ASHTALAKSHMI TEMPLE
Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamilnadu
last update: March 2012
The Chennai Ashtalakshmi temple
is situated in Besant Nagar, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.
That stretch of beach is known as the Elliot's beach. The temple
was constructed on the express wishes of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi
Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal.
The temple's architecture is unique,
with the deities installed in four levels. The shrine of Mahaalakshmi
& Mahaavishnu (the principal deities) is in level two. Here one
can see the imposing, bigger than life vigrahams facing the eastern horizon
overlooking the sea.
Walking up the stairs to the third
tier, the path leads to the shrine of Santaana Lakshmi (bestower of offspring)
facing south. Next we get the darshan of Vijayalakshmi (bestower
of success in all ventures, vijaya - success), on the western side on the
3rd tier. Vidyaalakshmi (associated with learning & wisdom) sits
facing the northern side & the shrine of Gajalaskhmi (bestower of all
round prosperity) is located facing the eastern side on the 3rd tier.
A flight of few steps above leads one to the 4th tier, where the Dhanalakshmi
(Goddess of wealth) shrine is located facing eastward. Her's is the
only shrine on the 4th level.
Exiting the main shrine - the principal
deities, at the ground level on the southern flank of the gopuram is the
shrine for Aadhi Lakshmi. One the western flank is the shrine for
Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of food grains). Dhairiya Lakshmi's (the
Goddess of courage & strength) shrine is situated on the northern flank.
There is a huge hundi for Venkataachalapathi
within the complex. There is a sannadhi for the 10 incarnations of
Lord Vishnu, to the left of which is the Madapalli (the kitchen for preparing
naivedhiyam for the Gods). There are shrines for Tumbikai Aazhwar
(Ganesha), Guruvaayurappan, Chakrathaazhwar & Narasimhar (on either
side of the same idol), Aanjaneyar & Dhanvantri.
Contact:
Postal Address to send a cheque
The Executive Officer
Sri Mahalakshmi Termple
Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600 090
Ph: 91 - 44 - 24917777
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
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