Divine Enclaves: The Hidden Vishnu Temples of Korattur

Chennai is home to two exquisitely maintained temples of Vishnu that remain undiscovered by its citizens. Nestled in Korattur, these twin temples, known locally as the Korattur Perumal Temple, are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayana and Adi Keshava Perumal.

Originally named Swasapuri, the village of Korattur witnessed the construction of the Lakshmi Narayana Temple in 1340 CE by Rajanarayana Sambuvarayar, the ruler of Chandragiri. This east-facing shrine features Narayana, the four-armed deity, seated with his right leg hanging down and his left leg folded. With his upper arms holding the discus and conch, his lower right arm is in the Varada mudra, while his lower left arm cradles his consort, Sugandha Lakshmi. She is seated on his left thigh, her hands folded in Anjali mudra, facing the devotees instead of her Lord. Notably, Vishnu's conch (chakra) tilts slightly to the left, among other rare features of this icon.

Curiously, during British rule in 1862, the Brahmins of the village replaced the original icon of Lakshmi Narayana with a new one, Adi Keshava, in the sanctum. Consequently, the land registration was updated in Adi Keshava's name, and the temple came to be known as the Adi Keshava temple.

In 1994, Sundaram Clayton assumed responsibility for restoring the dilapidated temple to its former glory. They reinstated Lakshmi Narayana in his original position, while Adi Keshava received a new temple adjoining the original one. The Kumbhabhishek ceremony for Adi Keshava took place in 1998, followed by Lakshmi Narayana's in 2001. Adi Keshava stands in a standing posture, accompanied by his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.

Garuda in the Adi Keshava temple is ancient, whereas Garuda in the Lakshmi Narayana temple was crafted in the 1990s. Similarly, the processional metal icon of Adi Keshava dates back to the 1800s, while the one of Lakshmi Narayana is more recent.

The vimanas (towering structures) of both temples boast impressive architectural designs adorned with vibrant stucco images.

Adjacent to the temples, there is a sacred lotus pond, presently known as the Sivan Temple Pond, but originally named Lakshmi Pushkarani. This pond was shared by both the Vishnu and Shiva temples, serving as a source of drinking water for the villagers in the past.

Within the temple complex, one can admire the enchanting Nardana Krishna, an icon crafted in the 1800s, situated in the prakara (enclosure).

During the Arudra festival, the processional icon of Nataraja from the neighboring Shiva temple would be placed in front of the Lakshmi Narayana temple. The metal icon of Vishnu would also be brought out, and the priests from both groups would exchange offerings of flowers and fruits as a gesture of respect to each other's deities. Once Vishnu returned to his temple, Nataraja would commence his procession around the village.

Thus, this temple complex stands as a testament to the unity among the devotees of Shiva and Vishnu, showcasing their harmonious coexistence.

Happy travelling.