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Tamilnadu Apparswamy Temple
To begin with, we talk about the city of Chennai and concentrate on the historic and famous neighborhood of Mylapore. Also called Thirumayilai, Mylapore is on the southern extent of the Chennai city. Besides being known as a rich cultural part, it also houses one of the oldest residential blocks of city. Known for its old designs and royal look; the tree lined avenues, beautiful big houses and its proximity to the Indian Ocean.
The town of Mylapore dates back even before British rule in India. Written records of early civilizations, have mentioned of this neighborhood as early as first century BC. It is home to several famous temples of Hindu religion as well as Christian believers. Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the San Thome Basilica are two of the most important landmarks in the area. Mylapore is known to have been a flourishing port from ancient time which attracted many travelers and preachers who settled over time as such diversity in terms of religion and beliefs is seen in and around Mylapore.
Coming back to the crux of the topic, one important temple in Mylapore is the Apparswamy Temple located on the Royapettah High Road in Mylapore, Chennai. The Apparswamy Temple is considered to be one of the most important temples in the region, dedicated to Shiva as Apparswamy and Divine Mother Shakti as Visalakshmi Amman.
Of all the rituals that are performed at this temple, one of the most important is the practice of removing the effects of evil eye on a devotee. People come from far to take the priest's blessings and pray for the well-being. Festive season is also a peak time for devotees to come for attending rites and rituals for the deities of the temple.
History
Now about the history of or behind this temple; one common myth that is much related to the Apparswamy Temple is about ApparSwamigal and an Englishman. It is said that ApparSwamigal spent his life in devotion to God, his prayers and meditation towards almighty were never-ending. One day the Englishman happened to see him and mocked at his ways and endless devotion to God. The Englishman left for England, but when he reached home, the man got an attack of paralysis.
Understanding God's ways, the Englishman came back to Mylapore and begged for mercy to ApparSwamigal. Swamigal asked him for a place to attain Jeeva Samadhi and the Englishman granted him, following which he was cured.
How to Reach
By Train/Air
Trains from almost all the major cities and town come to Chennai. The Chennai Railway station is one of the main connecting points in South India and one can get many trains to here.
One can also fly in from any Indian airport or many International destinations as well to Chennai’s International Airport.
By Bus/MRTS
Take the Bus or MRTS to Mylapore Tank, from there change the bus towards Sanskrit College; the temple is just opposite to the college.
Important Shrines
The main deity of the temple is Shiva and Devi in forms of Appar Swamigal and Visalakshi Amman respectively. These are the two chief shrines in the temple. Besides the two, other important shrines that are seen in the temple complex are as follows:
- Sri Vishnu as Sri Maha Vishnu
- Sri Shiva as Sri Dakshinamurthy
- Sri Shiva as Sri Kala Bhairavar
- Devi as Sri Jaya Durga
- Sri Ganesha as Sri Vinayagar
- Sri Ganesha as Sri Jaya Vinayagar
- Sri ViraBhadrar
- Sri Vamadevar
- Nayanmars
- Tayunmanwar, Sekkizar
- Sri Saniswarar
- Snake Gods
Significance
The main significance of this famous temple in Chennai is the practice of removing the effects of Evil Eye on its devotees. People from all over the country come to this temple, especially during the festive season to offer their prayers.
Weather and Time to visit
As with any other south Indian state lying in the tropics .The temperature is generally high although the early summer months or Jan-Feb and the winter months of Oct-Dec are the best months to visit ,as lowest temperature touches the 20oC mark.
Accommodation
Chennai is one of India's major cities. Hotels of all categories are available in the city. Most hotels also provide city tours and religious outings as well as on request car hire services can be booked at the hotel desk as well as online in Chennai.
Tips for Devotees
The average Puja costs INR 225 and most of the amenities are there to offer your prayers in the temple premises.
- There are other important temples in the vicinity that one might be interested to visit like Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
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