Mahalakshmi Temple the ancient temple of Sundara Mahalakshmi is said to represent the mother of all the 64 forms of the Goddess Lakshmi and each form represents wealth; wellbeing and treasures. The temple is edged with Aishwarya Shakti, Shukra Shakti and Kubera Shakti. Sundara Mahalakshmi has 6 toes on the right leg Six is Shukras number, hence it is believed that Mahalakshmi rules Shukras power to bestow prosperity.
Shrine’s History
The inscriptions are dated to the Chola times of the 13th century A.D. This quotation, dated 24th August 1237 A.D., which belongs to the time period of Rajaraja Chola 3 (1216 to 1250 A.D.), is engraved on the north, west and south walls of the main place of worship. There is another quotation of the Chola times etched on the north wall of this main place of worship states that three cows and calves were gifted by an individual as a twilight lamp to the deity Tiruvarasur Emberuman. The great Pandiyan emperor is remembered for all his bounteous donations to the Sri Ranganatha Swami temple in Srirangam found in a long quotation there.
The other Pandiyan quotation is of the Sundara Pandyan 2 time period dated 18th August 1291 A.D. and records the sale of land to this temple. There are also several quotations of the Vijayanagara times. Shukra worshipped at this temple on every Friday. There are few popular legends based on this temple such as God Brahma performed penance under the peepal tree and prayed to God Narayana to appear before him. God Perumal appeared before him with his consorts Bhu Devi and Sri Devi. According to another legend, once God Brahma collected earth from River Palar to make an altar to sacrifice at Kanchipuram the images of Kamala Varadaraja Perumal and his consorts were uncovered, and he kept them in this temple and worshipped them.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The temple is in Padaalam village which is 15 km from Chengalpattu. Bus service is available from Chennai to Chengalpattu. Taxis and autos are available from Chengalpattu to reach the temple
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Padaalam and Otivakkais which are 13 km from Tirukalukundram city.
By Air
Chennai airport is the nearby domestic as well as an international airport, located at a distance of 72 km.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
A special puja is organised in the temple during the days of Varalakshmi Vrata and on every Friday. Especially the Fridays during Shukra Hora and during the Tamil month of Aadi and Thai has a significant importance. It is the auspicious time to pay tribute to the goddess.
