In Chennai, India, next to Elliott's Beach, there is a Hindu temple called Ashtalakshmi Kovil. The temple honors the goddess Lakshmi and her eight principal manifestations, known collectively as the Ashtalakshmi, who is the source of all eight types of wealth, including children, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge. Visitors can visit the shrines without going over any sanctum because they are arranged on a multi-tier structure. THINGS TO DO AT ASHTALAXMI KOVLI: • Learn about the religious significance: Goddess Lakshmi is beleived to have emerged from the ocean when the Devas and Asuras were churning the Milky Ocean. The deity that bestows Ashtama Siddhi (eight-fold success) and Ashta Aishwaryam is Goddess Ashtalakshmi (eight-fold wealth). The Vilvam, the temple's Sthala Vriksham, is unique because Goddess Mahalakshmi lives there. Due to the temple's proximity to the ocean, there is no temple tank, and the Bay of Bengal serves as the temple's holy tank. • Observe the design combines modern and historic Dravidian elements: The Ashtanga Vimana (eight-sided tower), an ancient type of structure, served as a model for the temple's construction. This fashion has its roots in Tirukkotiyur, where Sri Ramanuja studied under Tirukkotiyur Nambi and learned the significance of the Ashtakshara mantra. The Ashtalakshmi temple's design resembles the sound 'Aum,' known as Omkarakshetra. The temple was designed after the Sundhararaja Perumal Temple in the Kancheepuram district panchayat town of Uthiramerur. As a multi-tiered complex, the temple sanctums have been constructed to allow visitors to all shrines without crossing any sanctum. • Observe the temple related rituals that are unique and noteworthy: According to Vedic law, the temple rigorously adheres to the Aarukala Pooja system (six poojas daily). The lamps in the temple are only lit with ghee by the priests. Special poojas are dedicated to the Goddess on Fridays in the Tamil months of Thai (January–February) and Aadi (July–August). The holy baths Thirumanjanam and Archanas are performed by devotees. The devotees distribute the Neivethanam (holy offering) to other devotees at the temple. • Celebrations at the Ashtalakshmi Temple Pavitra Utsavam, Dhanur Masa Pooja, Janmashtami, Navratri, Deepawali, Karthigai Deepam, English New Year, Pongal, and Tamil New Year's Day are all observed in the temple. • Bask in the glory of moonlight here: This magical temple has stunning nighttime lights. And as one approaches the temple's entrance, the tranquility of the area and the pervasive sweetness of the incense's perfume enchant the senses. The sound of the Bay of Bengal may constantly be heard in the background. The high, narrow stairs must be climbed to get to the temple's summit
Odaimanagar Beach Rd Besant Nagar, Chennai (Madras) 600090 India