“Did the devas really gift a white elephant?” a child’s voice piped up, breaking the hushed reverence at Sri Subramanyar Devasthanam. We stand at this serene temple in Sholinganallur, Chennai, a place where divinity meets natural beauty. Sri Subramanyar Devasthanam is spread across a sprawling hundred acres, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. It’s a relatively recent addition to Chennai’s spiritual landscape, its Ashtabandhana Mahakumbhabhishekam taking place in January 1999. The temple’s construction, funded by the Clasic Group, was a response to the desires of the local community, a testament to the enduring power of faith. The main deity here is Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Subramanya Swami, Murugan in his benevolent form. Within the temple complex, separate shrines house other deities, including Selva Vinayakar, whose sannidhi was consecrated in July 1998. As you walk through the meticulously landscaped grounds, a sense of peace descends. The beautiful nandavanam, a sacred garden, enhances the spiritual atmosphere of Sri Subramanyar Devasthanam. Close your eyes for a moment. Can you feel the divine presence? The story of Lord Murugan’s marriage to Devasena, daughter of Indra, resonates here. Legend says Indra gifted a white elephant, Airavata, to Murugan. When Indra’s fortunes dwindled after Airavata’s departure, he requested its return. Murugan offered, but Indra, bound by protocol, refused. The elephant here faces east, mirroring this tale of divine generosity and earthly customs. Sri Subramanyar Devasthanam stands as a symbol of devotion, a place where ancient stories intertwine with modern aspirations.
CSI CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Built without a single piece of wood the CSI Church of the Good Shepherd stands tall. Its Gothic architecture is