Mylapore Shirdi Sai Baba Temple-Chennai-History And Complete Details.

Dear all,
Happy Guruwar /Happy Baba's day.

Drowning myself in the ocean of details and engrossed in reading the details written by Pujya B.V Narsimha Swami ji over and over again about Shirdi Sai Baba, satisfied my heart to some extent. To quench the remainder thirst, I started to dig out who is the blessed soul B.V Narsimha Swami ji?
And searched for his life history. I was satisfied after I learnt in detail about revered swami ji.

Now my inquisitiveness was for the Samaj and Temple initiated, established and propagated in South by the revered Swami ji.

Despite my relentless search I could not satisfy myself. My heart ached also to visit Chennai and have darshan of Mylapore temple but nothing took shape.

For past two years, I had been trying my best, but as mentioned in holy book "God reveals Himself one cannot find HIM”, the same happened in my case. Besides getting few details there was no progress and I was left waiting for the grace of Lord.

Finally one fine day or I should say grace of Lord shined
and He sent His another blessed sevak to my search .Without even mentioning a word to the fellow Sai devotee,this devotee shared me a mail mentioning in subject line "Sai's Gift to Manisha".

This was nothing less than a miracle ,as I read through the mail ,my heart paced fast and I could not believe what I was seeing .As Baba wished, there were 70 latest pictures of Mylapore Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (isn’t it Sai's grace? without even revealing my desire to the fellow devotee I got the nectar in my palm).

My thirst was quenched and I was left satiated after watching them several time. Each word of Swami ji as mentioned in his write ups echoed in my ear and I could witness the virtual trip to Mylapore Temple.

In spreading the Glory of Sai with His will not only did my friend (Sai devotee) gifted me this nectar (I should say to all of us across the globe) but also made few video by blessing of Baba of the Mylapore temple and has shared with all of us.

Sitting in front of computer we are blessed not only to read the Glory of Shirdi Sai but also virtually visit the revered Mylapore Temple through the video and 70 pictures shared with us. Few years back when my heart yearned to go to Mylapore temple I did not know Baba would fulfil it in this manner .I cannot thank the Lord who made this all possible in due course of time as per His wish but also the hands that shared this precious photos and video with all of us again only by Grace of Baba.

Dear reader's I would like to remind you that in another blessed website of Baba Shirdisaibabakripa complete details and Biography of Pujya B.V Narasimha Swami ji "As the flower sheds its frangrance"has been published for first time on any website.There are more than 20 chapters ,devotees who yearn to read them can follow the link provided here.

I have tried my best to collect details on history of Mylapore Sai Baba Temple,All India Sai Samaj along with details of recent Jeernodharana Mahakumbhabhishekam which took place on 15th July 2010.

Last but not the least I would like to mention that 85 photo's of the temple along with aarathi video of the temple are uploaded in coming up next post, devotee's are requested to follow up next post as it is not possible to add large number of photo's and video in this section .Jai Sai Ram .

Mylapore Shirdi Sai Baba Temple-Chennai

Brief History About Temple:

Located on the busy Venkatesa Agraharam Street in Mylapore, is 70 year old the Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, one of the oldest temples dedicated to Sai Baba in South India.The temple, also known as 'Shirdi of the South', it see many devotees from all over the country paying a visit to the temple.

The 70-year-old Sai Baba temple at Mylapore was built to commemorate the saint from Shirdi in Maharashtra.There is no caste and religion for Baba. Every day Sikhs, Muslims and Christians are coming regularly and taking blessings of God in this temple.

In temple five times rituals are continuously being done.

The temple was built by Narasimha Swamiji in 1941. A lawyer by profession, he was an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba.

 In the beginning, he worshipped a picture of Baba under a tamarind tree on the street where the temple is now located.

Later, he moved the picture to a small house in Nanjunda Rao Colony in Mylapore. Swamiji constructed the present temple with help from his friend J.D. Pannalal, and performed the first consecration.

Dear readers I would like to give a detail insight about how the temple came into existence and who all were made instrumental by Baba in the construction of this temple.

As we all know Narasimha Swamiji, an ardent devotee of Sai Baba, founded the All India Sai Samaj, in Chennai, and later he built the temple in the heart of the city.The aim was to serve humanity, the downtrodden in particular.

"That's the best way to serve Baba," Narasimha Swamiji would say.

Free dispensary, a school, library, poor feeding and other activities were taken up by the Sai Samaj and other Upasamaj units all over the country.

