Contents

1 Introduction & Spiritual Essence of Sengazhuneer Vinayagar
2 Historical Origins & Scriptural Legend
3 Architectural Marvels
4 Darshan & Ritual Logistics
- 4.1 Key Sevas and Offerings
- 4.2 2026 Festival Calendar
5 Practical Visitor Guidance
6 Pilgrimage Connectivity
7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction & Spiritual Essence of Sengazhuneer Vinayagar

In the serene village of Thottikalai, Thiruvallur district, stands a unique sanctum dedicated to the remover of obstacles—Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple. The name “Sengazhuneer” translates to “Red Water,” a distinctive epithet linked to the sacred pond (Pushkarani) nearby and the reddish hue of the deity.

Deity and Form: The primary deity here is Lord Ganesha, worshipped as Sengazhuneer Vinayagar, a Swayambhu (self-manifested) murti. He is depicted in a serene seated posture, radiating divine energy that stabilizes the minds of devotees. Unlike commercial shrines, this temple retains an atmosphere of intense spiritual solitude.

Phalaśruti (Spiritual Benefits): Devotees visit this temple primarily to overcome planetary afflictions, especially those caused by Ketu and Rahu. According to temple lore, offering prayers here is believed to cleanse ancestral karma (Pitru Dosha) and bring mental clarity. It is a powerful site for students and professionals seeking wisdom and the removal of career obstacles.

Historical Origins & Scriptural Legend

Origins: While precise inscriptions regarding the founding era are scarce, architectural analysis suggests the temple dates back several centuries, likely reconstructed during the Nayak period, which patronized Dravidian temple architecture extensively. The original structure was built by local chieftains dedicated to the Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions.

The Legend of Sengazhuneer: Tradition holds that this area was once a dense forest inhabited by sages who performed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. To aid their penance and protect the local populace from misfortune, Lord Ganesha manifested himself from the earth (Bhoo) near a water body. The water in this pond reportedly turned reddish during ancient rituals, giving rise to the name “Sengazhuneer.” It is said that the great sage Agasthya installed the idol to maintain the cosmic balance in this region.

Architectural Marvels

The temple is a fine example of Dravidian Architecture, characterized by its pyramidal towers and sculpted pillared halls.

Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha): The inner sanctum is compact but spiritually potent, housing the self-manifested idol of Sengazhuneer Vinayagar.
Mandapas: The temple features a frontal Ardha Mandapa (half hall) and a sturdy Maha Mandapa (main hall) where devotees gather for rituals. The pillars feature intricate carvings of divine figures and floral motifs typical of Tamil temple art.
Shikhara (Tower): The Shikhara (Vimana) above the sanctum follows the Tamil order, distinct from the North Indian Nagara style, showcasing tiered structures that culminate in a barrel-shaped roof.
Subsidiary Shrines: Surrounding the main deity are shrines for Lord Murugan, Goddess Durga, and Navagrahas, essential for performing specific rites.

Note: As a local heritage site, it falls under the purview of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of Tamil Nadu, ensuring its maintenance is in line with traditional standards.

Darshan & Ritual Logistics

Visitors are encouraged to maintain the sanctity of the temple. Below are the general timings and key sevas. Note: Timings may vary slightly during festival seasons.

Session	Timing
Morning Darshan	06:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Midday Closure	12:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Evening Darshan	04:00 PM – 08:30 PM

Key Sevas and Offerings

Ushathkalam (Early Morning): 6:00 AM. Includes Abhishekam with milk and honey.
Sangalabharanam: Offering of a garland of red flowers (specifically Lotus or ‘Sengazhuneer’ flowers) and sandalwood paste.
Archana: Recitation of Ganesha names (Ekavaram/Vinayagar Agaval).
Astothram Archana: For planetary peace.

Online Seva Booking: While this temple maintains a traditional operational model, daily seva bookings are generally managed directly at the temple counter or through the local temple administration. For specific offerings or to schedule a specialized Puja during your visit, it is recommended to contact the temple trust ahead of time.

2026 Festival Calendar

Plan your visit around these auspicious dates to witness the temple in its full festive glory:

Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year): April 14, 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi: August 26, 2026 (Special Abhishekam and processions)
Deepavali: October 21, 2026 (Early morning special darshan)
Thiruvallur Chariot Festival: Co-occurring with the massive Thiruvallur temple festival, usually in January/February 2026 (Check local calendar).

Practical Visitor Guidance

To ensure a respectful visit to Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred. Men should wear dhotis or trousers with shirts; women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
Photography: Photography is generally discouraged inside the inner sanctum. You may photograph the exterior architecture and the mandapa with permission from the trustees.
Mobile & Lockers: Mobile phones should be kept on silent mode. There are no electronic lockers available on-site; please travel light and leave valuables in your vehicle.
Crowd Management: As this is a lesser-known gem, crowds are usually manageable. However, during Ganesh Chaturthi, expect heavy footfall. The best hours for a peaceful darshan are 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM on weekdays.
Seasonal Advice: Thiruvallur can get quite hot in May. Carry a water bottle, but do not consume it inside the sanctum. Monsoons (November) bring pleasant weather, ideal for temple hopping.

Pilgrimage Connectivity

How to Reach Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple

By Road: The temple is located in Thottikalai village, approximately 2 km from Kilambakkam Junction and 9 km from Thiruvallur Bus Stand. It is accessible via the Chennai-Thiruvallur Road (SH-51) and the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway (NH-16).

Distance from Major Hubs:

Chennai Airport (MAA): 42 km (approx. 1 hour 15 mins via NH-16)
Chennai Central Railway Station: 38 km
Thiruvallur Railway Station: 12 km
Sevvapet Railway Station: 5 km

Nearby Sacred Sites (Pilgrimage Circuit)

Enhance your spiritual journey by visiting these nearby landmarks:

Sri Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, Thiruvallur: Located about 10 km away, this is the most prominent temple in the district, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Kshema Brahma).
Kelambakkam Kushi Bhavani Amman Temple: A powerful deity shrine located near the junction (approx 4 km).
Kailasapuram Vishnu Temple: A historic temple on the Thiruvallur-Kadambattur road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there a VIP Darshan entry at Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple?

No, this is a traditional village temple without commercial VIP entry systems. Darshan is open to all devotees equally. However, making a prior offering (Seva) allows for a closer visit to the deity during the seva time.

2. What is the significance of the temple pond?

The temple pond is believed to have healing properties. Ritual bathing here is considered auspicious, especially for those seeking relief from skin ailments and mental stress, before proceeding to the main shrine.

3. Is the temple accessible for senior citizens?

The temple has a single-level entry. While there are no ramps, the approach is flat. It is advisable to visit during early morning hours to avoid the heat and to get assistance from the locals, who are very helpful.

4. Are there accommodation facilities nearby?

Basic guest houses are available in Thiruvallur town. For luxury accommodations, travelers usually stay in Chennai or Punthamalli. Day visits from Chennai are quite feasible due to the short driving distance.

5. What is the history behind the name ‘Sengazhuneer’?

The term combines ‘Sem’ (Red) and ‘Kazhuneer’ (a type of lily or sacred water). Legend says the pond water turned red due to the intense tapas of sages or during a battle to protect Dharma, making the water and the presiding deity sacred.

2017-jy12-24, Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple, Thottikalai, Thiruvallur

2017-12-2kutku4 (1), Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple, Thottikalai, Thiruvallur

Contact & Location Details

Address: Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple, Thottikalai Village, Near Kilambakkam, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu 602001.

Phone: Contact local HR&CE office or temple trustees for current administrative inquiries.

Map Location: Search for “Kilambakkam Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple” on Google Maps.

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