Nellore Amman Temple, Selaiyur

Not many who settled down in the neighborhood of Selaiyur locality of South Chennai might know about this temple of Nellore Amman, which is located in a lane in the interior of Selaiyur. Up to 20-25 years ago, this temple was majorly celebrated by the villagers. Those were the days when the temple was surrounded by paddy fields. After harvesting the rice crop, the villagers would bring grains to this temple for prayers. Only then it would be moved to the market or granaries. However, the Goddess is named Nellore (Nel means rice/grain in the Tamil language) Amman, not for this reason. As the image was brought from Nellore in Andhra, she is named accordingly.

It is said that the temple is around 400 years old. The current structure is concrete, which should have been built a few decades ago. We don't find any ancient symbols except for the presiding deity's icon. The bust image of Mari Amman was brought from Nellore and installed here.

The temple was extended in the last few years, and many new sub-shrines were built. The shrines of Ganesha, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, Ayyappa, Hanuman, Navagraha, and others are also found in the temple.

The east-facing temple has a grand five-tiered tower. Near the entrance, the interior walls display a few stucco images of the Gods and Goddesses.

The temple has a pond at the backside, which could be better maintained.

Happy travelling.