The Lord of Knowledge - Yoga Hayagreevar Temple, Chettipunyam, Chennai
Chettipunyam is a small village with just 5-6 streets. However, this small village has become a center of attraction nowadays, thanks to the Yoga Hayagreevar temple.
For the benefit of starters, let me start with a brief introduction. Hayagreeva is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. When two Asuras, namely Madhu and Kaidabha, stole Vedas from Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu took the form of Hayagreeva (horse face and human body), killed the Asuras, and handed over the Vedas to Lord Brahma. Hence, Lord Hayagreeva is considered as the God of Knowledge.
Yoga Hayagreeva temple in Chettipunyam is around 500 years old. Actually, the presiding deity of the temple is Varadaraja Perumal. How did it become Hayagreeva temple? It has an exciting story.
In 1868 CE, fearing invasion and loot, the images of Devanatha Swamy and Yoga Hayagreeva were brought from Tiruvahindipuram temple near Cuddalore to this site. Since then, this temple was referred to as Yoga Hayagreeva temple. In recent time, the popularity of this temple has increased as people started bringing their school-going children to this temple (as Hayagreeva is considered as the God of Knowledge).
The small temple enshrines Varadaraja Perumal, with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, on either sides, in the sanctum. The bronze images of Yoga Hayagreeva and Devanatha Swamy are also found in the same shrine.
The presiding Goddess, named as Hemambhuja Nayaki, is found in a separate shrine. Besides, the shrines of Andal, Rama-Sita-Lakshmana-Hanuman and Garuda are too found.
Happy travelling.
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Very informative
ReplyDeleteThe temple is conducting a Spl Archanai on 29th Jan 2012 under the blessings of Sri AM Rajagopalan. One has to book for this archanai at Executive Officer, Arulmigu Devanathaswamy Thirukoil, Chettippunniyam Village, Chingleput Taluk,Kancheepuram Dist., Tamil Nadu – 603 204. For more details, please contact Chettippunniyam Temple +918675127999 or the SYHSS Trust at +914428173263 & yogahayagriva@gmail.com
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