Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai

Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

Amman resides in Hut here:

Sanctum In the olden days, there was a lotus pond in this place. Under the Banyan tree in the banks of this pond, Ambal manifested herself in Swayambu form. In the beginning, the devotees erected a small hut as sanctum for Ambal and worshipped her. Later, an elaborate temple was structured. Still Prime sanctum continues to be the hut. It is said that Ambal in order to indicate simplicity lives in the hut and graces us.

Kottravai Worship:

The classical Tamil literature speaks of Kottravai worship, a cult existed during the age of Tholkappiam and Silapathikaram. This temple is also presumed to have worshiped as Kottravai once.

Mundakkanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi:

Mundakkanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi who blesses people to excel in their fine arts.

Naga Dosha Parihara Sthalam:

Amman is also known to relive Naaga Dhosham, as the temple is the residing place of snake anthill along with banyan tree behind the sanctum sanctorum of Amman, and it is believed that nagam (Snake) still worships Amman every day.

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

The Temple is located at the heart of the Mylapore Area. This temple is in Mylapore to the north of Kapaleeshwarar Temple near Madhava Perumal temple beyond the Sanskrit college. Getting down at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple Stop or the Thiruvalluvar statue stop, we can reach the temple by walk. One can easily walk down to the temple either by taking the first left after Saravana Bhavan hotel on North Mada street adjoining the Kapaleeshwarar tank. If you get down at Luz corner, go to Kutchery road till you see an arch on the left side that leads to the temple.

Mundakanniamman temple is also a landmark by itself. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Kutchery Road Bus Stop, 550 meters from Luz Corner Bus Stop, 650 meters from Valluvar Silai Bus Stop, 700 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop, 350 meters from Mundaka Kanni Amman Koil Railway Station and 500 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar.

It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam.

By Road:

Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus.

List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore;

By Train:

Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station.

By Air:

Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore.

Prayers

Those afflicted with chickenpox, by praying to her gets relief is the stern belief. The Theertham given in this temple is known as remedy for chicken pox. Devotees who confront impediments in getting married and those affected with eye diseases also pray to her. By lighting 23 lamps, people pray to her to attain rank in studies. When their prayers are fulfilled, the devotees perform Abhishekam to Ambal and do Angapradakshinam (body-rolling around the sanctum). Those who pray to her offer turmeric, sandal, saffron powder, Kappu and also Annabishekam.

Generally, only in the Siva temples, the Lord is worshipped performing Annabishekam. Since the Ambal here is an aspect of Parvati Devi, she is worshipped by performing Annabishekam. To prepare the Pongal offering to her, the temple uses only the dried cow dung. The residue ashes are distributed as prasadam. The main prasadam in this temple are the neem leaves, lime fruits, turmeric and holy water that are offered to Amman during prayers.

Mundakkanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi who blesses people to excel in their fine arts. This place is also known to relieve naga Dosham of the worshipping devotees. Aadi Masam (Month) is considered to be the most auspicious month for worshiping the Amman. During this month, women from all corners of Chennai flock to this temple to cook and offer Sweet-Pongal to the Amman.

The deity being near and dear to the female devotees, Prarthana exclusive for them is offered in this temple. Therefore, all Tuesdays, Fridays and in the month of Aadi, this temple is seen as crowded with ladies clad in yellow. Special offerings to ward off ill spells, curses, Occults and other influences of bad spirits are exclusive for this temple.

Festivals

The Temple celebrates the whole of Aadi and Thai months, Chithra Pournami, Chithirai, Vijaya Dasami, Navarathri, Aadi Pooram and Last Friday of Thai Month. Generally, Annabishekam is performed to Lord Siva on the Aippasi Full Moon day. But, it is quite significant that Annabishekam is performed to Amman in this sacred place. The 1008 Flower-basket abishekam on the last Friday of Aadi, the 108 Lamp Pooja on the last Friday of Thai and on the Chithira Pournami day, the 1008 Milk-pot abishekam are important features.

The Porridge distribution festival in the month of Aadi and the Pongal offering in the month of Thai are very famous festivals. On the ninth day of the Navarathri festival, Ambal in the guise of Mahishasuramardhini goes in procession along the streets. There is also a practice amidst the devotees who take vow to her of going around the sanctum wearing neem leaves attire. Every evening Ambal goes in procession in her golden chariot.  The fee to participate in this is Rs.1000/-.

Contact Details

Official Address