- Murugan
Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan Temple
- Vanagaram,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan Temple is located in the scenic Vanagaram village, 20km from the heart of Chennai city. This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is constructed by Srilasri Muruga Siddhar Guruji Dr. A.R. Varadharajanar. The vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) is of peacock design. This temple is situated at a distance of 10 kms from koyambedu on the way to thiruverkaduin vanagaram. From vanagaram one has to travel 2 kms on left side to reach this temple.
About The Deity
Sri Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan
According to ‘Kandha Puranam’, Lord Muruga had a red and beautiful mole (macham) on His right cheek by nature. It is surprising to note that the idol of Sri Balamurugan in the Vanagaram Temple also has similar red and beautiful mole (macham) on his right cheek, which is never found in any Muruga idol in the world. During important days, the Lord is dressed with a kum kum dot on his cheek covering the mole which could be seen only on such days. As oil is applied on other days, the mole is not visible on the plain idol. Each day, the Lord is dressed with such colour clothes attributed to the planet (Graha) ruling on the day. Those facing planetary problems, pray on this day with particular colour clothing. On the Kruthika star day, special pujas are performed at midday-Uchikala Puja. Lord comes in procession in the evening.
Auspicious days for worship : Krithigai, Sashti
Aadi Krithigai, Kandha Sashti and other important festivals of Lord Muruga are celebrated in the temple in a grand way.
Sri Chakra Vinayagar
Sri Chakra Vinayagar is worshipped first before starting any new venture or religious function according to the general belief. He is considered the remover of all hurdles. Offerings of Modakam and grass garland (Argampul Maalai)are very special to him. Special decorations with Vibhuti, turmeric and sandal are performed to Sri Chakra Vinayagar on important days.
Auspicious days for worship : Sankatahara Chathurthi, Tuesdays, Fridays
Sri Vishnu Durga Lakshmi
Sri Vishnu Durga Lakshmi is the embodiment of Shakti and is the Goddess of valour and annihilator of all negative and evil forces. Besides, She is considered to be Mahalakshmi Avatar, sporting Shanku and Chakram in Her hands. Devotees shackled under the burden of debts, performing archana and lighting lamps during Rahukalam on Tuesdays and Fridays are sure to get rid of their sufferings. Garlands made of lemon are offered along with special decorations on important days. During Navaraathri festival, She is decorated in different forms every day, on all the nine days.
Auspicious days for worship : Tuesdays, Fridays
Sri Ramar, Lakshmanar, Sita
Sri Ramar is the embodiment of Dharma and is one of the most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu. In this temple, Sri Ramar is seen with Lakshmanar and Sita devi. Rama Navami, the birthday festival of Lord Rama is celebrated in the temple in a grand manner.
Auspicious days for worship : Punarvasu star, all Saturdays
Sri Yoga Anjaneyar
Sri Yoga Anjaneyar is a great devotee of Sri Rama. He symbolizes heroism and valor to fight for the cause of dharma, devotion and above all, humility. The Anjaneyar sannidhi in this temple is unique as the deity is adorned with a special Saligrama Maalai. Garlands of betel leaves, vadai and decorating the deity with butter are very special to Sri Anjaneyar. Hanumath Jayanthi festival is celebrated in the temple in a grand manner.
Auspicious days for worship : Moola star, Saturdays
Sri Dhakshina Murthy
Sri Dhakshina Murthy is revered as the Guru of the Gods. He enlightens us and dispels the darkness of ignorance. Worshipping Him, helps us find ways out of our troubles. Special Abhishekam and Pooja are conducted every Thursday to the Lord Guru.
Auspicious days for worship : Thursdays
Sri Saneeswarar
Sri Saneeswarar is one of the Navagrahas and is the son of Lord Surya. No one can escape His troubles, but He is benevolent and mitigates the problems of His devotees when they seek His blessings. The Vanagaram temple has a separate Sannidhi for Sri Saneeswarar and special pujas are performed on Saturdays.
