Rajarajeshwari Temple
We Provide the full information about Rajarajeshwari Temple
Located in a small lane in
Thillai Ganga Nagar at Nanganallur, the Rajarajeshwari Temple is the home to one of the most important shrines of Goddess Srividya Rajeshwari. Besides, numerous other deities are installed in the temple allowing devotees to offer prayers.
The temple is a private one that has been erected for community welfare. The temple has been constructed in Srividya style unlike other Rajeshwari temples. According to legends, the instructions for constructing the temple came from the Goddess herself.
Goddess Rajeshwari is a form of Amba. In this temple, she is present in the form of a little girl, a rare one. It is noteworthy that sunlight falls on the statue for exactly six days in a year. Besides this deity, shrines of Mahalakshmi and 43 yantras of Shakti deities are set up in the temple. The
Satyanarayana Perumal shrine is located on the ground floor.
The 16 stairs leading up to the shrine have their own significance. They represent the Mahashodasi Mantra and the idol occupies the crown of the staircase.
History
History has lent a touch of divine interpretation to the history of this temple. In the year 1957, Rajagopala Swamigal, the founder of the temple performed a pooja on the occasion of Vishaka Nakshatra. The pooja was performed and the prasad was distributed to the throng of people that had gathered.
After the pooja, some stones were seen glittering in the fireplace of the homa kundam. These were extracted and were found to be inexplicably heavy. It is said the deity grew from these stones to her present form.
Rajagopala Swamigal built the temple to honor the Goddess.
How To Reach
By Air
Nanganallur is at a walking distance from the Chennai Airport. Air connectivity to Chennai is excellent with flights from all major cities in the world. Regular buses and taxi ply from the airport to cover the 4 kilometer distance to Nanganallur.
By Train
Chennai is a major hub of the Indian Railways. Trains make this place easily accessible from all parts of the country. Local trains are available to the
Palavanthangal station which is a walk away from the temple.
By Road
Nanganallur is a suburb of Chennai. It has now been incorporated into the Chennai Municipal Corporation and is accessible via the ring road. Buses of Madras Transport Corporation ply frequently on this route.
Important Shrines
The temple complex houses another important temple, on the ground floor. This is the shrine of Sri Lakshmi Sametha Sathyanarayana Perumal.
The idol of Rajeshwari is present on the upper floor. Here, she is seen in the sitting posture. She is flanked by the idols of
Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Vinayaka and Murugan on either side.
Significance Of The Temple
Rajarajeshwari temple is one of the most important shrines of Mother Goddess. It has numerous noteworthy facets. It is the only temple of Rajeshwari built in the Srividya style.
The feet of the Goddess receives sunlight for exactly six days in a calendar year. During this period exclusive ceremonies are held to commemorate the phenomenon.
The temple is believed to be fulfilling for devotees seeking divine blessing and prosperity.
Weather And Time To Visit
Being close to the sea, Nanganallur is blessed with
cool sea breeze throughout the day. Summer temperatures can shoot up to 40 degree Celsius. Winters are cool and pleasant and undoubtedly the best time to visit the temple. The months from October to March are best to visit the temple.
Accomodation
There is no shortage of accommodation in
Chennai area. Hotels can be located easily. Besides, the area has some guest houses within the proximity of the temple. A brief search on the internet or consulting a local guide, one can find a hotel within budget.
Tips For Devotees
The devotees would better serve their interests by staying in Chennai area as it has a wealth of facilities. The temple can be reached by means of bus or auto rickshaws.
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The timings for the temple are from
6 am to 10 am in the morning and from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evening.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
The temple has some rules that are held
auspicious by devotees. The rituals testify the sanctity of the temple. Devotees are required to go around the temple only in the anticlockwise direction. The kumkum that is used as an offering should be pure. To ensure this, the temple allows kumkum that is only sold inside the temple for Rs. 5. Same is the case for the Kalakandu archana.
Gurkkals and Shivaacharyas are not allowed to do pooja in the temple. Only priests initiated in the Srividya Upasaka method are allowed.
On the six days of the year when the Sun falls on the feet of the deity, special prayers are held dedicated to the Sun.
