramajeyam, president of Aalavattamman Temple.
The temple’s consecration was performed in 2012. In the main sanctum, Aalavattamman is present and in front of the idol, Sapthakannigal (Seven Maidens) are placed. These Seven Goddesses are generally believed to be the protectors of families and the village.
“The Goddess Aalavattamman is very powerful and many childless couples and people whose marriage is getting delayed have worshipped here and their wish has been fulfilled,” says Ramajeyam.
Outside the sanctum, on the left, Lord Vinayaka is placed and on the right, Lord Muruga. On the right corner, Navagraha is placed and around the sanctum, on the walls, there are niches for deities like Gayathri, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Brahmmi and Durga. Outside the temple, underneath the tree, Lord Naagar is placed along with the three stones that have been worshipped for decades.
Special poojas are performed during all occasions. “For Ambal and Durgai, every Friday, from 10.30 am to 12 noon, special pooja and abhishekam is performed. Pournami pooja is also performed for Ambal and during Navarathri, the deity is decked up with special alankaram,” says Ramajeyam.
Other special poojas include Dhanur Pooja, performed every year in Margazhi, Aadi festival and poojas are performed on special occasions like Vinayaka Chathurthi, Sashti, Karthigai, Guru Peyarchi, Sankatahara Chathurthi, Chitra Pournami, Panguni Uthiram.
“The main festival of the temple is the Samvatsara Abhishekam performed every year in July to commemorate the kumbhabhishekam day. On the day, after the pooja, annadhanam is arranged for 600 people. Apart from that we perform the wedding of the peepal and vembu tree every year in April,” he adds.
This year, from 8 to 14 November, Sashti pooja is being performed in the temple. “On 13 November, there would be Soora Samharam and 14 November, Valli-Deivanai Thirukalyana Vaibhavam,” says the president.
“The temple has 100 permanent members who contribute Rs 100 every month for its maintenance. We will be constructing a hall in the temple very soon,” says V Venkatraman, secretary of the temple. The temple is open every day from 7 am to 10 30 am and 6 pm to 8 pm.