Thirunindravur Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple: Divya Desam of Divine Compassion

 

Location

• Thirunindravur, a western suburb of Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• District: Thiruvallur
• Easily accessible via Chennai–Arakkonam suburban railway line

Main Deities and Subshrines

• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal
• Meaning “the Lord who loves His devotees”
• Seen in standing posture facing east
• Thayar (Consort): Ennai Petra Thayar
• Unique name meaning “The Mother who accepted me”
• Separate shrine with deep emotional resonance for devotees
• Utsavar: Bhaktavatsala Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi
• Subshrines:
• Andal
• Alwars (especially Thirumangai Alwar)
• Garuda
• Anjaneya
• Vishwaksena

Temple Significance

• Divya Desam: One of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alwar
• Pallava Era Origins: Built in the 6th century CE by the Pallavas, later expanded by Cholas and Vijayanagara kings
• Dravidian Architecture: Features a majestic rajagopuram, granite sanctum, and pillared mandapams
• Spiritual Belief: Worshipping Bhaktavatsala Perumal is believed to grant unconditional divine grace, especially for those seeking emotional healing and acceptance
• Thayar’s Uniqueness: Ennai Petra Thayar is venerated as a

History

• Pallava Origins: Constructed during the 6th century CE under Pallava rule, making it one of the earliest Vishnu temples in the region.
• Chola and Vijayanagara Contributions: Later dynasties like the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings expanded and renovated the temple, adding mandapams and gopurams.
• Divya Desam Status: Glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alwar, affirming its spiritual prominence among the 108 Divya Desams.
• Inscriptions: The temple houses several stone inscriptions detailing land grants, donations, and royal patronage from medieval Tamil rulers.

Legends

• Name Origin – Thirunindravur: The name is believed to derive from “Thiru + Nindra + Oor”, meaning “the place where the Goddess stood.” Legend says Lakshmi Devi stood here in penance to reunite with Vishnu, who later appeared as Bhaktavatsala Perumal.
• Ennai Petra Thayar: The consort of the Lord is uniquely named “Ennai Petra Thayar”—“The Mother who accepted me”—symbolizing divine compassion and acceptance of all devotees, regardless of their past.
• Alwar’s Visit: Thirumangai Alwar is said to have visited this temple and composed hymns in praise of the Lord’s boundless love for His devotees.

Architecture

• Dravidian Style: The temple is built in classic Dravidian architecture, with a five-tiered rajagopuram, granite sanctum, and intricately carved pillars.
• East-Facing Sanctum: The main deity, Bhaktavatsala Perumal, stands facing east, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi.
• Separate Thayar Shrine: Ennai Petra Thayar has a dedicated shrine, a rare feature in Divya Desams, emphasizing her independent grace.
• Mandapams and Vimanams: The temple includes a Garuda Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam, and Vimana over the sanctum with traditional stucco work.
• Temple Tank: A sacred tank lies adjacent to the temple, used for ritual purification and festivals.

Daily Rituals

• Agama Tradition: The temple follows the Vaikanasa Agama, emphasizing purity, devotion, and structured worship.
• Puja Schedule:
• Ushathkalam – early morning
• Kalasanthi – mid-morning
• Uchikalam – noon
• Sayarakshai – evening
• Ardha Jamam – night
• Each puja includes alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradhanai (lamp waving) for both Bhaktavatsala Perumal and Ennai Petra Thayar.

Major Festivals

Festival	Highlights
Brahmotsavam (Chithirai – Apr/May)	Grand 10-day celebration with Garuda Seva, Thiruther (chariot), and Theppotsavam (float festival)
Vaikunta Ekadasi (Margazhi – Dec/Jan)	Paramapada Vasal opening, special darshan, and recitation of Tiruvaimozhi
Thirumangai Alwar Utsavam	Celebrates the saint’s visit and hymns; includes Alwar Purappadu
Pavitrotsavam	Annual purification ritual to atone for any lapses in daily worship
Sri Rama Navami	Special pujas and recitations due to the temple’s Vaishnavite lineage
Purattasi Saturdays	Devotees throng for Perumal Darshan and Malai Vazhipadu

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

• Bhaktavatsala Perumal: The name means “Lover of Devotees.” He is believed to grant unconditional grace, especially to those seeking emotional healing and divine acceptance.
• Ennai Petra Thayar: Her name means “The Mother who accepted me.” Devotees believe she accepts all prayers, even from those who feel unworthy or burdened by past karma.
• Alwar’s Hymns: Thirumangai Alwar praised the Lord’s compassion and accessibility, reinforcing the belief that this temple is a refuge for all.
• Healing Presence: Many devotees visit seeking mental peace, family harmony, and relief from emotional distress.

Temple Timings

• Morning: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Open all days, with extended hours during festivals and Ekadasi

Getting Here

Location

• Thirunindravur, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu
• ~30 km west of Chennai Central

By Road

• Well-connected via Chennai–Tiruvallur High Road (CTH Road)
• Buses and autos available from Avadi, Ambattur, and Poonamallee
• Parking available near the temple entrance

By Train

• Thirunindravur Railway Station on the Chennai–Arakkonam suburban line
• From station: ~1 km walk or short auto ride to the temple

By Air

• Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (~35 km)

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during Purattasi Saturdays and Vaikunta Ekadasi
• Footwear: Leave at designated racks near the entrance
• Photography: Allowed in outer prakaram; restricted inside sanctum
• Peaceful Darshan: Weekdays are less crowded; weekends and festival days draw large crowds
• Prasadam & Shops: Local vendors offer flowers, coconuts, and prasadam near the temple gate
• Nearby Temples: Combine with visits to Veeraraghava Perumal Temple (Tiruvallur) or Pattabhirama Temple (Avadi) for a spiritual circuit.