Seshadri Ji say’s"The temple was only incidental,". "Narasimha Swami lived in a shed in the temple premises and with my own eyes I have seen mongoose and snakes playing with each other, dogs and cats in total amity and kittens being suckled by a dog inside the temple," the septuagenarian's eyes turn moist. 


"The temple is a result of one man's toil but you will not find Narasimha Swamiji's name anywhere in the temple."

The temple later gained a pristine look through the efforts launched by the Sai Samaj, which then had Seshadri as its secretary and J. D. Pannalal as treasurer.

Narasimha Swamiji, a lawyer who led the life of a sanyasi, chanced to go to Shirdi and learn about Sai Baba, the saint was known only in Maharashtra.(Readers can read complete life history of Shri Narasimha Swami ji published as "As the flower sheds its fragrance" first time in internet ,detail and more than 20 chapter are posted in Shirdisaibabakripa webiste and one can read by clicking Here)

Initially when Narasimha Swami built the temple for Sai Baba, he wanted only a picture placed at the sanctum sanctorum. Over the years things changed and Muthu Venkatraman, a devotee, had the idol of Baba installed at the temple in 1987.

S.R.V. Jayakar, a devotee of Baba, drew a portrait of the saint and placed it at the Dwarakamayi-Shirdi.

N.K Subba Rao wanted a similar picture for the Mylapore temple. And the person who drew it was none other than Jayakar's son himself.

The picture was brought to Mylapore and placed in front of the "dhuni."

People like Bhima Rao (who was nominated president by Narasimha Swami), M. K. Nambiar and Kesava Rao have worked for the glory of the temple.

"The Samaj doesn't believe in asking devotees for money. His teachings that promised the devotee that a good turn would come back to the giver ten fold and the words `take one step towards me and I shall take 10,' worked like magic.

Universal Love was Baba's religion and those affected by the sentiment were many. Justice M. B. Rege, a favourite of Baba even when he was a child, came down to Chennai to inaugurate Sai Vidyalaya, now a matriculation school, that has grown with the funds secured from the temple.

A small note on All India Sai Samaj(AISS) as established by Narshimha Swami ji.:

The All India Sai Samaj was started by Swamiji in 1941 and was first located in a small rented room in Venkatachala Mudali Street, Triplicane, Madras.

From there it was shifted on 13-4-1942 to a rented house No. 2/14 at T.S.V. Koil Street in Mylapore, Madras.

The house owner was scared at finding a dead rat in the house and no one was prepared to live in that house. When the information was passed on to Swamiji by Sri Panini Rao, immediately Swamiji took up that house and Sai Mandir was housed there.

Sai worship dispelled all evils and doubts and when the owner got a good price by selling the house, Swamiji shifted the Sai Mandir to Dr. Nanjunda Rao's house at Brodies Road, (now R-K. Mutt Road) Mylapore on 1-9-1943.

Sai worship continued there till January, 1949. When that house was needed by the owners, the Mandir was shifted to a compound in Sri Thyagaraja lyer's (Advocate) house at Vonkatesa Agrahara very near to present place on 14-1-1949.

Meanwhile funds were raised for purchase of a plot for finding a permanent place for Sri Sai Mandir.

In Aug-Sept 1951, Swamiji arranged to perform Homas for the welfare of humanity.

By the support of the public and ardent work by Swamiji's close devotees. Sri M. D. Krishnamurthy, Sri V. K. Pandulu, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji and Sri J.D. Pannalal, the land where the present plot of land housing the Mandir was purchased .

Sai Mandir was constructed and the Samaj moved in ,on 7-7-1952, Guru Poornima day. The adjoining place, where the centenary Hall has been constructed and where all AISS conferences are being held, was acquired later.

The Sai Mandir has been built step by step by the efforts of the Sai devotees with their devotion and selfless service at the feet of our Gurudev B.V Narasimha Swamiji.

The period 1951 to 1960 witnessed the speedy growth and consolidation of All India Sai Samaj.

The Maha Kumbabhisheham was performed on 19-10-1953 after performance of various Homam etc. in the immediate presence and blessings of Swamiji, Sri Thambaiappakkam Arunachala Sastrigal did all religious rites with great fervor and enthusiasm.

One of the greatest devotees of Sai Baba, Sri Dasganu Maharaj once said, "A jeweller, like Sri Narasimha Swamiji knows the value of a gem and will not rest till he brings the brilliance of the crystal to the peoples' notice."

