Ayappan Temple

Did you ever hear of a temple called “North Sabarimala”? Right before you stands the Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil in Chennai. It’s lovingly nicknamed “North Sabarimala”. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan. It’s a true testament to the devotion of M.A.M. Ramaswamy. He envisioned this temple after a pilgrimage to Sabarimala in 1973. The Ayyappan Temple opened its doors in 1982. The temple is an exact replica of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. It’s designed to evoke the feeling of ascending a hill, much like the original shrine. The architecture is distinctly Keralan, with eighteen steps leading to the main shrine. This sanctum houses an idol of Ayyappan. This idol is crafted from Panchaloha, a blend of five sacred metals. The temple boasts a forty-foot-tall flag post, a striking feature against the Chennai skyline. The Ayyappan Temple also houses shrines to other deities. These include Kannimoola Maha Ganapathy and Maaligaipurathu Amman. The temple has a large meditation hall adorned with Jaipur tiles. This hall accommodates 1,500 devotees during festivals. The Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil is open year-round. It offers a continuous opportunity for devotees to connect with Lord Ayyappan. The temple celebrates Mandala Pujas and Brahmotsavam starting in November. Just like in Sabarimala, devotees carry Irumudi. They sing bhajans. The Ayyappan Temple in Chennai offers a taste of Sabarimala’s spiritual essence. It’s a place where devotion resonates amidst the vibrant energy of Chennai.