Is it true that the city of Chennai may owe its name to this very temple? We are standing before the Chennakesava Perumal Temple. It is a revered Hindu temple in the George Town neighborhood of Chennai. This temple is dedicated to Chenna Kesava Perumal, a manifestation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
The Chennakesava Perumal Temple has a twin. It is near the Chenna Malleeswarar Temple. They stand as testaments to Chennai’s rich history. They embody the city’s cultural and religious heritage.
This Perumal Temple holds the distinction of being the first built in Madras. It happened after the British East India Company established the city. Chennapatanam may be named after this temple. The word “Chenna” in Kannada or Telugu means “Fair”. Don’t confuse it with the Tamil or Malayalam word “Chinna,” which means “Small.” The Chennakesava Perumal Temple was regarded as the city’s main place.
Let’s delve into the history. The original twin temples, Chenna Kesava Perumal and Chenna Malleeswarar, were built in 1646 CE. They were originally located where the High Court building stands today. Beri Thimmappa, a dubash or interpreter for Francis Day, and Nagabattar made grants to these temples.
During this time, Chennai faced many challenges. There were invasions by French forces and Tippu Sultan’s armies. These attacks caused devotees to relocate some deities to the Thiruneermalai Temple. In 1757 CE, the British East India Company demolished the original twin temples. This was for security reasons and to expand Fort St. George.
However, the story does not end there. Manali Muthu Krishna Mudaliar was a translator for Lord Piccode. He took it upon himself to rebuild the twin temples. In 1700 CE, he constructed new temples in a different location on Devaraja Mudali Street. It was later called Sowcarpet. Mudaliar donated his own land. He used his own funds for the construction. He only accepted land from the British.
Alongside the Chennakesava Perumal Temple, he built a temple for Shiva. It was the Chenna Malleeswarar Temple. Chennai then had its twin temples in Sowcarpet. Another account says Alanganatha Pillai constructed the Mallikesvarar Temple in the 17th century. He was assistant chief merchant to the East India Company. The temple first appeared in a document of 1652 as “Mally Carjuns Old Pagoda”. It is believed to be the Muthialpet Pagoda depicted in a Madras map of 1710. Yet another account says the Chennakesava Perumal Temple was constructed in 1646.
The Chennakesava Perumal Temple and its twin, Chenna Malleeswara Swami, have a special place in history. Beri Thimappa built them. He brokered the deal between Francis Day and the local chieftain. This deal secured the small strip of beach that would become Madras. Some say the city’s name “Chennai” comes from these temples.
As you leave the Chennakesava Perumal Temple, consider its enduring legacy. It has stood through trials and tribulations. The temple remains a symbol of faith, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of Chennai.