Sthala Puranam
He who has nothing, who sleeps upon the white serpent Adisesha,
The beloved adorned with a forest garland, the dark-hued one (Kaarvannan),
Who places his conch-bearing hand upon the waist (of Thayar) and smiles gently,
The one praised by the earth and revered by noble souls,
Who remains patiently, with a face overflowing with compassion
He, the soft and gentle Lord of Melvenpakkam,
Is the golden support for those who long to see His divine face,
He uplifts the soul and stands incomparable, ever gracious.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a poetic English version preserving the style and rhythm of the original.
Sthala Puranam
Melvenpakkam – Sthala Puranam
Our vast and ancient land of Bharat (India) is adorned with thousands of temples that stretch from east to west and from north to south. Among these, many sacred shrines have been completely abandoned over time either due to foreign invasions or, sadly, due to the negligence of our own people. One of the most ancient, pure, and spiritually significant among such forgotten shrines is the Melvenpakkam Thiruchanidhi.
Every country has a central theme or identity. As Swami Vivekananda beautifully stated, “Every country has a theme of its own, and for India, it is religion.” When we reflect upon this truth, it becomes clear that we have, unfortunately, failed to preserve the spiritual legacy and glory of the countless temples across this land—temples filled with divine grace and timeless heritage.
The Melvenpakkam Thiruchanidhi is a shrine that dates back to all four Yugas. It is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) temple where both Thayar (Goddess Lakshmi) and Perumal (Lord Vishnu) have taken form in the sacred Saligrama stone. Their divine rule over this land of Melvenpakkam, a Swayam Vyakta Kshetra (self-manifested sacred site), is a spiritual majesty that cannot be described in mere words.
In this shrine beyond the bounds of time, the Lord’s divine form manifested in varying sizes during each Yuga — 11 feet tall in Satya Yuga, 9 feet in Treta Yuga, 6 feet in Dvapara Yuga, and just 2.5 feet in the current Kali Yuga. The sheer beauty of this divine form of Thayar and Perumal is so enchanting that even a thousand eyes would not be enough to behold it. Worship in this temple is conducted according to the sacred Pancharatra Agama tradition, preserving ancient customs and spiritual discipline.
With a blooming smile and a broad divine chest, the Lord is seen seated in blissful union with Sri Mahalakshmi, His divine consort, who rests gracefully on His left lap. This glorious image of the Lord in gentle embrace of the Mother Goddess is a rare and wondrous vision—a divine blessing that cannot be seen even across many lifetimes.
Such a pure and soul-soothing darshan (divine vision) of the Lord, which brings comfort to both the eyes and the heart, seems to hold the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) in its eternal embrace. One might even feel as though the sages themselves, overwhelmed by devotion, have chosen to stay forever in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), standing eternally in prayer at the sides of the Lord across all four Yugas, without even the thought of leaving.
It is believed that Atri Maharishi stands directly behind Thayar and Perumal, while Bhrigu, Kutsa, and Vasishtha Maharishis stand to the right of the Lord, and Gautama, Kashyapa, and Angirasa Maharishis stand to His left. When we witness this eternal worship, we are left with the deep realization that neither words, nor devotion, nor even penance can truly capture the greatness, antiquity, and divine glory of this sacred Goddess and her Lord.
It is believed through sacred tradition that Mahatmas and Rishis continuously offer uninterrupted worship—that is, throughout the day—to Melvenpakkam Thayar and Perumal. Though we may not possess the spiritual strength (tapas) to behold these great souls directly, it is believed and experienced by many that even the gentle breeze carrying the essence of these Mahatmas can help cleanse us of our karmic burdens.
At this divine kshetra (sacred site) of Melvenpakkam, there is a widely held belief that even before the temple priests begin the early morning rituals, a Mahatma or Rishi would have already performed puja (worship) to Thayar and Perumal. Some priests deeply devoted to Thayar and Perumal have shared that at the moment they open the sanctum doors in the early morning, they sense subtle signs of this divine occurrence.
The main deity (Moolavar) of this temple is Sri Yuganarayana Perumal, accompanied by Sri Swatantra Lakshmi Thayar—a unique and divine form of Sri Lakshmi who stands independently in power and grace. Both the Goddess and the Lord are enshrined on a highly mystical pedestal that combines the energies of Kurma (tortoise), Gaja (elephant), and Sarpa (serpent), known for granting subtle spiritual benefits.