Auspicious days for worship : Saturdays
Sri Bala Gopalakrishnar
The idol of Sri Bala Gopalakrishnar has been installed under the Sthala Vruksham of the Vanagaram temple.
Auspicious days for worship : Ashtamis, especially Gokulashtami day
Sri Shirdi Saibaba
Sri Shirdi Saibaba sannidhi is unique as it has been built in the same manner as the temple in Shirdi in itself, including the architecture.
Auspicious days for worship : Thursdays
Swarna Akarshana Bairavar
To curtail the ego of Lord Brahma, Lord Sivan took the avadharam of Bairavar. He is the guru of Sani Bhagavan. The best worship of Bairavar is Swarna Akarshana Bairavar in which form, he is in a seated posture with Bairavi on his lap, Amudha Kalasam on one hand and Soolam on the other. This Sannidhi at Vanagaram temple is unique, as it is only the second temple in Tamil Nadu, besides the one at Chidambaram.
Auspicious days for worship : Tuesdays, Fridays, Ashtami thithi, Pournami
Sri Siva Vanatheeswarar
Sri Siva Vanatheeswarar sannidhi is situated beneath the Sthala Vriksham (naturally grown Vembhu and Arasa Maram) of the Vanagaram temple. The Siva lingam is a symbolic representation of the Supreme Being. The deity is seeing upwards towards the sky. He is capable of bestowing his Grace on youngsters to protect their parents in their old age.
Pradoshams are celebrated regularly in the temple with special abishekam and pujas. Pradoshams falling on Mondays and Saturdays are considered very auspicious.
It is a fact that there lives a serpent in the Sannadhi, though it is not usually seen by all. At times fortunate devotees have seen it with awe and inspiration. By the side of the Sannadhi, a separate Sannadhi for Naagar is existing. To get relief from Naga Dhosham, ladies used to worship the Naagars, especially on Fridays. There is Goshala inside the Temple. It is unique to point out that only Cow’s milk is used for abhishekam of all deities of the Temple.
Auspicious days for worship : Pradoshams, Sivaratri
Sage Agasthiyar
Agasthiyar is one among the seven Holy Rishis (Saptharishis). He is the son of Sage Pulasthya and Urvashi, the celestial damsel. Lopamudhra, his consort is the embodiment of all the desirable feminine qualities of character and personality. She is considered one of the Maha Pativratas (Noble exalted wives) along with Mandodari and the others. Siddhars were spiritual adepts who possessed the ashta siddhis, or the eight supernatural powers. Sage Agasthiyar is considered the guru of all Siddhars, and the Siddha medicine system is believed to have been handed over to him by Lord Muruga Himself.
Auspicious days for worship : Sadhayam star
Legend and Stories
Valli, daughter of Nambirajan the leader of the hunter community, was in charge of the Thinai field with Her friends. Lord Muruga wanted to establish the philosophy that no one is high or low by virtue of their birth in a particular community. Hunter community, according present classifications comes under the backward class. Lord Muruga, being God cannot be noted under our man-made laws. He wanted to establish equality among the people and hence decided to marry Valli.
The story further goes that as ordinary human beings, Valli was attached to Thinai fields representing earthly passions without higher thinking. Lord wanted to emancipate the humans through Valli from the clutches of the sorrows of life. Valli did not yield to Lord’s efforts in the beginning. The other side of the story shows Valli as an enlightened soul. Lord Muruga approached Her as an old man first. She said that men had no permission in a place belonging exclusively to women. Next day, He went as a handsome youth. Valli simply asked how he takes different forms each day. Muruga was startled. He asked Valli how she found the truth. She simply said that the mole on the cheek identified him. Lord Muruga admired Her wisdom. Their wedding took place with the help of Lord Vinayaka. Lord Muruga appears here with the mole. Mole in Tamil means Macham, hence, He is also called Machakaran. This is a rare form of Lord Muruga.
