Vadapalani Temple

Location
Vadapalani is one of the most frequently visited temples in the Chennai city. The temple is located near Andavar Koil Street in the Vadapalani area of city suburbs. Vadapalani temple is one renowned worshipping place in the state of Tamil Nadu.

History
Vadapalani temple used to be a small thatched shed some 125 years ago. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, who is the most revered deity in the state of Tamil Nadu. The small hut which was later on replaced by the existing structure was built by Annaswami Tambiran. Annaswami was a great devotee of Lord Muruga and it is he who built the hut and put an image of Lord Muruga in it. The person is said to have been put into trance while worshipping in the temple. Annaswami in his state of trance started uttering words that became popular as Arulvak. After the demise of the devotee some three more carried on the mission. The place became popular and offerings in great amount were secured by the head maintaining the temple. One great names among the contributors responsible for constructing the temple is of Kripananda Variyar.

Features
The temple at Vadapalani is primarily dedicated to Lord Muruga. Some other deities, besides Lord Muruga, that are worshipped here include Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganesh and Lord Anjaneya. The temple is provided with a number of courtyards featuring many sannidhis. The temple entrance is covered with a rajagopuram which is adorned with images depicting the legends of Skanda Puranam. The temple is affronted with a large temple tank. On the eastern wall of the temple structure are bharata natyam gestures.

The temple is provided with a large hall were marriage ceremonies are performed. The temple is one of the premier places for performing marriage and about 7000 marriages are performed here annualy. The festival ceremonies held in the complex include that of Skanda Sashti and Panguni Uttiram.