Sri Utthara Guruvayoorappan Temple
Nanganallur, a suburban area between St. Thomas Mount and Meenambakkam in Chennai, with its verdant paddy fields, transformed into a residential hub for the middle-class populace in the early 1960s. By 1970, a few small independent houses dotted the area, gradually forming a small township. Residents, seeking to utilize their leisure time productively for societal betterment, came together and established an association in 1968 under the guidance of Dr. T. V. Radhakrishna Sastry, an Ayurvedic Physician and a proficient scholar in Tamil, Sanskrit, and English. Originally unnamed, the association evolved into Sri Guruvayoorappan Asthika Samajam.
The association commenced regular study circles and debates on topics ranging from Puranas, Ithihasas, to Vedas and Bhajans, held every Sunday and other holidays. During one such debate, Sri Gopalakrishnan, a broad-minded bank officer, pledged to donate a piece of land to the association if it could be utilized for the temple dedicated to Lord Sri Guruvayoorappan. This generous offer led to the acquisition of land and the subsequent establishment of a prayer hall.
Subsequently, another devotee of Lord Sri Guruvayoorappan, Sri P. V. Subramaniam, contributed additional land for the construction of a thatched shed, serving as a service center and prayer hall. Regular poojas were conducted, and the service-oriented activities of the association continued to flourish. However, the members aspired to construct a permanent temple for Lord Sri Guruvayoorappan but were apprehensive due to financial constraints. Seeking divine guidance, an Asthamangala prasnam was conducted by Bhramasri Vishnu Nambudiri of Pudusseri.
The prasnam revealed fascinating insights into the area’s history, including its association with saints and the divine assurance given to Saint Bilwamangal by Lord Sri Guruvayoorappan regarding the construction of a temple. Encouraged by these revelations, the association proceeded with the construction of the temple, adhering to Kerala architectural style.
Over the years, the temple underwent renovations and expansions, with significant contributions from dedicated members and donors. Despite facing challenges, the Samajam successfully completed various projects, including the construction of Sri Narayana Pravachana Mandapam and the renovation of the temple premises.
Today, the Sri Guruvayoorappan Asthika Samajam invites all devotees to visit the temple and participate in its activities, embracing the positive changes that come with divine blessings.
Sri Utthara Guruvayoorappan Temple Samajam,
Sri Guruvayoorappan Asthika Samajam,
operating hours:
- Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday (Good Friday): 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Hours might differ)
- Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Address : Plot No:21, 2nd Main Road, Ram Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai – 600 061.
Telephone: 91-44-22672283.
Email Id : info@uttharaguruvayoorappan.org .
