The Gujaratis of Chennai and their Temple

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The Gujarati community in Chennai has a rich history and unique traditions. Kheda, a district near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, is home to a Brahmin community known as Khedawal Gujaratis. During the early 18th century CE, a group of Khedawal Gujaratis from the Kheda district embarked on a migration to the Tamil Nadu state. The precise reasons for their migration and the exact year of this event remain shrouded in mystery, with various versions and theories circulating.

It's worth noting that during this period, Thanjavur was under Maratha rule, beginning in the late 17th century CE. It's possible that, influenced by this historical context, the Gujaratis, in addition to the Marathis and Saurashtras, chose to migrate to Tamil Nadu. Intriguingly, the Khedawal Gujaratis initially settled in Thanjavur, earning them the moniker "Thanjavur Gujaratis." Subsequently, they spread to other cities in Tamil Nadu, including Trichy, Tirunelveli, and Chennai.

Two women, Ramkor Bai and Ratna Bai, hailing from an affluent Tawker family within the Gujarati community in Chennai, embarked on a pilgrimage to Varanasi at the beginning of the 19th century CE. During their journey, they procured two Shiv Lingas from Varanasi and installed them in a temple in Ayanavaram and another in Motta Uttara, located in Sowcarpet.

Motta Uttara, also known as Sri Niketan, serves as a community center for the Khedawal Gujaratis. It is situated on Mint Street, opposite the Ekambareswar temple. Within Uttara stands a small shrine housing the 200-year-old Shiv Linga from Varanasi, which, owing to its origin, is referred to as Kasi Vishwanath.

This shrine boasts another remarkable feature. Inside the sanctum, you can find images representing five out of the six Dharmas of Hinduism: the Vishwanatha Linga of Shaivism, Vishalakshi of Shaktism, Surya of Sauram, Ganesha of Ganapathyam, and Vishnu of Vaishnavism. All of these icons, except the Shiv Linga, were added at a later date. The sanctum faces westward, unlike the typical eastward orientation.

Adorning the walls surrounding the sanctum are Koshta images  of Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, and Durga.

Additionally, there is a sub-shrine containing mobile icons (Utsav images), and the adjacent Pooja room showcases a collection of ancient photographs depicting various deities.

Wishing you enjoyable travels as you explore this unique cultural heritage.

Happy travelling.


Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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