Gajaprishta Vimana Temples visit brought me here to Arulmigu Chelliamman Thirukovil. It is a beautiful temple about 200 meters from Sri Thiruvooraga Perumal temple. It is also located on the back side of Sri Kanthazheeswarar Temple.
Arulmigu Chelliamman Thirukovil faces north. You will see a Trishul and balipeedam in the Mukha mandapam. The Simha vahanam is here too. Look above the Mukha mandapam entrance. There is a stucco image of Chelliamman. Stucco Dwarapalakis stand guard on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum.
Inside the sanctorum, Sri Chelliamman sits on an elevated level. She sits with grace and has four hands. The pillars of the Mukha mandapam display stucco images of Amman’s various forms. In the praharam, you’ll find Nagars and Saptamatrikas.
Notice the architecture. The entire temple was built with bricks. It follows Gramiya Style. The sanctum sanctorum has a rectangular shape. An eka tala Salakara vimanam sits atop the sanctum sanctorum.
Originally, this temple dates back to the 7th Century Pallava period. The original temple featured Saptamatrikas. These were made of sandstone. They stood in the sanctum sanctorum with Yogeswarar and Vinayagar. But the Saptamatrikas were replaced with a single Chelliamman. The old Saptamatrikas are buried in the praharam. This happened after a dispute between devotees, historians, and local trustees. These Saptamatrikas are the earliest found in Tamil Nadu. New stone idols were made. They are installed in a separate sannidhi. It is on the west side of the main temple facing north.
The Arulmigu Chelliamman Thirukovil was rebuilt. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam took place on March 25th, 2015.
Long ago, Saptamatrikas temples protected villages. They guarded against evil spirits and diseases during the Pallava period. Later, these were replaced with Amman temples like Ellai Amman and Selliamman.
Special poojas occur on Pournami and Amavasya. Navaratri and Aadi month Fridays are also important. Thai month Fridays also see special observances. During Chithirai month, the annual festival happens on Chithra Pournami day. Pal koodam is carried to the temple in procession. Abhishekam is performed for Sri Chelliamman.
The temple is near the Kundrathur bus stand. It is on the way to Kundrathur Murugan temple. It is 11 KM from Porur Junction. Guindy is the nearest railway station. Although the timings of the temple are unpredictable, be sure to visit Arulmigu Chelliamman Thirukovil. Take in its rich history and cultural significance. Experience the divine presence of Sri Chelliamman.