Ashtalakshmi Temple In Chennai

The Ashtalakshmi temple in Chennai is an architectural marvel where Goddess Lakshmi (giver of all eight forms of wealth) is depicted on a multi-tier complex and the devotees could visit all the shrines without stepping over any of the sanctorums.

About Ashtalakshmi Temple :

Ashta Lakshmi Temple is one of the famous temples in Chennai. The Ashta Lakshmi Temple of Chennai, situated towards the southern end of Elliot’s Beach, is one of the two Ashta Lakshmi temples in India, the other being in Hyderabad.

The Ashta Lakshmi Temple of Chennai, built in 1976, is dedicated to eight forms of Sri Lakshmi who are the symbols of power, wealth and health. The eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi are Santaana Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhaanya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Adi Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi.

There are also minor shrines dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, Lord Ganapathi and Lord Hanuman within the chief temple complex.

The architecture of the temple exhibits a blend of ancient Dravidian and contemporary style of temple architecture. The temple has five inner rows, which have elaborate stone carvings. The eight shrines dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi can be found scattered within these five tiers along with minor deities.

Navratri, Deepavali and Pongal are the main festivals held at Ashta Lakshmi Temple during which devotees offer special prayers.

Features Ashtalakshmi Temple In Chennai :

The temple features a blend of ancient Dravidian architecture and the contemporary style of temple building. The temple complex consists of a series of tiers, five in number, with some prolific stone works. The images of principal deities, Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu, are located in the second tier. On the southern end of the first tier is the image of Aadhi laksmi. On the western and northern turf are the images of Dhaanya and Dhairya laksmi. A flight of stairs takes from the first to the second one. Here one can find the shrine of Santaana Lakshmi facing the southward dierction. The shrine of Vijaya lakshmi is located in the same tier but towards the west. Facing the eastern side of the tier is the shrine of Gaja lakshmi. The fourth tier contains only the shrine of Dhana lakshmi, that faces towards the east. The whole structures is painted with a multitude of colors. With the sea in the background, Ashtalakshmi temple looks simply superb.

Overview Ashtalakshmi Temple :

Ashtalakshmi Temple is considered as the only temple featuring the eight manifestations of the Goddess Mahalakshmi. The temple was built in the year 1976 and features various characteristics of Dravidian temple architecture. Ashtalakshmi temple and the Mahalakshmi temple in Mumbai are the only temples of the goddess that are located on the Indian coast. The eight manifestations of Goddess Mahalakshmi include Sri Aadhi lakshmi the Goddess of health, Sri Dhanya lakshmi the Goddess of food, Sri Dhairya lakshmi the Goddess of courage, Sri Gaja lakshmi the Goddess of luck, Sri Santhana Lakshmi the Goddess of children, Sri Dhana lakshmi the Goddess of wealth, Sri Vijaya lakshmi the Goddess of victory and Sri Vidya lakshmi the Goddess of education. Some other deities worshipped here include Sri Hanuman, Sri Guruvayurappa and Sri Ganesh. The temple was built by a trust consisting of five members and headed by Mukkur Srinivasa Varadhachriyar. In the year 1994 the temple authorities by the state government and at present is run by the Hindu Religious Endowments and Administrative Departments. The temple witnesses a great fervor in the popular festivals like Navratri, Deepavali and Pongal.

Ashtalakshmi Temple History:

This is a temple built recently following the design of the Perumal Temple in Tirukoshtiyur in Sivaganga district in steps. Due to the flow of not only devotees but tourists too, the temple has grown very famous on the Beasant Nagar beach built with marble stones. Every sculpture tells stories of divine beauty.

Greatness Of Ashtalakshmi Temple :

All Ashta Lakshmis grace from separate shrines. The temple is on the sea shore. Perumal graces in a wedding form. Mother Mahalaskhmi graces majestically dressed typically with a 9 yard sari in the Madisar style.

Prayers Ashtalakshmi Temple :

Mother Mahalakshmi ensures a happy and prosperous life to Her devotees. Each Lakshmi has Her own special blessings. Mother Adi Lakshmi grants health, Dhanya Lakshmi freedom from hunger, Dhairya Lakshmi courage and self-confidence, Gajalakshmi all prosperities, Santhana Lakshmi Child boon, Vijaya Lakshmi victory in all endeavours, Vidya Lakshmi knowledge and wisdom and DhanaLakshmi wealth.

Temple’s Speciality :

The temple is constructed with Ashtanga Vimana in the tower in the Omkara design. The shadow of the tower does not fall on the ground. The design is similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur.

Festival Ashtalakshmi Temple :

10 day Purattasi Navarathri festival is celebrated with 10 different Alankaras (dressings) to Lord and Mothr in a very grand style drawing huge crowd of devotees. Deepavali Lakshmi Puja, special pujas during Thai Fridays in January-February, Aadi Fridays in July-August are performed in the temple.

Location Ashtalakshmi Temple :

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a recently built temple that stands on the shores of Bay of Bengal. The temple is situated in the Besant Nagar suburbs of Chennai city. The temple is grounded on the southern tip of a popular beach of Chennai that is Elliot’s beach. The Tiruvanmiyur Bus Station is only a couple of kilometres away and provides easy access to the place.