Mylapore Madhava Perumal Temple – Timings, Location, Rituals & Beliefs

 

Location

• Situated in Thyagarajapuram, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is easily accessible within the cultural hub of Mylapore, close to Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Deities

• Moolavar (Main Deity): Madhava Perumal (Vishnu)
• Thayar (Consort): Amirtavalli (Lakshmi)
• Urchavar (Processional Deity): Aravinda Madhavan

Subshrines

• Dedicated shrines for Amirtavalli Thayar.
• Other smaller shrines within the complex include traditional Vaishnava subshrines.
• The temple tree (Thala Virutcham): Punnai tree (mast wood tree).
• Sacred tank (Theertham): Santhana Pushkarini.

Temple Significance

• Birthplace of Peyazhwar: One of the first three Alvar saints (6th–9th century CE).
• Architecture: Built in Dravidian style, around 500 years old.
• Festivals:
• Brahmotsavam in Chithirai month
• Aadipooram
• Navaratri
• Float Festival in Maasi month
• Ramanavami
• Panguni Uthiram (Tirukkalyanam – divine marriage)
• Daily Rituals: Six poojas performed according to Vaikhanasa Agama traditions.
• Cultural Role: A center for devotion, community gatherings, and Vaishnava traditions.

History

• The temple is located in Mylapore, Chennai, one of the oldest cultural centers in South India.
• It is believed to date back several centuries, with references connecting Mylapore to ancient names like Mayilai and Tirumayilai, mentioned in inscriptions and even by the Greco‑Roman geographer Ptolemy (2nd century CE).
• The temple gained prominence as the birthplace of Peyazhwar, one of the first three Alvar saints (6th–9th century CE), making it a sacred site in the Vaishnava tradition.
• Over time, it became a hub for community worship, festivals, and cultural gatherings, strengthening its role as a spiritual landmark in Chennai.

Legends

• Peyazhwar’s Birth: Tradition holds that Peyazhwar was born in the temple tank (Santhana Pushkarini), symbolizing divine grace. His hymns are among the earliest devotional Tamil verses praising Vishnu.
• Madhava Perumal & Amirtavalli Thayar: The temple enshrines Vishnu as Madhava Perumal and Lakshmi as Amirtavalli. Devotees believe the divine couple blesses families with prosperity and harmony.
• Festivals: Legends are celebrated through rituals like Panguni Uthiram (divine marriage), Brahmotsavam, and Float Festival, reinforcing the temple’s mythological and cultural significance.

Architecture

• Constructed in Dravidian style, typical of Tamil Nadu temples.
• Features include:
• Gopuram (gateway tower): Ornate carvings and traditional Vaishnava motifs.
• Sanctum (garbhagriha): Houses Madhava Perumal in standing posture.
• Subshrines: Dedicated to Amirtavalli Thayar and other Vaishnava deities.
• Temple Tank: Santhana Pushkarini, considered sacred and linked to Peyazhwar’s legend.
• Temple Tree: Punnai tree, regarded as auspicious.
• The temple layout follows Vaikhanasa Agama traditions, with six daily rituals performed at prescribed times.

Daily Rituals

• Six Daily Poojas: Conducted according to Vaikhanasa Agama traditions.
• Ushathkalam – early morning (around 8:00 a.m.)
• Kalasanthi – mid-morning (10:00 a.m.)
• Sayarakshai – evening (5:00 p.m.)
• Ardha Jamam – night (7:00 p.m.)
• Each ritual includes:
• Alangaram (decoration of deity)
• Neivethanam (food offering)
• Deepa Aradanai (waving of lamps)
• Priests recite Vedic hymns, and devotees perform namaskaram before the temple mast.
• Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals are also observed, reinforcing continuous worship.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam (Chithirai month): Grand annual festival with processions of Madhava Perumal.
• Panguni Uthiram: Celebrates the divine marriage (Thirukkalyanam) of Madhava Perumal and Amirtavalli Thayar.
• Float Festival (Maasi month): Deities taken on a float in the temple tank (Santhana Pushkarini).
• Navaratri & Aadipooram: Special decorations and rituals for Amirtavalli Thayar.
• Ramanavami: Celebrated with recitations and offerings.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi: Devotees pass through the Paramapada Vasal (gateway to Vaikunta).

Beliefs & Significance

• Birthplace of Peyazhwar: Devotees believe Peyazhwar was born in the temple tank, making it a sacred Vaishnava site.
• Blessings of Madhava Perumal: Worshippers seek prosperity, family harmony, and spiritual upliftment.
• Sacred Tank (Santhana Pushkarini): Bathing or participating in rituals here is believed to remove sins and grant divine grace.
• Temple Tree (Punnai): Considered auspicious, symbolizing fertility and blessings.
• Community Faith: The temple is seen as a center of peace, guidance, and cultural unity.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 6:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Daily six poojas are performed according to Vaikhanasa Agama traditions.
• On festival days, timings may extend for special rituals and processions.

Getting Here

• By Road: Located in Thyagarajapuram, Mylapore, Chennai, easily accessible by auto, taxi, or bus.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Luz Corner / Mylapore Tank.
• By Train: Mylapore MRTS station is the closest suburban rail stop.
• By Metro: Teynampet Metro (Blue Line) is about 3 km away.
• By Air: Chennai International Airport (~15 km).
• The temple is within walking distance of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple, making it easy to combine visits.

Tips

• Footwear: Leave footwear outside; carry a bag if needed.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire (saree/dhoti or modest clothing) is preferred.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for peaceful darshan; avoid peak festival crowds unless you want the full experience.
• Festivals: Plan around Panguni Uthiram (March–April) or Brahmotsavam (April–May) for grand celebrations.
• Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; check with temple staff before clicking.
• Prasadam: Don’t miss the puliyodarai (tamarind rice) and sweet pongal prasadam during special days.
• Accessibility: The temple has basic facilities; elderly pilgrims may find the tank steps steep, so assistance is advised.