The Vadapalani Andavar Temple, dedicated to Murugan, has a fascinating origin story and history rooted in deep devotion and divine experiences. The temple's inception traces back to a humble thatched hut where an ardent devotee of Murugan, Annaswami Nayakar, worshipped a painted portrait of the deity. This makeshift shrine, established around 1890, became the foundation for the grand temple we see today.
Early Beginnings
Annaswamy Nayakar was a devout follower of Murugan, even
though he suffered from a severe stomach ailment. In pursuit of spiritual
solace, he embarked on a pilgrimage to various Murugan temples, enduring harsh
weather and threats from thieves. During his journey, a Sadhu appeared in his
dream, revealing that Murugan resided in his home and could be worshipped
there. Following this vision, Annaswami Nayakar began performing poojas (ritual
worship) to Murugan at his humble abode.
A pivotal moment in his spiritual journey occurred when a
Palani Sadhu advised him to offer his tongue at the Tiruttani shrine of
Murugan. Miraculously, his ailments vanished after he performed this act of
devotion. This strengthened his faith and commitment to Murugan.
Divine Intervention and the Birth of the Temple
During a visit to the southern Palani temple, Annaswami
Nayakar was captivated by a beautiful picture of Murugan but lacked the funds
to purchase it. The following day, the shopkeeper, driven by a divine dream,
gifted the picture to Annaswamy. This sacred image was brought back to his home
in Chennai, where Annaswami's divine experiences intensified. He began
experiencing Arul Vaakku, the ability to speak prophetic truths and offer
solutions to devotees' problems, ranging from educational failures to marital
issues and unemployment.
Recognizing the need for a proper temple, Annaswami Nayakar
expressed his desire to his disciple, Rathinasamy Chettiar. Rathinasamy
Chettiar, equally devoted, agreed to this wish and took on the responsibility
of constructing the temple.
Construction and Legacy
The construction of the temple began in 1865, with Anna Swami Naicker overseeing the process and Rathinasamy Chettiyar commissioning the
creation of the sacred idol of Palaniandavar. During this period, Annaswamy
Nayakar attained spiritual liberation but later appeared in Rathinasamy's
dream, urging him to continue the work. Rathinasamy Chettiyar, honoring his
guru's wishes, carried on the tradition of Arul Vaakku and saw to the temple's
completion.
The sacred idol of Palaniandavar was installed, and the
Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) was performed, marking the official
establishment of the Vadapalani Andavar Temple. The temple quickly became
renowned for its spiritual potency and the miraculous solutions provided by
Rathinasamy Chettiyar during his divine trances.
Continued Tradition
Following Rathinasamy Chettiyar, the temple's spiritual
leadership passed on to Bagyalingam, another devout follower of Murugan. He
continued the Arul Vaakku practice and maintained the temple's ritualistic
proceedings, ensuring the legacy of Annaswami Nayakar's devotion and divine
experiences persisted.
Today, the Vadapalani Andavar Temple stands as a significant
spiritual hub, drawing countless devotees seeking divine intervention and
solutions to their worldly problems. The temple's rich history and the powerful
legacy of its founders continue to inspire and guide the faithful.