Here at Arulmigu Kolaathamman Vembuliamman Thirukoil we find a story etched in stone and whispered through the leaves of a sacred tree. This temple stands as a testament to faith. It embodies the enduring spirit of the people of Chennai.
Arulmigu Kolaathamman Vembuliamman Thirukoil is located on Harrington Road in Aminjikarai. It’s a short distance from the Vellore Chennai Road. You can reach this sacred place easily from Chennai Central Railway Station.
The temple is dedicated to Sri Vembuli Amman. It is also known as Arulmigu Kolaathamman Vembuliamman Thirukoil. This place of worship is more than just a temple. It is a living narrative of devotion and history.
Let’s delve into some of the temple’s salient features. The temple faces east. You will see an entrance arch adorned with stucco images. Vembuli Amman and Kolathamman stand at the center. Maha Lakshmi is on the left and Saraswati on the right.
The main shrine of Sri Vembuli Amman also faces east. Inside, Amman is in a sitting posture. The temple also features a balipeedam. You will see a simham and a trishul.
As you explore the praharam you will encounter Kolaathamman. She is considered the elder sister of Vembuli Amman. You’ll also see shrines for Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar. Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi also have shrines. There are also shrines for Vinayagar and Nalvar. A stucco image of Vembuli Amman stands here.
An unearthed Shiva Linga is a significant find. Sowbhagya Lakshmi and the Navagrahas are also present. You will notice earthen fire stoves on platforms. These are for cooking pongal. A shrine for Hanuman is also there.
The Alangara mandapam features a bas relief image. It depicts the marriage of Shri Shiva and Parvati. Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Vishnu, and Nandi are playing mridangam.
The architecture of Arulmigu Kolaathamman Vembuliamman Thirukoil is remarkable. The main temple has a sanctum sanctorum. There is an ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. Various forms of Amman are displayed in the kostas. A dravida Vimana graces the sanctum sanctorum.
An inscription from 1823 CE reveals a generous donation. Visaka Venkatachalam, his wife, and children contributed to the temple’s renovation. They also funded the excavation of a tank.
Another inscription from 1938 records a community contribution. N Ponnusamy Mudaliar’s sister and M. La. La. Sri M Sambasiva Mudaliar’s wife, Visalakshi Ammal constructed the zinc sheet mandapam.
The temple has seen several significant events. Ashta bandhana maha kumbhabhishekam ceremonies were held in 1986 and 2010. In 1996 another kumbhabhishekam was conducted for various shrines.
An interesting event occurred in 1992. Arasan Vembu was depicted as Paramasivan and Parvati. Thirukalyanam was conducted by Sela Vedagiri and Mohana Selva Vedagiri.
The Alangara SuRRu mandapam and Sri Jai Anjaneyar Sannidhi were constructed by Sevarthigal Seva Sath sabha. Chettinattarasar Dr M A M Ramasamy, also the owner of Chettinad cement, was present for the ashta bandhana maha kumbhabhishekam.
A neem tree once stood as the sthala vruksham. It was about 250 to 300 years old. Sadly it fell in 2004. A new sapling was planted. The trunk of the old tree is kept on display. You can see Amman’s face on it.
Legend says that Vembuli Amman resided under a neem tree. She blessed her devotees. It’s believed that she never abandons those who pray with true devotion. The earthen cooking stoves are a testament to her power.
Special poojas and festivals are held during the month of Adi. The Utsavar is decorated with flowers. A grand procession takes place.
Arulmigu Kolaathamman Vembuliamman Thirukoil is open at specific times. You can visit from 06.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs. It reopens from 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.
As we conclude our visit to Arulmigu Kolaathamman Vembuliamman Thirukoil remember the stories. Remember the devotion and history. Carry the blessings of Vembuli Amman with you. May her grace guide your path always.