Chennai: Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, located at Nandambakkam, is a temple that is said to have been built more than six centuries ago by the Pandian empire. Situated inside the IDPL Colony, the Vinayagar idol was formed naturally and the Pandyas built a mandapa around it and the idol was worshipped by the people.
Three decades ago, the temple trust was formed and it facilitated in expanding the shrine. Temple priest Bharani said, “The Vinayagar here is a suyambu moorthi, and the mandapa was built using granite stones. Earlier, there was only one mandapa, and people were worshipping the idol. Then four decades ago, Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple Trust was formed, and other sanctums for Lord Shiva and Ambal were built.”
“The latest Kumbhabhishekam happened last year 2 June, and it was the temple’s fourth kumbhabhishekam as far as I know,” added the priest. Inside the main mandapam, Lord Varasiddhi Vinayagar is present in the inner sanctum facing east. Outside the sanctum on the left, idols of Lord Anjaneyar, Vishnu, Durgai and Ayyappan are placed next to each other; on the right side, Lord Muruga along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai can be seen.
Going around the main mandapa, on the right side, there is a separate sanctum for Vishnu Durgai, and in front of the main mandapa on the right side is Navagraha. On the left side, there is a separate sanctum for Goddess Karumari Amman, adjacent to it facing south is a small shrine for Kaala Bhairavar.
There are also shrines for Lord Shiva, named Naganatha Swami and Goddess Girigujambigai. Idol of Dakshinamorthi is also placed on the left wall of the Shiva sannidhi. In the outer praharam, on the extreme left there is a small shrine for Sai Baba, and Lord Nagar is also placed underneath the sthala vriksha neem and peepal tree.
“The speciality of the temple is Lord Vinayagar – suyambu idol and he grants whatever one wishes for, worshipping him sincerely. That is why he bears the name Varasiddhi Vinayagar, one who grants a boon. Also, another speciality here is the Shivalinga that has Naga attached behind it, which is a rarity and that’s why the Lord is called Naganatha Swami,” said Bharani.
The priest listed out some of the special poojas performed in the temple. “During Sankata Chathurthi, Shashti and Pradosham, special abhishekam is done to Vinayagar, Muruga and Lord Shiva. Also during Ekadasi and Pournami special abhishekam will be done to Karumari Amman and Vishnu Durgai respectively. During Kanda Shashti there will be a 10-day Uthsavam and Thirukkalyana Mahotsavam will also take place. In the month of Karthigai, Mandala pooja takes place for Lord Ayyappa. During Vinayaga Chathurthi, 36 types of abhishekams are done in the morning and in the evening, the Lord will be decorated by Santhana Kaapu. At 8 30 pm, the deity will be taken out on a procession. One week ahead of Vinayagar Chathurthi, Laksharchanai will also take place and during Sivarathri five kaala pooja for Lord Shiva is also performed,” he said.
The temple will be open from 6.30 to 10.30 am and from 5.30 to 8.30 pm.
For more details, contact Bharani at 97890 38635 or the temple trust’s secretary Mani at 98405 28812.