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Chettipunniyam Temple, referred to as Sri Yoga Hayagriva Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Chettipunniyam, Tamil Nadu. The primary deity, master of wisdom and God of knowledge is depicted as a horse-headed god otherwise known as Hayagriva. The temple, which was initially constructed for Lord Varadharaja, was expanded in 1848 when Hayagreeva and Devanath deities from Thiruvendhipuram were rehabilitated into the temple to preserve them from invasion. Also, Vedanta Desika, a famous saint, used to chant the Garuda Mandhiram in this place.
Quick Facts About Chettipunniyam Temple
Chettipunniyam Temple Address: Sri Yoga Hayagriva Seva Samithi, Chettipunniyam Village, Singaperumalkoil, Chennai 603204
Chettipunniyam Temple Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (40 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Singaperumal Koil Railway Station (3 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Chettipunniyam Temple Location
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Chettipunniyam Temple is in Chettipunniyam Village of Chengalpet taluk, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. The roads near the temple are Bajanai Koil Street, Gandhi Street, and Jubilee Road. National Highway 205 connects Chettipunniyam to major cities in Chennai. The temple is surrounded by local agricultural fields and similar temples dedicated to Ayyanar and Murugan.
How To Reach Chettipunniyam Temple
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Singaperumalkoil is well connected by road to all major cities in Tamil Nadu. Buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws are available to reach the Chettipunyam temple.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, approximately 40 km by road. After landing, you may hire a taxi or bus to Singaperumal Koil and then a small auto rickshaw ride to the temple.
By Rail: The temple is 3 km away from Singaperumal Koil Railway Station. Take a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the temple from the railway station.
By Road: If you are driving, it’s approximately 30 km via GST Road from Chennai. Buses also run to drop you off at Singaperumalkoil. Then, catch an autorickshaw, which is available 24/7 from Singaperumalkoil junction.
Things To Do At Chettipunniyam Temple
There are various activities to engage in while you visit the temple for the best experience.
1. Attend Regular Traditions And Celebrations
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From attending the regular traditions and celebrations of Chettipunniyam Temple to feeling the vibrant spiritual-cultural life, experience the temple’s ambience. Visit the daily poojas and rituals, where hundreds of devotees flock to come together and offer their prayers and seek blessings for wisdom & knowledge. With calm surroundings in the temple, you can meditate and contemplate. You can attend the popular Brahmotsavam festival, a grand celebration with colourful processions and traditional music & dance performances. Attending such events gives you the golden opportunity to get in touch with God and sample the culture from richer times.
2. Study The Complexities Of Dravidian Architecture
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In Chettipunniyam, the architecture of the Shri Yoga Hirgavay Temple is stunning and intricate, showing the work of ancient Tamils. The temple’s entrance has a simple but graceful gopuram decorated with various beautiful figures of gods and mythical animals. This small but significant tower acts as a sentinel towards the people, representing Vishnu guarding the entrance and demonstrating the influence of Dravidian styles of architecture. The temple has massive hallways and contains huge carved pillars with geometric designs and motifs found in the southern part of India. The temple’s inner sanctum is remarkable with the dark stone used in its interiors.
Places To Visit Around Chettipunniyam Temple
After visiting the temple, you can explore the nearby places with unique, exquisite temples, museums, and hill stations.
1. Singaperumal Koil Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Padalathri Narasimhar Temple, or Singaperumalkoil Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his avatar of Narasimha. Constructed by the Pallavas in the 8th century, this temple is located at Singaperumalkoil. An ancient temple famous for its rock-cut architecture and beautiful sculptures. The principal deity is in the ferocious form of Narasimha, and his spouse, Ahobilavalli, is revered here. It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Vaishnavite tradition, and at least 13,000 people visit this Thirumala each day. The Temple draws millions during festivals like Chittirai Brahmotsavam and Narasimha Jayanthi.
