Three hundred years ago Arulmigu Bidari Mangali Amman was the village goddess of Naduvakkarai. She guarded the villagers with only a small shrine. This is the Arulmigu Mangaliamman thirukovil. Today this temple stands proudly. It is located on the Third main road of Shanti Colony in Naduvakkarai in Anna Nagar Chennai. The Arulmigu Siddhi Vinayagar Sanctuary was added in 1974. The Arulmigu Mahalingeswarar Sanctuary joined in 1991. Other additions that year included Arulmigu Kamatchi amman Sanctuary Arulmigu Valli Devasena Subramaniyar Sannathi Arulmigu Bhakta Anjaneyar Sannathi and Navagraha Sannathi. The temple’s magnificent five-tiered Rajagopuram was constructed in 2003. This impressive structure has seven kalasams and twenty-nine statues. It was built by the beneficiaries.
The Arulmigu Mangaliamman thirukovil holds two eternal pujas daily. Monthly festivals also take place. Pradosa worship happens at 3 pm. This special anointing of Lord Shiva Kamatchi Amman and Nandikeswarar is a highlight. A special anointing service is dedicated to the Goddess Pitari Mangali on every full moon. On every Sangadahara Chaturthi Maha Ganapati Homa is held for Siddhi Ganesha at 6 am. A special anointing follows at 5 pm.
Many festivals are celebrated at the Arulmigu Mangaliamman thirukovil. The Tamil New Year is marked with a one-day Latcharchana for Sri Siddhi Vinayagar Swami. Special sandalwood bracelet decoration and Deeparadhana also take place. Maha Chandi Homam for Sri Kamatchi Amman Swami includes Navavarna Puja and the recitation of Devi Mahatmiyam. This is followed by a sacrifice and the distribution of offerings. The Aadi Festival is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Aadi each year for Shri Pidari Mangali Amman Swami. It is preceded by a milk anointing a special sandalwood bracelet decoration and Deeparadhana. The temple opens at 6 am and closes at 11 pm in the mornings. It reopens at 5 pm closing at 8:30 pm. Tuesdays and Fridays have slightly altered hours.
The Arulmigu Mangaliamman thirukovil’s history reflects the growth of Anna Nagar. From a small shrine guarding a village to a temple complex. It showcases the devotion and community spirit of its people. The temple stands as a testament to their unwavering faith. The vibrant festivals and daily pujas continue to draw devotees from far and wide. They seek blessings and spiritual solace at this beloved place. The temple’s evolution is a captivating story. It mirrors the growth and transformation of Chennai itself. The Arulmigu Mangaliamman thirukovil. A living legacy of faith and devotion.