The Utsavar (processional deity) is Sri Kalyana Govindaraja Perumal, along with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, and Thayar is Sri Mangala Lakshmi Piratti. The sanctum (garbhagriha) of this temple is said to be filled with spiritual intricacies, as revealed by the late Sri A.M. Rajagopalan Swamigal, a great Mahatma, astrologer, and former editor of Kumudam Jothidam magazine. According to him, the sanctum at Melvenpakkam radiates intense divine heat (spiritual energy).
There is also a belief that to cool this heat, the Ganga river herself flows mystically beneath the sanctum, directly under the peetam (pedestal) of Thayar and Perumal, providing them with soothing divine coolness.
Moreover, it is believed that a great Siddha Purusha (enlightened being), endowed with all Ashtama Siddhis (eight divine powers), is seated directly beneath the pedestal, immersed in deep penance. This Siddha is also believed to be the one who performs the early morning puja to the divine couple before the priests arrive. It is said that by the combined grace of Thayar, Perumal, and this Siddha Purusha, those who worship continuously and with devotion at Melvenpakkam will eventually attain the Ashtama Siddhis themselves.
One of the rarest aspects of this temple is that both Thayar and Perumal are seated facing north, which is extremely uncommon in temple architecture. Because of this, the temple is considered a Nitya Swarga Vasal (eternal gateway to heaven). It is truly a Bhooloka Vaikuntam Vaikuntam (the abode of Lord Vishnu) on Earth. Therefore, by worshiping here continuously, one receives the blessing of eternal Vaikunta darshan.
The eternal celestial being Sri Adiseshan, who is a Nitya Suri, is believed to have descended from the left divine shoulder of the Lord and taken the form of the Kaustubha mala (divine garland). In this form, he is said to reside at the center of the Lord’s chest as a five-headed serpent, offering constant and divine service (Thiruchchevai) to the Lord. He is also said to wrap himself around the Lord’s divine form and stretch down, with his long tail-like body, towards the Lord’s left divine foot, as per sacred tradition.
It is also believed that Sri Udayavar – Jagadacharya Sri Ramanuja is none other than a manifestation (amsa) of Sri Adisesha himself. His divine grace (krupa kadaksham) is particularly powerful and present in this sacred Thiruchanidhi shrine.
Because Adisesha faces us directly from the center of the Lord’s chest and offers his divine darshan, it is strongly believed that he completely removes all afflictions and malefic effects caused by Rahu, Ketu, Mars (Angaraka), Kaalasarpa dosha and other astrological doshas (flaws). As a result, blessings such as the removal of long-standing delays in marriage, harmonious married life, blessed progeny, eloquence in speech, growth in business, job promotions, good health and longevity are granted in this very birth (Iha loka prapti), along with the ultimate liberation (Moksha Samrajya).
During the Treta Yuga, with the blessings of Sri Sita-Rama Chandra Murthy, the devoted servant Sri Hanuman performed penance for three full mandala periods (a mandala = 48 days) meditating upon this divine couple (Thayar and Perumal). Because of this intense devotion, it is believed that those who come to this sacred shrine and worship with faith receive the blessings of complete devotion to God, relief from all forms of mental suffering, blessings for children, deep mental focus, emotional strength and eloquence in speech as has been experienced by many devotees.
The inner and deeper meaning of this is that in this temple, unlike anywhere else, Thayar and Perumal are seen in perfect alignment, side by side in complete unity and equal divine presence, offering darshan in a singular, undivided form. This kind of oneness in divine service (Thiruchchevai) is extremely rare and a matchless blessing not easily found elsewhere.
Importantly, for married couples facing difficulties in their relationship and lacking marital harmony, the most effective spiritual remedy is to worship and surrender at the feet of the divine couple Thayar and Perumal at Melvenpakkam, the sacred shrine of their eternal union.
Generally, in most temples, Sri Thayar (Goddess Lakshmi) is seen slightly turned towards her Lord (Perumal), seated beside Him with a subtle gap between them just about the width of a thread indicating her posture of reverence and support toward her divine consort
However, in Melvenpakkam, it is quite the opposite. Here, Thayar is seen seated very closely, in perfect alignment and equal stature with her Lord, offering darshan in complete unity and balanced divinity.
