“Why earthen cooking stoves after the entrance?” I overhear a devotee ask, and it’s the perfect question to kick off our visit to the Vembuli Amman Koil. This temple stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and traditions that pulse through Chennai. The Vembuli Amman Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti in the form of Vembuli Amman.
Let’s delve into what makes this temple so special. The Vembuli Amman Temple is located on Arcot Road in Virugambakkam. That puts us about halfway between Porur junction and Vadapalani bus terminus. But its location is only the beginning of its story.
The temple faces east. Above the entrance arch, you will see stucco images of Vembuli Amman and Kolathamman. Maha Lakshmi is on the left, and Saraswati graces the right. As you step inside the main Vembuli Amman temple, notice the balipeedam. Also observe the simham and a Trishul. The Amman deity is in a sitting posture.
Now, let’s wander through the praharam. Here, you will find Kolaathamman. She is considered the elder sister of Vembuli Amman. You will also see Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Kasi Viswanathar, and Visalakshi. Do not miss the Nalvar and another stucco image of Vembuli Amman. A Shiva Linga unearthed during excavation is also here.
Other deities include Sowbhagya Lakshmi and Navagrahas. Look for the earthen fire stoves used for pongal. Hanuman is here too along with an Alangara mandapam. Be sure to see the 300-year-old neem tree trunk. The Alangara mandapam features a stucco bas-relief image of Shri Shiva and Parvati’s marriage. Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Vishnu, and Nandi are playing mridangam in the image.
The main temple includes the sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. Various forms of Amman are in the kostas. A dravida Vimana sits atop the sanctum sanctorum.
An inscription from 1823 CE records a donation. Visaka Venkatachalam, his wife, and their children donated for the temple’s thirupani and excavation of a tank. Another inscription from 1938 mentions that N Ponnusamy Mudaliar’s sister and Urigam General Contractor M. La. La. Sri M Sambasiva Mudaliar’s wife Visalakshi Ammal constructed the zinc sheet mandapam.
Ashta bandhana maha kumbhabhishekams were conducted in 1986 and 2010. Another one was conducted in 1996 for other shrines within the temple complex.
Legend says that Vembuli Amman was initially under a neem tree. She revealed her power by granting boons and blessings to devotees. It is believed that she never lets down devotees who pray with true love and devotion. The earthen cooking stoves near the entrance symbolize her power and blessings.
Special poojas and festivals are during the month of Adi. The Utsavar deity is decorated with flowers. A grand procession is held.
Before we move on, remember the fallen neem tree. The 250 to 300-year-old sthala vruksham fell in 2004. A new sapling was planted. The trunk of the old tree, bearing Amman’s face, is on display in the corridor.
The Vembuli Amman Koil welcomes you to experience its divine presence. Its rich history and vibrant traditions offer a glimpse into Chennai’s spiritual heart.