Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
A revered Vishnu temple in Adyar established in 1962, known for its three doorways representing the cycle of life.
History
The Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, was founded by the Adyar Hindu Religious Society in 1962. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form as Anantha Padmanabha, resting on the serpent Adisesha. The name translates to "the Lord who emerges from the lotus" (Padmanabha) and "the infinite one" (Anantha). Though inspired by the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, this Chennai temple has developed its own identity and loyal following among residents of Adyar, Kotturpuram, and surrounding areas. The temple hosts regular pujas, homas, and Vaishnavite discourses throughout the year.
Architecture
The temple is built in the Dravidian style with a modest but well-maintained gopuram. The main sanctum features Lord Vishnu in the Anantha Shayana (reclining) posture, with Goddess Lakshmi at his feet. The temple has three doors: the eastern door symbolises birth, the central door represents life, and the western door signifies liberation (moksha). The prakaram (circumambulatory path) includes shrines to Garuda, Hanuman, and the Alvars (Vaishnavite saints).
Visiting Information
Located in Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, accessible by bus and auto-rickshaw from Adyar signal or Kotturpuram. The temple is particularly busy during Vaikunta Ekadasi (December/January), when devotees queue for hours to pass through the Vaikunta Dwaram (gateway to heaven). Thai Poosam and Krishna Jayanthi are also celebrated with special events.
Festivals
Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi
December/JanuaryThe most important 24-hour observance at this temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Vaikunta Dwaram is opened at dawn, and devotees believe that passing through it leads to salvation. The festival spans several days with the deity taken in procession on various vahanas.
Brahmostavam
February/MarchThe grand annual celebration featuring processions of the utsavar (processional deity) through the streets of Gandhi Nagar. Each day features a different vahana, and the final day includes the Theerthavari at the temple tank.
Krishna Jayanthi
August/SeptemberThe birth anniversary of Lord Krishna is celebrated with midnight pujas, butter-pot breaking (uriyadi) competitions, and special alankaram of the deity as baby Krishna.
Events & Activities
Carnatic Music Concerts
CulturalThe temple sabha organises Carnatic music and Harikatha performances during the Margazhi season (December/January), with the aim of nurturing appreciation for classical fine arts among the local community.