Nimishamba Temple

Introduction to the Nimishamba Temple

The Nimishamba Temple is on busy Kasi Chetty Street, Sowcarpet, Chennai. It is a unique temple in Chennai. People from all communities, particularly Kshatriya and Vaishya communities, worship the deity ardently. It is believed that the deity would remove the troubles of her devotees within a minute, and hence, she became known as Nimishamba ('Nimisha' means 'minute' in Tamil). The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board administers and maintains the temple.

Legend of the Nimishamba Temple

According to legend, a King named Muktharaja of the Somavamsha Mutharasa dynasty was granted a boon by Nimishamba during a battle against demons. She promised to help within a minute of his call for help. Her support helped him defeat the demons and established Nimishamba's power to alleviate her devotees' difficulties.

Another legend explains that a few centuries ago, a North Indian came to Sowcarpet. He bought land to construct a house and dug a well. While digging, he found a Panchaloha idol of Nimishamba. As he found his family deity from the well, he donated his land to the temple. Businessmen in the area built the Nimishamba Temple 400 years ago.

The Architecture of the Nimishamba Temple

The Nimishamba Temple lies between busy shops and has a 3-tier small Rajagopuram. It was built in the 18th century and features the South Indian architectural style. The temple faces south and features the shrines of Maha Vishnu, Varasiddhi Vinayagar, Balamurugan, Muktheeshwar, Hanuman, and Shiva to the left of the sanctum. There is a separate shrine for the Navagrahas located behind the sanctum. It is one of the temples Adi Shankara visited.

The presiding deity is Nimishamba, an incarnation of Parvati. She is the embodiment of Iccha, Kriya, and Gnana Shakthi. A Trident and Simha Vahana are before the sanctum. Dwarapalikas are on either side of the sanctum. Nimishamba graces the sanctum facing south with four hands. Her upper hands hold a Trident and a small drum, and her lower hands display Abhaya and Varada Mudras.

There is a Sri Chakra installed before Nimishamba in the sanctum. Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are the Koshta idols around the sanctum. Businessmen in the area visit the Nimishamba Temple before starting their businesses.

Festivals in the Nimishamba Temple

The Nimishamba Temple celebrates Vaishaka Shuddha Dasami as the major festival. Somavamsha Arya Kshatriyas majorly take part in it. Varalakshmi Vratha, Durgashtami, and Nimishamba Jayanthi are other festivals celebrated here. Devotees perform special Poojas on the Full Moon days.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Nimishamba Temple

As Nimishamba vanquished the demon on Dasami Tithi, many devotees visit the Nimishamba Temple on the day of Dasami to worship the deity. They light ghee lamps and pray for her to fulfill their wishes. Devotees are advised to come for 10 Dasami Tithi and light ghee lamps. However, the deity fulfills devotees' wishes within five Dasami. Devotees whose wishes are fulfilled perform Abishekam to the deity and offer Sari and Prasadam.