Yagnavalkya Temple

How many of you know that there is a rare temple for Yagnavalkya in Chennai? Well, if you wonder who is Yagnavalkya, let me start with a brief introduction about him.

Yagnavalkya was an important sage. He was initially a disciple of Vaishampayana. Due to a conflict, he had to unlearn Yajur Veda that he attained from his Guru. To attain knowledge again, Yagnavalkya performed penance towards Lord Surya. Pleased with Yagnavalkya's penance, Surya assumed the form of a horse and taught the former Yajur Veda. This portion of Yajur Veda is known as Shukla Yajurveda or Vajasaneya Yajurveda. Thus, Yagnavalkya is considered the founding Guru of Shukla Yajurveda.

In the Kondithope area of Chennai, Yagnavalkya mutt (Sabha) was formed in 1930, where poojas were performed regularly to Yagnavalkya. Later, this mutt was shifted to the T.Nagar locality. In 1998, the mutt got its own premises in Perumal Sannadhi Street in Old Pallavaram. 

The current structure has a unique shrine for Yagnavalkya. He is in the sitting posture with his arms in abhaya and varada mudras. His consorts Maitreyi and Katyayini are found standing on his either side. Katyayini has her left arm resting on her hip and holds some object in her right arm.

The stone image of Gayatri depicted with six heads and twelve arms is found in a separate shrine.

Yagnavalkya's Guru Surya is found seated in chariot pulled by seven horses and driven by Arnua, in another shrine.

Besides, marble icons of Adi Shankaracharya and Sai Baba are found in the temple.

Happy travelling. 

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