The Sai Free dispensary was started by Sri Narasimhaswamiji, with. Dr. Mahadevan as its first doctor. There was also a Homeopathy wing. Many doctors are doing honorary service even now. At least about 30 to 50 patients are being treated daily. A Dental wing was opened in 1962 in grateful remembrance and homage to Sri V. K. Pantulu.

The Narasimha Swamiji Free Reading Room and Library was inaugurated in 1957 by Sri B. N. Datar, the then Minister of State for Home Affairs in the Cabinet.

Sri S. Seshadri, Sri M. S. Srinivasan, Sri S. Vittal Rao, Sri B. S. Padmanabhan and many others did tremendous service in the opening of Library.

The Zinc Sheet shed that was housing AISS was replaced by a concrete slab, the first of its kind with no pillars in the Hall, and this work was done just in time for the grand celebrations in July 1966.

Sri S. Janakiraman, Engineer, and his nephew Sri G. Seshan were responsible for this monumental construction of a pucca roof for the Main Hall of AISS.

Sri Bhagawataswami of Pudukottai opened the Hall. This decade saw the starting of Sai Vidyalaya and the school was inaugurated at the sacred hands of Sri M.B. Rege in 1967.

It was great fortune that AISS got the guidance and active participation of Sri M.B. Rege from 1965 to 1971 in all activities of AISS and in the Shirdi tours organised and at the Madras and Bangalore conventions.

Sri R. Natesan took over as Secretary in 1970, AISS had Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji to guide as President of AISS.

Sri R. Natesan was responsible for the pictorial depiction of "Life of Sai Baba" in beautiful and attractive paintings which adorn Main Hall. This indeed is of great help and attracts all devotees who are all able to see the important events of Sri Sai's life in pictures, so well drawn by Sri Kandaswmy of Sai Arts.

The Padhukas of Sri Sai Baba were brought from Shirdi to Nellore and from Nellore to Madras, AISS.

The devotees worshipped the Padhukas, and it was indeed the grace of Sri Sai and proof of His assurance that He continues to protect and guide us in AISS activities.

It was on 2nd Fehuary 1987 the Marble statue of Sri Sai Baba was installed without in any way disturbing the present sanctum sanctorum and preserving intact the legacy left by our Swamiji, and AISS is continuing to worship Sri Sai Baba Portrait placed by our Swamiji in the Main Mandir.

According to K. Thangaraj, secretary, All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, which maintains and administers the temple, "This is the only temple where devotees are allowed to touch, garland and photograph the idol. We consider the picture worshipped by Narashima Swamiji, the moolasthana. We installed a marble statue of Baba 16 years ago."

"This temple is unique," says Suban Singh, treasurer. "On Thursdays a Muslim gentleman chants the Koran at about 4.30 p.m. and on Sundays we have a Bible reading, apart from bhajans on Thursdays".

"We have been doing some minor renovation work and are constructing an arch at the entrance of the temple," says Thangaraj.

The samadhi of Sri Narasimha Swamiji is located inside this temple. On Thursdays about 1,000 people take part in the annadhanam and on other days prasadham is offered to devotees. Offerings in the form of rice, dhal and sugar are accepted and there are three huge vessels for this purpose.

Many festivals are organised here, the most important one being the 10-day Navarathri celebration, which ends on Mahasamadhi day, which falls on Vijayadasami. Guru Poornima is also celebrated.

The members also celebrate the birth anniversary of Narasimha Swamiji every year on August 21", says Karunakaran, vice-president.

"People from all over the country visit the temple for darshan," he adds. Located in the heart of the city, the temple attracts everyone who believes in Sai Baba. Last year, the diamond jubilee celebrations were organised and many participated in the devotees' convention.

On Thursdays, the temple is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on other days it is open from 5 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Kumbha Abhiskeham:

The Jeernodharana Mahakumbhabhishekam of the Sri Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore took place on July 15 ,2010 with a expense of 50 lakhs.

Ashtabandhan Maha Kumbahabishegam, Poojia Shri Narasima Swamy’s statue prathistam and Maha Kumbahabisheg Vaibav was held on 5th of July .

Thousands of devotees attended the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, or consecration, of saint Sri Sai Baba.

Pictures of Kumbhabishgam:

The celebrations began on July 11 with a Vigneswara pooja. It was followed by sumangali pooja, vaasthu shanthi and vaduka pooja. The next day dhana pooja, kumbha alankaram and poornahuthi were conducted.

Vishesha Shanthi, vigneswara pooja, purification ceremony and deepardhana were daily rituals.

