Pratyangira Devi Temple

Introduction to Prathyangira Devi Temple

Chennai city is famous for its history, culture, lifestyle, and temples. Many ancient and newly built temples are located here. Sri Prathyangira Devi Temple is one such temple built in Sholinganallur, Chennai, in 1998. In 1999, Kumbhabishekam was performed with the blessings of Sringeri Sarathapeedam and Sri Kanchikamkodipedam. The temple is located at the south end of OMR. It is the first exclusive temple for Prathyangira Devi, founded by Sri Prathyangira Swamigal (Sri Atharvana Vedha Sri Peedathipathi, Sri Garuda Kuhha). Prathyangira Devi blesses her devotees here in the Shantha form.

Legend of Prathyangira Devi Temple

There are different legends and origins behind Maha Prathyangira Devi. A few say that she emerged from the third eye of Sarabheswarar (manifestation of Shiva) in the form of a lion and human with 2016 hands, 1008 lion faces, and a blood-spilling, protruding tongue. Her lion and human form symbolizes the balance between good and evil. She is associated with Sri Chakra.

Some legends describe that Parvati Devi, Saraswati Devi, and Lakshmi Devi created Prathyangira Devi to appease the fierce Narasimha after he destroyed the demon king, Hiranyakashipu. When she sat on his thigh, he calmed down.

Other ancient texts say that when two Rishis, Prathyangira and Angiras, were meditating, a nameless goddess appeared through a Moola Mantram. Later she privileged both Rishis by naming herself after them. Since then, she has been called "Prathyangira Devi."

The Architecture of Prathyangira Devi Temple

The Raja Gopuram, built as per Vaastu, is very impressive. Devotees can worship Varahi, Neela Saraswathi, Kalikambal, Ganesha, Muruga, Agni, Narasimha, Anjaneya, Shiva, Guruvayurappa, Saneeswara, Rahu, and Ketu in their respective sanctums.

Sri Panchamukhi Hanuman, Sri Nagaraja Karkodaga Swamy, Garudan, Sri Karupanna Swamy, Indrakshi devi, Dakshinamurthy, Aghora Veerabhadra Swamy, Ashta Parivarars Nagas, Chamunda Bhadrakali, Uchchishta Ganapati, Akasa Lingeswara, and Chandrashtama Ganapati bless their devotees from their sannidhis.

Pilgrims can worship the main deity Pratyangira Devi, sitting in a sukhasana posture, keeping her right leg on a roaring lion. She holds a soolam in her right hand that indicates the removal of fear and obstacles in her devotees' life.

Devotees can feast their eyes on many beautiful murals based on the Puranas and Hindu myths in Prathyangira Devi Temple. It is well-maintained, and the entire temple looks clean.

Festivals of Prathyangira Devi Temple

Navaratri days, Onam and other festivals are celebrated in Prathyangira Devi Temple. On Amavasya (no moon day), Poornima (full moon day), and Sundays, special Yagyas and Poojas are done to ward off evil eyes and bad spirits. Archana and Abishekam are performed to the main deity daily. Annadaanam is performed on Sundays.

Benefits of worshipping in Prathyangira Devi Temple

When worshipping Pratyangira Devi, devotees can achieve self-realization. She protects her devotees from evil eyes, black magic, diseases, accidents, Doshas, wrath, enemies, and hindrances. People with Sarpa Dosha affliction and who get nightmares involving snakes can pray to her for immediate relief. Sprinkling her kumkum at the entrance of a house or all around a house protects it from snakes, other poisonous creatures, and evil spirits.

Reciting her Mantra removes stress and confusion and brings clarity to the mind. It also blesses one with extra-sensory perception to perceive any danger or disaster.