Patala Ponni Amman Temple

The Patala Ponni Amman Temple is located in Kilpauk and is dedicated to Patala Ponni Amman. This is one of the important temples for Mother Goddess located in Chennai city. Ponni Amman is considered to be a grama devata (village god). Ponni Amman is another name for Parvathi, consort of God Shiva. The small idol is found in the sitting posture with four arms. As the idol is found in the pit dug out for a well around 300 years back, the Goddess got the name 'Patala' Ponni Amman. Nandalala Punaravarthana Swarnabandhana Asthabandhana Maha Samprokshanam will take place today at 2 & 4 Dr.Ranga Road, Mylapore. The consecration ceremony (Mahakumbabishekam) of Sri Nandalala has been done in accordance with Vaikaanasa Aagamam. The deity at the santum sanctorum will be adorned with unique jewels —krownja pakshi pathagamandIndra neela pathagam,besides other jewellery. Thepathagamswill be embedded with fine gems such as jade and ruby. Thekrownja pakshi pathakamdepicts a bird with two heads and one body. It is said that anyone adorns the deity with this will be blessed with intelligence and mental strength. Similarly, the Indra neela pathakamwill ensure retention of acquired property for generations. Mandala abhishekam will be conducted for nearly 45 days and those interested can participate. The sanctum of Sri Nandalala itself is unique. It is built of blue granite in Dwaraka style of architecture and the Vimana that comes over the terrace of the sanctum is sculpted of yellow sand stone. The lower structures of the sanctums are made of granite in south Indian architectural style. The idol itself is unique and is made of touchstone (a hard material that it is used to test the purity of gold) and the cow is built of marble from Jaipur. This unique temple for Nandalala was established over 20 years ago. The temple has a number of rituals associated with it. The Navaneetha Kainkarya is held every Thursday. Butter and sugar candy are offered to the deity in a betel leaf. The ‘Oli Haram' ordeepa mala, consisting of 108 lamps, is lit every Friday. Other activities specially held for the welfare of the devotees include Navaneetha Kainkaryam (for better understanding between couples), hoisting of the flag (for success), Mulaipari (to ring in happiness) and others.