Mylapore Mundakakanni Temple

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to many significant temples that reflect its deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage. In the heart of Mylapore—a historic and vibrant part of the city—stands one of Chennai’s most celebrated temples, the Kapaleeswarar Temple. But just about half a kilometre north of this grand shrine lies a lesser-known, yet beloved temple dedicated to the Divine Mother—Mundakakanni Amman Temple.

Located on a quiet street named Mundakakanni Koil Street, the temple is not far from the well-known Madhava Perumal Temple. Though modest in size, Mundakakanni Temple holds a special place in the hearts of Chennai’s residents. To many, she is affectionately regarded as one of the Goddesses of Madras.


During the Tamil month of Aadi, the temple draws thousands of devotees. Many believe that worshipping here helps in alleviating Naga Dosham, a serpent-related astrological affliction.

The east-facing shrine features a small tower (gopuram) built in recent years. The presiding deity, Mundakakanni, is considered a form of Goddess Parvati. Interestingly, some devotees believe the deity represents Saraswati, the Goddess of learning. The main image is a bust figure, extending only up to the neck—a rare form. The sanctum's roof is thatched, reminiscent of simple village shrines, and there is no vimana (tower above the sanctum). A sacred tree stands behind the shrine, adding to the temple's rustic charm.

While many believe the temple is over a thousand years old, there is no inscriptional evidence to support that. Based on the architecture and overall structure, it’s likely just a few hundred years old—typical of village-style temples that have grown around deep-rooted local beliefs.



There is a separate shrine for the utsava murti (bronze processional image) of Mundakakanni. In the prakara (circumambulatory path), icons of serpents (Nagas) and seven bricks representing the Sapta Matas (seven sacred mother goddesses) are also enshrined. A particularly intriguing sight is a halved tree, beside which sits an ancient icon of Nagaraja (serpent king). It’s possible that this tree and image were part of the temple's original core before the more structured complex was added over the last century.

Another section of the temple, likely added in recent years, functions almost like an independent shrine within the complex. Here, the main deity is Arutjothi Nirthana Vinayaka, a form of Ganesha. This area also houses smaller shrines dedicated to Ayyappa, Muthukumar (Murugan) with Valli and Devasena, Hanuman, Dakshinamurti, another Ganesha, Nagas, Ramalingar, Annapoorni, and Vishwanatha-Vishalakshi.

Though small in scale, Mundakakanni Amman Temple carries with it the spirit of Chennai’s spiritual landscape—a blend of tradition, local legend, and quiet devotion. If you’re exploring Mylapore beyond its grand temples and bustling streets, take a peaceful detour to visit this shrine—where the Goddess awaits in a serene corner of the city.


Happy travelling.









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