Raja Rajeswari Temple - Nanganallur

Nanganallur, situated on the outskirts of Chennai, is a renowned locality that has gained popularity due to the city's expansion and improved connectivity. However, this wasn't the case during the 1960s and 1970s when it was considered a remote area.

Amman temples like Tiruvottriyur, Mangadu, and Tiruverkadu in Chennai are well-known today. In the 1970s, the Raja Rajeswari Temple in Thillai Ganga Nagar, Nanganallur, enjoyed similar popularity, with devotees forming long queues to visit. In fact, the area derived its name, "Nangai Nallur," from this temple, as "Nangai" means female. (There is also a claim that Sri Kanchi Paramacharya named the locality as Nangai Nallur.)

Presently, this temple's fame remains limited to the local residents, with fewer visitors. Interestingly, discussions about Nanganallur temples tend to focus on the Hanuman temple rather than this once-prominent Raja Rajeswari Temple. Let's delve into this temple's details in this article.

Raja Rajeswari Temple

Stepping into the sanctum of Raja Rajeswari Temple fills one with a profound sense of positivity. The metal icon of Rajeswari is captivatingly beautiful. Seated with four arms, she holds sugarcane in her lower hands. Much like Kerala-style temples, the temple is illuminated solely by oil lamps, enhancing the Goddess's beauty and the overall positive ambiance.

The path to the sanctum consists of 16 steps, each adorned with a small metal carving of the Goddess, depicting the 15 days starting from Amavasya (new moon). The other side of the steps showcases icons representing the days from Poornima (full moon), encompassing all 30 days of a month. Among the steps, one features icons of Bhairava and Bhadrakali. Moreover, 51 Yantras (geometric symbols) are embedded in these steps, symbolizing a visit to 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred shrines). The steps' entrance is graced by Sanga Nidhi and Padma Nidhi.

Flanking the sanctum are sub-shrines dedicated to Matangi and Varahi, acting as protectors of Rajeswari. Other shrines within the temple complex include Dattratreya, Bhairava, Ganesha, Dhanvantri, and Durga.

Stucco images depicting the female forms of various deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra, and Kartikeya adorn the temple entrance. There are many other stucco images filling the temple with a vibrant array of colors.

Satya Narayana Temple

Adjacent to the Rajeswari Temple stands the Satya Narayana Temple, presided over by Lakshmi Satyanarayana. It's one of the few Satya Narayana temples in Chennai.

A sub-shrine houses the utsav images of Ramanuja, Manavala Mamuni, Nammalvar, and Tirumangai Alwar. Andal and Panchamukha Anjaneya have their own small shrines.

Garuda and the flagstaff face the sanctum. Notably, this Vishnu temple features a rare display of Navagraha (nine planetary deities) as bas-relief images in a single row. Additionally, images of Brahma, Vishnu, and Ganesha are present as the Koshta deities, making the temple architecturally distinct.

Adorning the prakara are grand stucco images of the Ashta Dikpalas (eight directional guardians), including Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Nriti, Yama, Ishana, Indra, and Agni, each accompanied by their respective vahanas.

Happy travelling.