At around 9.45 a.m. the urn containing the holy waters kept ready near the deity inside the temple was taken to the vimanams for the consecration. It was followed by the kumbabhishekam of the two gopurams the main deity and the Narasimha Swamiji (founder of the temple) - between 10.30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The consecration of a new hall was also held. It is dedicated to Sri Narasimha Swamiji. A statue of swamiji is placed here.

Food was freely distributed to devotees and others.

The gopuram and the temple premises were beautifully decorated. A large number of devotees gathered on Thursday morning to witness the Kumbhabhishekam.

More than 30 priests from the famous Meenakshi Temple of the state's Madurai city had come to the temple a week before to conduct rituals and chanting from the vedas.

The celebrations began on Sunday and concluded on Thursday at the Sri Sai Baba temple in Mylapore.

The celebrations had a new panchaloha statue of Baba, which was taken out in a procession at 5 p.m. The devotees carried the statue around the four Mada streets of Mylapore, and moved on to R.K. Mutt Road, Alamelumangapuram and returned to Venkatesa Agraharam. A four and a half feet marble statue of Narasimha Swamiji was also made.

Prasadams was distributed throughout the day. Those who visited the temple were given a bag containg a food packet, vibhuthi and kumkum. The aim was to reach the packet to everyone. A lorry was stationed outside the temple with the prasadam packets.

Doctors had volunteered to give medical aid in case of emergencies. Metro water lorries were provided wih drinking water to the lakhs of devotees throughout the day.

A wave of divine exuberance pervaded the ambience as devotees enjoyed the ecstatic mix of supreme bliss, faith and peace.

Details of Renovation of Temple:

All India Sai Samaj Mandir at Mylapore, Chennai Tamilnadu is the oldest institution. It is the first Sai Baba Temple in the entire Chennai. Sri Narasimha Swamy was the founder member of this temple.

Now during the year 2009- 2010. There has been lot of alterations done to this temple. A old building behind the temple which housed the samadhi of Sri Narasimha Swami ji has been demolised & a new Meditation hall is been constructed at the same place.

Sai Baba's Chamber has been modified with false roofing with Jaipur Art work & also Centralised Air Conditioner Unit has been installed to help baba beat the Souring heat of Chennai .

“Two gopurams have been built for this occasion. The one above the main deity(Shirdi Sai Baba) is 37 feet high and the other above the new hall (specially constructed for Narasimha Swamiji) is 23 feet.

A three-storied structure has been constructed behind the sanctum sanctorum, at a cost of Rs. 3.5 crores. A meditation hall, prayer chamber for Narasimha Swamiji, meeting hall, office rooms and a modernised kitchen occupy an area of 16, 000 square feet.

The old kitchen has been modified into a prayer hall where the Koran will be read on Thursdays and those who believe in Christ can also come and light candles there,” said Mr. Thangaraj.

The interior of the shrine is aesthetically designed with white marble stones at a cost of Rs. 12 lakhs and the walls of the shrine holds a arch made of gold. The marble throne on which the deity is seated will be covered with a gold plating.For Shirdi Sai Baba, thiruvaachi made of silver is been built.

The old door near the main deity has been replaced by a finely carved teak one. The frames near the same will be plated with silver. The padhuka behind the main deity will also be plated with gold. The cost of refurbishing the temple has been borne by the devotees.

Mr. Thangaraj said that 3 crores of money has been spent on the premises of the temple construction .

He also added that new cottage, meditation center, administrative office,library,well modernized kitchen and other facilities for the temple with marble flooring are being made.

For the convenience of the Shirdi Sai Baba followers, the pavement of the shrine has been expanded. And moreover annathanam will begin from morning itself and for this special places have been allocated.

Photo’s and videos of Mylapore Sai temple are coming up in next post :


Address:

All India Sai Samaj (Regd.)
Alamelumangapuram,
Mylapore,
Chennai - 600 004
Tamil Nadu
India

Phone No: 044 – 24640784

Website: www.allindiasaisamaj.org

Location:


Near Thirumailai Railway Station - Mylapore.
Lord Kapaleeswar Temple Tank - Mylapore.

Bus Route:


Mylapore Tank or Mylapore Luz / 29C, 21, 21G, 1, 1A, 1C, 5D, 5B, 12B


Coming Next:
Photo's and Video's of Mylapore Sai Baba Temple. 


Wallpaper-Designed by R.Kouwshigan

©SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE INFORMATION

Loading