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Tamilnadu Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is located in Adyar, Chennai. Although relatively a new temple, just 50 years old, the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is central to the lives of residents of the two colonies; Kasturibanagar and Gandhinagar. The presiding deity of the temple is Anantha Padmanabha Swamy. The temple has a rich history and legends associated with it.
The land for the temple was donated by His Highness Sri Padmanabha Daasa, the Maharaja of Travancore. The land chosen to build the temple was in a compound near the Adyar bus stand. The temple's inauguration was blessed by His Holiness Shankaracharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. In accordance to his wishes, only one temple was built and the main shrine is dedicated to Sri Padmanabha Swamy exactly in the same manner as it in Trivandrum.
The legend says that Sri Padmanabha shrunk himself to acquire a smaller form as per Dhivakara Maharishi's wishes. It was Sri Padmanabha's will that he should be worshipped and seen by the devotees through three doors. Worshipping the Lord through these three doors that symbolize the circle of birth, life and death has religious significance in the lives of the people.
History
The love and need to worship their beloved Lord Vishnu was among the residents of the two newly formed colonies of Kasturibanagar and Gandhinagar. After a few informal meetings in this regard it was felt that a temple in a central location of Adyar would be ideal. To take this matter further the Adyar Hindu Religious Society was formed at Sri.A R Narayana Rao's residence on 12th December 1956.
The committee expressed their desire to a build a temple dedicated to Sri Padmanabha Swamy to His Highness Maharaja of Travancore, Sri Padmanabha Daasa Chithirai Thirunaall on a site in his complex near bus stand. Not only did the Maharaja of Travancore whole heartedly agree but provided the society with Rs. 7500 for a better location independent of the palace ground. He graciously donated the replica image of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy of Trivandrum. The temple site was visited and blessed by his Holiness Shankaracharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam who expressed the desire to have only one temple whose main shrine would be dedicated to Sri Padmanabha Swamy as it was portrayed in Trivandrum.
The first Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the temple was performed in 1962 during the installation of the main deities by Swami Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal and powerful yanthras was offered by Sri Kanchi Sri Sri Paramacharial for the temple. The temple celebrated its golden jubilee on Friday 1st June 2012 by performing the 5th Jeernodharana Ashtabandandhana Maha Kumbabhishekam.
Two newly crafted Golden Doors of the Moolavar Sri Padhmanaba Sannidhi and Swargavasa were opened in 2011and 2012, respectively.
How to Reach
By Air
Adyar is located in South Chennai. Chennai City has good air connectivity as it an important Southern Indian domestic and international airport hub. The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple can be reached easily using local taxis and auto rickshaws.
By Rail
The Chennai Central railway station caters to many tourists from all over the country. One can also use the Mass Rapid Transit System that runs through Adyar servicing three stations Kasturbai Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and Indira Nagar.
By Road
The temple is located quite close to Adyar Circle bus stand. Major inter-city and inter southern state buses ply on this route. The use of local state buses, auto rickshaws and taxis is also a common mode of transport to reach the temple complex.
Important Shrines
The other separate shrines in the temple are of Lord Vinayagar, Maha Durga, Ashtadasabhuja Garuda, Lakshmi Narasihma, Anjaneya, Sudharshana and the Navagrahas. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, one can offer darshan to Bhoomi Devi, Sri Devi, sage Markandeya and sage Bhrigu.
Significance of the Temple
The main legend associated with the temple speaks about how Sri Padmanabha shrunk himself to a smaller form when Dhivakara Maharishi's asked him to. The Lord willed that he be worshipped through three doors which have been done so within the sanctum sanctorum. The first door offers darshan of Sri Padmanabha face (Thirumukhamandalam) with Lord Shiva under his hand (Thirukaram).From the second door, one can seek darshan of Lord Brahma who is seated on a lotus, originating from the Lord's navel. The devotees can worship the Lord's feet (Thirupaadham) through the third door. His feet are sacred as it is the destination of every soul.
The three doors are powerful symbolism for birth, life and death. The first door that gives darshan of the Lord's face and eyes signifies 'Sthithi' meaning the preservation and protection of the soul by the Lord. The second door represents 'Shrishti' which means creation of all life. Lord Brahma is creator of life. The third door epitomizes salvation the soul attains once it leaves the body and reaches the Lord's feet.
The presence of Lord Shiva symbolizes the protection one receives from worshipping Sri Padmanabha. The story of the Lord Vishnu conquering the demon Keshi and Bhasmasura is associated with this temple. The lord's supremacy is worshipped by the Navagrahas and 33 crore demi-gods by bowing to him inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Accommodation
Adyar has many hotels suiting different budgets, and local transport such as the Mass Rapid Transit System, autos and taxis can be easily availed from all locations.
Tips for Devotees
There are a number of festivals that take place in the temple through the year, each signifying an event related to the lord. The important ones are Sri Vaikunta Ekadesi in the month of December-January, the Brahmothsavam in Feb-March, the 10 day Navarathri festival in the month of September-October and many more. Devotees are expected to arrive early and maintain cleanliness and orderliness in their conduct.
Rules and Rituals
The temple opens at 6 in the morning and closes at 12 in the afternoon, and opens again in the evening at 4:30 pm; closing at 9 pm. Devotees are expected to adhere to the timings.
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