The
Ayyappan Temple at Raja Annamalaipuram is a
popular pilgrim centre of Chennai. The temple is a fine example of the Kerala style of temple
architecture and is built on the lines of the revered Ayyappa temple at
Sabarimala. Constructed on a site
donated by Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar of Chettinad and maintained by his
illustrious son, M. A. M. Ramaswami, the temple has a beautiful Panchaloha idol
of the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala. Sri Guruvayurappan,
Sri Devi are also enshrined here. The temple priests are Keralites who conduct
puja in the traditional Keralite fashion. Like the original
temple at Sabarimala, this temple also has 18 steps leading up to it.
Unlike the temple in
Sabarimala, which remains closed for most of the year except during festival
time, the temple at Rajah Annamalaipuram is open throughout the year. The
temple has sub-shrines dedicated to Sri Maha Ganapathi, Sri Nagaraja, Sri
Maligaipurathu Amman (Manja Matha), and other "Parivara Devatas".
Mandala Puja is the main
festival when devotees throng to the temple to offer prayers. The temple comes
alive with music performances, religious discourses and cultural events during
festivals and other important days.
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