AstaLakshmi Temple, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Kovil is a Hindu temple and lies on the shorelinesof Bay of Bengal, which is also called Elliot's beach, in Chennai, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who, according to the Hindu mythology, is the giver all eight forms of wealth, namely, offspring, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge.
In this temple the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi are present in four levels. The shrine of Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu are in level two. One starts the worship from here. One can take the stairs and the path leads to third floor which has the shrines of Santhanalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi, Vidyalakshmi and Gajalakshmi. Then again take a few steps and we reach the shrrine of DhanaLakshmi, which is the only shrine on the fourth floor. Exiting the main shrine, in the first level, there are shrines for Aadilakshmi, Dhaanya lakshmi and Dharyalakshmi. The temple also has Dasavathara's(10 incarnations of Vishnu), Guruvayoorapan, Ganapati, Dhanwanthari and Anjaneyar deities.
The Vedas and Puranas say that Goddess Lakshmi has emerged out of the oceans when the Devas and Asuras churned the Milky Ocean. Mahavishnu married Her and They both fulfill the desires of the devotees. Goddess Lakshmi is the deity who grants the Eightfold Achievements (Ashtama Siddhis) and Eightfold Wealth( Ashta Iswaryam). As both Mahavishnu and Mahalakshmi(with Her eight forms) reside in this temple it is known as the Ashtalakshmi Temple. It is befitting to have a temple constructed and consecrated on the shores facing the sea for Goddess Lakshmi whose birthplace is the sea.
The temple is constructed with Ashtanga Vimana in the tower in the Omkara design. The shadow of the tower does not fall on the ground. The design is similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur.
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Address: Beach Rd,Besant nagar,Odaimanagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600092
Phone:044 2446 6777 
Post a Comment