About the Temple:Situated in Padaalam village, 15 km from Chengalpet, the ancient temple of Sundara Mahalakshmi is said to represent the mother of all the 64 forms of the Goddess Lakshmi and each form represents wealth, well being and treasures. The Goddess Sundara MahaLakshmi is seen in the seated Padmasana Lotus posture with both hands in abhaya hastham. The temple is edged with Aishwarya Shakti, Shukra Shakti and Kubera Shakti. Sundara Mahalakshmi has 6 toes on the right leg. Six is Shukra’s number, hence it is believed that Mahalakshmi rules Shukra’s power to bestow prosperity.
Temple BackSide View
The temple of Sundara Mahalakshmi also has a shrine of Perumal. The main deity is Sri Kamala Varadharaja Perumal who is believed to be a saligramma. The Kamala Varadaraja Perumal idol is in the standing posture with four arms. His upper arms hold the conch and the discus while lower right hand holds a lotus and lower left hand has a mace.
Temple Goddess Idol
Next to the main shrine is the Gayathri vastu Mandapam hall which consists of 24 Gayathri Beejakshara Shakti pillars. The shrine of Thayar appears as a separate temple which is consist of small but beautiful Mandapam. The shrine has musical pillars which are made of echoing stones. It produces musical notes when tapped. The images of Vishvaksena, Sri Vedanta Desika and Sri Manavala Mamuni can be seen in this temple.
The temple entrance is known as Shree Purandhan vassal doorway. The main shrine as well as temple faces west. A huge Mandapam can be seen in the front of the main sanctum. The temple walls are engraved with messages and writings. All the inscriptions are dated to the Chola times.
Temple FrontSide View
The temple is also an ideal place to worship navgrahas. Each of the nine lords represents the navgrahas and their consorts worshiped Shri Sundara Mahalakshmi at this temple.
According to legend, Shukra worshipped at this temple on every Friday.
Festivals and Celebrations:
A special puja is organized in the temple during the the days of Varalakshmi Vrata and on every Friday.
Especially the Fridays during Shukra Hora and during the Tamil month of Aadi and Thai has a significant importance. It is the auspicious time to pay tribute to the goddess.How to reach:
By Road: The temple is in Padaalam village which is 15 km from Chengalpattu. Bus service is available from Chennai to Chengalpattu. Taxis and autos are available from Chengalpattu to reach the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Padaalam and Otivakkais which are 13 km from Tirukalukundram city
By Air: Chennai airport is the nearby domestic as well as an international airport, located at a distance of 72 km.
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