Due to this unique aspect where she appears as an equal counterpart to the Lord with all the sovereign attributes and independence that are usually associated only with Him or she is worshipped here by the divine name “Sri Swatantra Lakshmi.”
All the divine glories, powers, and honors that are usually attributed to the Lord are equally present in Thayar at this sacred shrine, making this place profoundly special and spiritually significant
The essence of “Aikya Bhavam” (state of divine unity) is that couples who are facing issues such as lack of mutual understanding, emotional disconnect, absence of attraction, or mental alignment in their relationship can receive immense benefit by surrendering themselves to the divine couple (Thayar and Perumal) at this sacred Thiruchanidhi shrine. It is a widely experienced truth that if such couples worship regularly especially on Fridays, and during the Uthradam star day (Uthraada Nakshatram) of every month, when special festivals are conducted their relational difficulties begin to dissolve. Over time, mutual love, understanding, and harmony blossom between them. As a divine outcome of this transformation, many have been blessed with the gift of a good and healthy child, fulfilling their long-held desires. Thus, this sacred Thiruchanidhi has been divinely destined to grant peaceful, joyful married life and the sweet blessings of children, ensuring a complete and contented family life
The ever-compassionate living divine presence, Kanchi Sri Mahaperiyava, who continues to bless and guide us, had immense devotion and deep attachment to our Melvenpakkam Sri Thayar and Perumal. Due to this divine connection, Sri Mahaperiyava once stayed at the Kanchi Sri Upanishad Brahmendra Math, which was previously located within the boundaries of this very temple. During his stay, Sri Sri Sri Mahaperiyava had the darshan of Thayar and Perumal at this sacred shrine and was deeply delighted by it.
Furthermore, Sri Sri Sri Mahaperiyava, in the year 1957, is remembered with great pride by the village elders for having stayed at this sacred Thiruchanidhi for three full days, during which he experienced the divine presence of the Divine Couple (Thayar and Perumal) in solitude (ekanta seva), offering worship and immersing himself in blissful spiritual joy.At that time, under the leadership of Sri Ishta Siddhindra Saraswati Swamigal, who was then the head (Peethadhipathi) of the Sri Upanishad Brahmendra Math, a grand Veda Patashala (Vedic school) and a Gosala (cow shelter) were actively functioning here as part of the temple's spiritual and cultural life.
During that sacred time, when Sri Sri Sri Mahaperiyava engaged in exalted spiritual discourses with highly revered Bhagavata and Bhagavad devotees, he emphasized that in this divine Thiruchanidhi, Sri Thayar holds the supreme prominence. He revealed through his divine words that Sri Thayar graces this sacred place with an 11-tier Rajagopuram and is accompanied by the Ashta Lakshmis eight distinct forms of Goddess Lakshmi—each residing in their own individual sanctums, offering sacred service. What makes this even more extraordinary is that these Ashta Lakshmis are not only distinct but are also unified as a single divine presence known as Sri Mangala Lakshmi, manifesting here as a rare and benevolent form that bestows immense grace upon devotees. Sri Mahaperiyava further declared that the most powerful Sri Sukta mantra has itself taken divine form as Sri Thayar in this Thiruchanidhi. As a result, Sri Thayar bestows all who surrender to her with three supreme blessings progeny (Srishti), wealth and well-being for worldly life (Sthiti), and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Laya). Thus, Sri Thayar of this sacred place is venerated as the divine mother who offers complete fulfillment and spiritual upliftment to her devotees.
That is to say, devotees who come to this divine Sri Thayar seeking the boon of a child are blessed with noble and virtuous offspring. She not only grants them such sacred progeny but also bestows all the comforts and necessities required for a fulfilling life. Furthermore, she ensures that the couple need not go through repeated pregnancies unnecessarily, fulfilling their desires completely and compassionately. Such is the boundless grace of this Sri Thayar—what kind of divine mother she is! What immeasurable compassion she has! What extraordinary boons she grants! As if crowning all these glories, one supreme fame and divine greatness is enshrined in this sacred place, making it profoundly revered.
