MELMARUVATHUR - Adi Parasakthi Temple
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Onre Kulam, Oruvane Thevan, meaning
all are equal in front of the One God is being practised literally in the
Adi Parasakthi temple at Mel Maruvathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The
devotees believe in "Ore Thai and Ore Kulam". The devotees are permitted
to enter into the garbha griha (inner chamber) & pray to the Goddess.
People of all religions Hindus, Christians, Jains, Buddhists are allowed
to enter the sanctum & offer prayers in the pattern they are accustomed
to. The founder is Sri Bangaru Naicker. Several charitable
Trusts & Organisations are run under the guidance of Bangaru Adigalar.
The sacred place where the shrine
is located was a dense forest. There was a neem tree exuding a white
fluid, which was sweet & also cured some ailmets. When this tree
fell during a cyclone in 1966, a Swayambu Lingam was noticed. Adi Parasakthi
is considered to have done pooja to this Lingam & hence this Lingam
is placed in front of the Adi Parasakthi idol.
The Adi Parasakthi idol (the Archamurti)
is insitting posture, placed on a black stone pedestal in the form of a
lotus. In front of the Archamurti is the Swayambu lingam (self-manifested
lingam).
The other shrines within the temple are -
Puthu Mandapam, where it is believed
Adi parasakthi was doing penance in the form of a serpent
Saptakanya Mandapam, with the images
of the Sapthakanyas as well as the rectangular stones installed at the
base
Durga idol with Nagendra behind the
Saptakanyas.
Margosa tree
& outside the main temple is
the small shrine for Adharvana Bhadrakali.
The temple officials as well as the
devotees wear red clothes, signifying equality - the colour of blood which
is red for all, irrespective of caste, creed, status. Devotees wear
mala & carry Irumudi to the temple as in Sabarimalai.
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
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