Guruvae Saranam!

The entrance of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Thirumullaivoyal

The month of March was extremely hectic, and much that I wanted to, it was difficult to travel out to the various temples I had on my plan. This made me feel quite low, and I was really happy when one of my friends invited me to join her for a trip to Thirumullaivoyal, on the outskirts of Chennai. The destination was Sri Raghavendra Swamy Temple, built by Actor -Director, Raghavendra Larrence, two years ago.

There are several places around the world, where Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Mrithika Brindavana can be worshipped but very few places where Guru Rayaru is worshipped in human form. The unique feature about this temple is the huge life-like Guru Raghavendra Swamy in a tastefully built temple cum meditation complex.

We reached Saraswathy Nagar around 3.45 pm. The temple was closed and the board outside announced that it would open at 4 pm. The temple is located in a developing area, and from the outside it looked like a modern farm house,with manicured lawns and swaying coconut palms.

Slowly, people tricked down the lane, and gathered near the wrought iron gates which opened a little after four. The people who had till then waited patiently despite the sun beating down on them, moved in quietly.

The curved driveway led to the spotlessly clean temple. "தலை வணங்கி உள்ளே வா கேட்டது கிடைக்கும்" (Come in with humility and your prayers will be answered), announced the golden letters at the entrance .

The temple complex

One noteworthy feature about this temple is the silence and order. There was pin-drop silence as people waited, queued up to go in, performed Harathi, circumambuled or meditated.

The chant "Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha" emanating from the speakers and the waft of incense added to the tranquility of the temple.

Krishna

An idol of Krishna stood in the middle of the meditation hall. There were also idols of Desa Muthumariamman, Shivalingam, Ganesha and Muruga behind the Sanctum Sanctorum.

What I loved most was the magnificient idol of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. The idol is almost life like, with eyes looking skyward. The added advantage here, is that the devotees are allowed to go up and close and perform Harathi to the Swamy. Apart from a backdrop of the Moola Brindavana, there are also idols of Hanuman, Kamadhenu, and a granite statue of the Swamy.

Annadhanam is provided on special days in a separate hall constructed next to the temple. Devotees are encouraged to contribute towards this activity.

Address of the temple:
7th Street, Saraswathi Nagar, (Opp to Vivekananda School)
Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai - 601209

Contact Details:
Mobile number : 9791500866

Timings of the Temple:
6.30 am to 12.30 pm
4.00 pm  to 8.30 pm