Description
Vadapalani Andavar Temple is situated in Vadhapalani, Chennai. This temple is devoted to Lord Murugan. The temple was renovated in 1920s and a Rajakopuram was built during that time. The temple has grown in popularity believed in part due to the patronage of cinema stars. The temple is believed to be built about 125 years ago.
History
Lord Murugan appears with his Padhukas- chappals, as Lord Vadapallani Gopuram Muruga is the idol for planet Mars. There is a particular shrine for this planet in the Vadapalani Murugan temple. There is also a golden ratth in this temple. As per the Stalapurana, there was a Murugan disciple by the name of Annaswamy Naayakar and with his restricted means he built a a small hut and held a painting of Lord Murugan for his personal devotion. While doing his worship and meditation, he experienced some celestial power entering his body and stimulating him to utter some mystifying words but whatever he said during his meditation was found true. His speech was known as 'Arullvakku' which means 'God blessed speech' & relieved the people in several ways by curing them from diseases and generating employment, etc.
Facts/Mythology
The architecture of the temple is appreciated for its beautiful designs and sculptures. The tower of the temple carries 108 Bharatnatyam poses which is a major attraction for art lovers. The four foot statue of lord Muruga carries the resemblance with the god itself. Other amazing statues of Amman, kali, chokkanathar etc and are eye-catching. There are many halls in the temple where marriages take place throughout the year. The tank in front of the temple is used for the relaxation of the devotees. You can enjoy many huge courtyards in the temple which are dedicated to different gods. The Rajagopuram of the temple contains various images and statues which portray the stories from Skanthapuram, the holy recite of lord Muruga. The doorway to this temple is crowned with a rajgopuram decorated with several render images which depict the legends from Skannda puraanam. In front of the temple is the temple tank. The eastern tower is 41 meters in height. The 108 bharatanatyam dance poses can be seen on the tower on the east as well. There are several sannadhis in the vast compound of the temple, like Meenakshi Amman, Chokkanathar, Kali, Varasiddhi Vinayaka, Bhairava, Devasena and Shanmuga with Valli. The mulavar in standing position resembles Lord Palani Murugan in every aspect. In the inner prakaram there are many small shrines housing Mahalaxmi, Chandikeswar, Dakshina Murti etc. It has a spacious lobby which is used for conducting many functions like religious discourse, marriages etc. It is one of the most popular and visited Murugan temples in the Chennai city.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Chitirai Tamil New Year is on the day falling almost on April 14, a day before or after occasionally, Chitirai Purnima-full moon day in April-May, an eleven day parade festival in relation with Vaikaasi Visaakam in May-June, also in the months of Aani, Avani and Aadi Tamil months that is June to September, also a six day Aipaasi Skannda Sashthi in October-November, Pangunni Krutika Laksharrchana in March-April with three day float fair are celebrated grandly in the temple.
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