Annanagar is a neighbourhood of Chennai, named after former CM Annadurai sir. Coming under Aminjikarai taluka, it is called as one of the poshest area of Chennai. History says it was a part of Mullam village thereby called as Naduvakkarai. Anna Nagar is known as green zone part of Chennai, where amidst lot of greenery buildings are visible. You could view the whole area from Anna Nagar tower a 11 storey building.
This view actually evoked the interest within me to explore this part of Chennai. From Adyar 45mts away crossing VR mall I entered this area. Since I was exploring temples of this area, here are five important temples to visit in Anna Nagar.
- Anna nagar Ayyappan temple-
Anna Nagar Ayyappa Temple
044 2621 3282
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kEYV5vxkpy7G5PWM6?g_st=ic
Located near Anna Nagar tower, devoted to Lord Ayyappan a beautiful architecture filled with spiritual ambience welcomed me. This temple was built in the year 1960 which has a Natamandapam, dwajasthambam and thazhikakudams covered with gold. Besides praying to Lord Ayyappan you get to worship Lord Ganesh, Goddess Durga and Lord Subramanya. Navaraham shrine is located on south east corner which Anjaneya shrine faces east. Makara jothi is grandly celebrated here while Prathishta dinam is pompously celebrated. Since you are not allowed to click pics inside the temple, I managed to frame the temple in my lens.
- Balamurugan temple
Balamurugan Temple
1800 4253 1111
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kG6gEBSwAQm8UdkK7?g_st=ic
Located in Tendral colony of annanagar, this temple is devoted to Lord Muruga. From Anna tower this temple is 15mts away. Entering the premises you get to see Yoga Anjaneyar, Rajaganapathy, a separate place for Nagar, Dhanvanthri Narayana, Yoga Narasimhar and Yoga Sudharsanar. Navagraha here is known as Dambathi Sametha Navagraham meaning each Lord is seen with consorts. Sasthi days are very grandly celebrated here while on Thaipoosam and Soorasamharam days procession happens. The only problem is finding this temple. A bunch of leaves cover the main gopuram.
- Siru Thirupathi Perumal temple-
Siru Tirupathi - Perumal Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fXKKJ7ba1bwic4ix6?g_st=ic
9 minutes away from Anna Nagar tower is this temple. At the entry point of AA block road on the left is the exact location of this temple. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, who appears in the form of Sri Balaji, along with consort. A small temple belonging to a family where the unique fact of this temple is - on the main gopuram attached to the walls are the real Swayambhu statues. Besides main deity, Lord Narasimhar, Lord Hyagrivar, Lord Anjaneyar and Lord Sudharsanar are seen.
- Sri Shyam Mandir-
Shree Shyam Mandir Chennai
072000 05323
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4dQJLc9dfhy7y1A48?g_st=ic
Located in the interior part of Anna Nagar, finding this temple is not that easy. Once you locate the temple, your eyes wont miss the grandousness. Filled with colourful glasses glittering, Lord Krishna welcomes you. A small statue covered with lovely colourful dress, a smile on His face makes you forget your worries. You get to see Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Maa Kali outside there is a separate shrine for Navagrahas. Unique fact of this temple is only Lord Krishna statue reflects above on the glasses.
- Sri Chandramouleeshwarar temple-
Sri Chandra Mouleeshwarar Thirukovil
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kKosTb67B8Fcitxs6?g_st=ic
Another notable temple to visit in Annanagar is this temple. Devoted to Lord Shiva it is located 15mts away from Anna tower. A huge temple where you get to worship Sri Dakshina Moorthy, Sri Lingothbavar and Lord Sundareeshwarar. Shivaratri is very grandly celebrated here. From tower 25mts away is this temple.
I have just covered 1/4th temple of Anna Nagar while there are more to explore and see. So see you all with another set of Chennai stories from Anna Nagar.