Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil awaits. This temple stands as a prominent shrine. It is also known as Ayyappan Temple.
M.A.M. Ramaswamy, a renowned businessman from Tamil Nadu, constructed it. He wanted to create an exact imitation of the Ayyappan Temple at Sabarimala in Kerala. Thus, this temple in Rajah Annamalaipuram came to be.
The Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil mirrors the Kerala style of architecture. The traditional 18 steps lead to the main shrine. The sanctum sanctorum, or garbha griha, is also a key feature. The temple showcases all the prime aspects of the Sabarimala Temple.
You will find shrines dedicated to Nagaraja, Kannimoola Maha Ganapathi, and Maligai Purathu Amman here. A 40-foot-tall kodimaram, or flag post, stands majestically. Pilgrims can also use the big meditation hall during festivals.
The hall, built with Jaipur tiles, can accommodate about 1,500 devotees. Music performances and religious activities fill the hall during festivals. Many other events also take place here.
M. A. M. Ramaswamy, son of Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar, envisioned building this temple in 1973. He got the idea during a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The temple was established in 1981. Construction finished in 1982 on land donated by Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar.
Sri Bhattanachariar, a sculptor from Nagercoil, made the Ayyappa idol. It is made of Panchaloha, five precious metals representing nature’s elements. The idol journeyed in a procession from the Krishnan Temple in Nagercoil. It visited various religiously important places in Tamil Nadu. Finally, it was installed in the Rajah Annamalaipuram temple on January 25, 1982.
The first kumbabishekam took place on January 29, 1982. A second one followed on March 27, 1994. The temple had another kumbabishekam in 2008. The fourth kumbabishekam was performed on March 27th, 2024. Three new additional sannidhanams were added. They are Vinayagar, Navagraham, and Anjaneyar.
The Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil replicates the original Ayyappan Temple. It was built in three floors to mimic Sabarimala hill. People call it Vada Sabari or North Sabarimala. Devotees observe fasting and carry Irumudi. They sing bhajans, similar to a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. There is a separate passage for devotees without the Irumudi.
The temple features sub-shrines of Kannimoola Maha Ganapathy and Maaligaipurathu Amman. Nagaraja and other deities also have shrines here. The temple’s single-piece Dhvajasthamba stands 40 feet tall. The meditation hall measures 125 feet by 100 feet. Pilgrims stay here during the Mandala Pooja and main festival.
During festivals, the temple uses golden and silver chariots. The temple is open year-round. This differs from Sabarimala, which opens only on specific days.
Festivals begin from Karthikai first day in November. The Mandala Pujas and Brahmotsavam mark this time. As you leave the Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil, remember the devotion and artistry. It is a testament to faith.