Mylapore Madhava Perumal Temple

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Mylapore can rightly be considered the heritage heart of Chennai. This vibrant locality is home to the iconic Kapaleeswarar Temple, the most famous temple in the city. While Mylapore is often associated with Shiva worship, it also houses several important and ancient Vishnu temples—one of the most notable being the Madhava Perumal Temple.


A Temple Steeped in Legend

According to the Brahmanda Purana, Goddess Lakshmi was born in the temple’s sacred tank to the sage Bhrigu. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu himself identified this location as the ideal place for sage Vyasa to undertake penance. In ancient times, this area was known by the names Madhavapuram and Mayapuri.

Adding to its spiritual significance, the birthplace of Peyalwar—one of the twelve revered Alwars and a celebrated Vishnu devotee—is located nearby.




Layout and Architecture

The east-facing temple features an elegant five-tiered tower (gopuram) adorned with a variety of detailed stucco sculptures. In front of the tower stands a mandapam, where each pillar is decorated with intricate bas-relief carvings.

Inside the sanctum, the main deity Madhava Perumal is enshrined in a seated posture, flanked by his two divine consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. The utsava murtis (festival icons) of Madhava Perumal along with Amritavalli and Bhoo Varaha are also housed here.

Facing the sanctum are the flagstaff (dwajasthambha), bali peetha, and Garuda—the divine vehicle of Vishnu.


Inner Shrines and Mandapams

The Ardha Mandapam contains an array of bronze icons, including Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana; Vishnu with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi; Madhava; and Krishna.

The Maha Mandapam features separate shrines for Peyalwar, the other Alwars, Senai Mudaliar, and the saints Ramanuja and Manavala Mamuni. Each shrine houses a corresponding bronze icon.

Additional shrines within the temple complex are dedicated to Hanuman, Bhoo Varaha, Krishna, and the divine trio of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

A shrine for Goddess Amritavalli, the temple’s presiding Goddess, is found in the circumambulatory corridor around the sanctum. Near this shrine lies the temple tank where Lakshmi is believed to have been born. There is also a separate shrine for Andal, another beloved Vaishnavite saint.

The Mukha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam are adorned with exquisite sculptures on their pillars, showcasing the artistic richness of this heritage site.



Happy travelling.










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