Chennai: Kadumbadi Chinnamman Temple at Saidapet is a shrine that is more than 500 years old. Situated at Jayaram Street, the temple has many specialities that attract devotees.
Upon entering the temple, in the main sanctum, Goddess Kadumbadi Chinnamman is seen in the sitting posture and beneath the idol is another Amman which is a swayambu moorthi.
Located on the prahara, on the left side of the main sanctum is a separate sanctum for Lord Varasiddhi Vinayagar. Behind the main sanctum are present Kannigal, Kannimargal and Annanmargal. On the right side wall of the sanctum is the idol of Durgai Amman. In front of the main sanctum, Madurai Veeran and Kathavarayan can be seen, and on the left side is the anthill around which a sanctum has been built.
Speaking about the temple, A Gajapathi, the temple’s Parambarai Arangavalar Kuzhu president says, “This temple is being managed by the Vaniyar Chettiyars lineage for more than 150 years. From 1947, it is under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment.”
About the speciality of the anthill, he says, “It is the only temple in Saidapet to have an anthill. It is more than 300-400 years old. People worship it by offering milk and egg.” Some of the special occasions celebrated in the temple are Aadi Brahmotsavam, Maasi Mayana Kollai Vizha, and Navarathri.
“One of the important festivals in the temple is the Aadi Brahmotsavam that has been happening for more than 150 years. During this occasion, large number of devotees come to the temple and worship the deity. During the month of Thai, Laksharchanai will take place for five days. Mayana Kollai Vizha Angala Parameswari Uthsavam happens in the month of Maasi and also the goddess will be decorated during Margazhi and Navarathri,” says Gajapathi.
“On 1 January, there will be a Niraimani Katchi Vizha at the mandapam which is in front of the kodi maram and it will be decorated with vegetables, fruits, spices and other edible items. It is one occassion during which large number of devotees visit the temple,” he says.
“During the entire month of Margazhi special abhishekam will take place at 5.30 am. In the evenings special decorations like Santhana Kappu, Vibuthi Kappu, Manjal kappu, Kumkuma Kappu, Pushpa Pavadai are also done. During Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, there will be a special abhishekam for the deity and on Friday especially at 12 pm milk abhishekam will be done. Every month during Pournami, special abhishekam and pooja will be performed to Sri Sathyanarayana Swami,” he adds.
Sathyanarayana Swami is present in the temple which is an panchaloha idol. Only on the occasion of Pournami, the Almighty can be worshipped by the devotees. Sathyanarayana Swami is present in the temple for more than 25 years.
“If people participate in the Sathyanarayana pooja continuously, they will get all they wished for. We have seen people with ailments who after regularly coming to the pooja get healthy, and other problems like delay in marriages getting solved.”
The temple’s last kumbhabhishekam was done 9 February 1982. Now, preparations are ongoing for the next kumbhabhishekam which will happen next year. This year’s Aadi Brahmotsavam will begin 2 August with Kodiyetram. The temple is open from 6 am to 11 am and between 5 pm and 9 pm.
For more details, contact Gajapathi at 98403 88773