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Distance: 5 km
2. Sri Yoga Anjaneyar Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sri Yoga Anjaneyar Temple is a famous temple housing Lord Hanuman and is located in Sholingur town of Vellore district in Tamil Nadu. Popular legend has it that a 13-year-old Aanjaneya Ammal once dreamt that God Hanuman appeared to her and suggested she build a temple there. The idol of the temple was found in the year 1930. The temple, situated on a hillside, is renowned for possessing the curative elegance and ambience of tranquil nature. It is unique as it shows the deity Hanuman in a yoga pose facing towards the west. The temple has around 400 steps to climb up before reaching the top, which makes it more efficient to connect spiritually with the environment.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Distance: 53 km
3. Sri Yoga Vinayagar Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sri Yoga Vinayagar Temple is a beautiful temple with Lord Ganesha, located in Sholingur town and near Vellore city. This temple is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and religious sanctity, and people pray to god for knowledge and success. The temple is architecturally gentle in form, with decorative and colourful architecture in the Dravidian style. The five-day festival is of particular significance in India and even beyond, with worshippers coming from different parts to celebrate the annual festivity of Vinayaka Chaturthi. The peaceful surroundings of the temple and its cultural legacy attract pilgrims and several tourists.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Distance: 43 km
4. Sri Maha Bhairavar Rudra Alayam
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Located in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, Sri Maha Bhairavar Rudhra Alayam is a temple dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple trait lies in its circled sanctum sanctorum, which has two parts, and while leaving, devotees are advised not to turn their back. It draws devotees to seek blessings, particularly on special poojas and rituals offered to Lord Bhairava. Every sculpture and panel of the temple is a master representation in the stonework that abstracts Bhairavar’s many variants. Rituals include interesting offerings, such as the eight prized oils for the Ashtami puja.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Distance: 10 km
5. Gnanapureeswarar Temple
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Gnanapureeswarar Temple is located in Chengalpattu city, Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Gnanapureeswarar in self-manifested lingam (Swayambhu Murti). The temple is characterised by the calm backwater and its distinct architecture. It is significant in the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the seven royal temples, with each representing a chakra of the human body. The deity is praised by great Tamil poets such as Tirugnana Sambanthar and Sundaramurthi and has its own place among the 275 paadal petra sthalams.
Timings: 7 AM – 11 AM, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Distance: 17 km
Where To Stay
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There are ample accommodation options near Chettipunniyam Temple for you to consider. Hotel Singaperumalkoil, whose facilities are close to the temple, includes basic amenities and is a budget-friendly choice. Another option is the comfortable rooms at Hotel Green Park, which are 2 km away. You can choose to stay at mid-range hotels like Hotel Chennai Residency, which is around 5 km from the temple and serves a more upscale experience. You can choose to stay in luxury at Hotel Chennai Grand, located nearly 10 km from this temple. All these options ensure that when visitors come here, they can find a place to stay and soak in the calm and quietness of Chettipunniyam Temple.
Where To Eat
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One of the local eateries that serve authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine for a traditional dining experience near Chettipunniyam Temple is Hotel Singaperumalkoil, which has authentic Vegetarian Dosas, Idlis, and Sambar. There are also several small cafes in the vicinity of the temple where you can grab breakfast comprising vada and chutney with filter coffee and traditional steamed lentil dumplings paired with tangy coconut dip. If you want to dig deeper, check out the variety of restaurants in Chengalpattu and Chennai that serve Chettinad cuisine with bold flavours and strong spices. Make it a point to taste Chettinad Chicken Curry and Mutton Chukka, which are typical of the region.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Tourists:
When visiting the temple, dress appropriately to respect local customs and traditions. Take plenty of water. Avoid visiting during peak hours to get a more serene and spiritual experience.
Average Cost Of The Trip:
For a weekend trip, budget for ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per head. This cost estimate includes transport, lodging, and food. In the vicinity of the temple, cost-effective guesthouses and mid-range hotels provide comfortable stays. On-site dining is available, with Indian food suited to local tastes.
Located in the serene village near Singaperumalkoil, the Chettipunniyam Temple is a scenic beauty of history and devotion. A visit to the temple promises a fulfilling & memorable experience. For a faithful pilgrim or an inquisitive traveller, whatever your requirement may be, this temple has something different for everyone. So, plan your visit with TripXL and explore the best temples of Tamil Nadu.
Cover Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pnglife/ / Wikimedia Commons
