Chettipunyam Hayagriva Temple, Chennai – Lord of Knowledge
Chettipunyam Hayagriva Temple
This temple for Lord of Knowledge is located near Chengelpet. It is said that the original vigrahas of Tiruvahindupuram temple where kept here during invasions. Locally, this temple is also called the Sri Varadaraja Swamy temple. This temple is approximately 400 years old.
Main Deity – Lord Hayagriva is considered an Avtaar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. In this avtar the lord has taken a horse-headed form. This avtaar is not among the well known 10 avtaars (dashavtaram) of lord Vishnu; it is much more ancient avtaar. Here, the Lord is considered to be in yog nidra (complete physical and mental relaxation) hence he is not accompanied by his consort Mahalakshmi.
A shrine for Lord Varadaraja is also present in this temple. With him he has his two consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Hemambuja Nayaki. This shrine is right before you enter the main chamber. Sri Devanatha Perumal holds a Prayoga Chakra in his right hand, which is a rare sight.
Temple Legend and Specialties – It is said that in the year 1848, the idols of Yoga Hayagreevar and Devanathaswamy were brought here from Thiruvahindrapuram near Cuddalore to protect them from alien invasion. Hence, the name of the temple symbolizes all three names of the idols here. The Moolavar (primary deity) is Varadarajaswamy, Utsavar (ceremonious deity) is Devanathaswamy and Sri Yoga Hayagreevar is the main deity (perumal) here.
Temple Architecture – The idols in this temple are exquisitely carved. Towards the right hand side of the temple, there is a Lord Rama shrine. These idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Seeta and Hanuman were brought here in Oct 1868.
The Dhwajastambha – the pillar where lamps are lit is made of stone and has an image of Sri Garuda. This pillar faces the main sanctum.
Festivals and Prayers – Every year “Hayagriva Jayanti” – birthday of the Lord is celebrated at this temple.
The lord is considered a giver of knowledge and wisdom. Hence, people pray here with pens, books and pencils and ask for these items to be blessed. There is a ceremony of lighting lamps for prayers too.
Contact Information –
Temple Timings – 7AM to 12 noon and 4PM to 8 PM
Phone number – +918675127999, 044 – 274631731, 28173263
Address – Sri Yoga Hayagriva Seva Samithi, Perumal Thirukoil, Chettipuniyam Village, Singaperumalkoil, Chennai 603204
Directions:The temple is located around 20 km from Chennai going towards Chengelpet.
It is 2 km from GST road and there are autos easily available that would take you to the temple arena. There is also 60C Bus available.
Location: Singaperumal Kovil Bus Stop, NH Service Road, Singaperumal Koil, Tamil Nadu 603204, India