Pooja Details
- Maha Abishekam, participation in Homam during Ashtami Pooja - Performed to Sri Swarna Akarshana Bairavar (for relief from financial difficulties, non-payment for loan, career problems, etc)
- Maha Abishekam for Sri Machakara Murugan
- Kalyana Parikaram (for relief from long delayed wedding proposals, relief from dosham)
- Krithigai Parikaram (for correction of speech impairment and other disabilities in children)
- Pournami Parikaram (for problems relating to employment, marital discord, family problems, etc)
- Vadamaalai for Sri Yoga Anjaneyar
Festivals
Vaikasi Visakam in February-March, Aadi Kruthikai in July-August, Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November, Sri Anjaneya Jayanthi, Thai Poosam in January-February, Panguni Uthiram and Sri Rama Navami in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Significance
People believe that prayer to Lord Muruga in this temple would grant them child boon. Those pressed by debt burdens pray to Mother Vishnu Durga Lakshmi and Swarna Aakarshana Bhairava for relief. Devotees offer vastra according to the navagraga planet which is related to their problem.
How to Reach
Airport
The nearest airport is Chennai Airport.
Railways
Pattaravkkam Railway Station, Ambattur Railway Station are the very nearby railway station to Vanagaram. However Chennai Central Railway Station is major railway station 14 KM near to Vanagaram.
Road
Alapakkam Bus Station, Jn.Of Alapakkam & E.V.R. Bus Station, Maduravoyal Bus Station, Vaanagaram Bus Station, Perumal Koil Bus Station are the nearby by Local Bus Stops to Vanagaram. However Koyambedu bus station is the major bus station in Chennai.
Temple Address
Sri Machakkarra Swaminatha Balamurugan Temple,
Mettukuppam Road, Porur Gardens Phase II, Odamanagar,
Vanagaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600095.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For the gift of childbirth
- For relief from debts
- For Planetary solution
Shlokas
Shadaananam Chandana Liptha Gathram Mahorasam Divya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudrasya Soonum Suraloka Naatham Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye
Meaning -I always take refuge in the 6 faced Lord Guha, who has sandal paste smeared over his body, who is broad-chested, whose vehicle is the peacock, who is Lord Shiva's son and who leads the army of the Devas.
Heyswami Natha Karunakara Dheenabandho Shree Parvatheesha Mukha Pankaja Padmabandho Shree Saadhi Devagana Poojitha Padha Padma Vallesa Nadha Mama Dehi Karaavalambham
Meaning -O! Merciful Lord Swaminatha, who cares for the poor, who is the sun to Lord Shiva's lotus face, whose lotus feet are acknowledged by Lord Vishnu and the others, Valli's Lord, please uplift me by lending me your hand.
Ariru Thadanthozh Vazhga Arumugam Vazhga Veppai Kooru Sei Thanivel Vazhga Kukkudum Vazhga Sevvel Yeriya Magnai Vazhga Aanai Thun Anangu Vazhga Maarila Valli Vazhga Vazhga Seer Adiyar Yellam
Meaning -Oh Muruga, we hail your 12 strong shoulders for they protect us from our enemies, we hail your 6 faces, we hail the Vel, your weapon that broke apart the Krounja mountain to reveal the asura in it. We hail the bird, the cock, that is part of your symbol in the flag. We hail your peacock, that takes you all over the world, we hail your consort Devyani, who was brought up by Indra's white elephant, Airavadam, we hail your other consort, the flawless Valli. And we hail your Bhaktas who worship you as a prayer.
Uruvai Aruvai Uladhai Iladhai Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai Karuvai Uyirai Gadhiyai Vidhiyai Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhaney
Meaning -O Lord Muruga, you have form and you are formless, you have everything and have nothing, you who exist in the smallest, in flowers, in a bell's ring, in the light. You are the embryo, the life, destiny and fate. Bestow your blessings on us as our guru.
Timings
The temple is open from 07:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 04:30 pm to 08:00 pm.