The Sri Lakshmi Narayana Hridaya Mantra, found in the Uttara Bhaga and forming a part of the Atharvana Veda, is believed to have emerged from the sacred sanctum of Melvenpakkam, as realized and joyfully declared by the great Mahatma of Pondicherry, Sri R.S. Chariar Swamigal. This powerful mantra is specially chanted over sweet milk payasam prepared with due rituals and offered as prasadam to devotees who visit on every Friday and on the monthly Uthradam star day. Those who seek blessings for marriage, harmony in marital life, or the boon of progeny receive this prasadam, and many have experienced swift divine grace as a result.
The benefits of worshipping with the Sri Lakshmi Narayana Hridaya Mantra are as follows :
Marriage is attained quickly
In families seeking the blessing of children, the absence of progeny will no longer be an issue.
The children born will be free from any physical or mental impairments and with the full grace of the divine, they will grow healthily and achieve fame.
If pregnant women regularly chant this mantra with proper discipline, they will give birth to radiant children possessing a divine glow equal to that of Sriman Narayana.
Even extreme poverty will be overcome, as the grace of Mahalakshmi will flow abundantly poverty will vanish, and prosperity will increase.
Speech will become eloquent, and individuals will rise to fame and recognition with respect.
If the Sri Lakshmi Narayana Hridaya Mantra book is kept in the home, all negative energies such as spirits, ghosts and evil influences will be driven away and the household will shine with divine prosperity
This rare treasure has been devoutly practiced for over 40 years by the great saint from Pondicherry, Sri R.S. Chariar Swamigal, along with his consort, Srimathi Vishnupriya Chari. With supreme compassion, they have graciously offered it to the world for its upliftment and to bless us all abundantly.
The divine couple of this sacred shrine, known for their boundless compassion, are also reverentially referred to by the sacred name “Sri Aroghya Lakshmi Sametha Sri Vaithyanatha Perumal”, as they have been miraculously curing numerous people of even the rarest and most severe physical and mental ailments completely.
A man who was unable to walk due to paralyzed legs eventually regained full mobility; a woman who was entirely physically and mentally challenged gradually recovered, began to speak, and even became a mother with her child being named by the great Mahan of Maharaṇyam, Sri Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamigal himself. A granddaughter who couldn’t speak in a foreign land began to talk clearly within just six months after her grandparents fervently prayed to the divine couple at this shrine. A well-known woman suffering from advanced breast cancer was miraculously healed without the need for surgery. A young woman, distressed from defying her parents and attempting an alternate marriage, found mental peace and eventually accepted and joyfully married the groom her parents had chosen. In numerous such cases, despite strong medical reasons preventing childbirth, couples have been blessed with healthy children defying all odds. The grace, compassion and miracles of this divine couple are so profound that mere words cannot do justice to describe them.
To describe such boundless compassion, the Dhyana Sloka from the sacred Bhagavad Gita comes to mind
"Mookam karoti vachalam, pangum langhayate girim |
Yat krupā tamaham vande paramānanda Mādhavam ||"
"I bow down to that Supreme Blissful Madhava, whose grace can make the mute speak eloquently and the lame leap across mountains."
This verse beautifully reflects the divine compassion of the deities at this sacred shrine a compassion so powerful it transforms the impossible into reality.
As the presiding deity of the Melvenpakkam Kshetram is the divine Mother (Thāyār-centric), one of the unique features of this sacred shrine is the presence of a Goshala (cow sanctuary), which is regarded as the divine abode of Thayar. At present, the Goshala houses around 20 cows and their presence is considered an integral and blessed part of the sanctity of this temple.
It is a traditional belief that the merit one gains by chanting the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama a crore (10 million) times elsewhere can be attained in just one recitation of the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama performed at the Goshala in Melvenpakkam.
Just like the sacred temples found in Kashi, this Melvenpakkam Sannidhi houses ten sanctums within a very small space, making it remarkably divine
The sanctum of Sri Kodandarama accompanied by Sri Sita, Sri Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman
The sanctum of Sri Chakrathazhwar and Sri Yoga Narasimhar
The sanctum of Sri Rukmayi Pandurangar
The sanctum of Sri Dhanvantri Bhagavan
The sanctum of Srimad Udayavar (Ramanuja)
The sanctum of Srimad Desikar (Vedanta Desika)
The sanctum of Sri Yoga Anjaneyar
The sanctum of Sri Garudazhwar
The sanctum of the Twelve Alwars
The sanctum of Sri Sindhara Vinayakar
These sacred spaces together reflect the spiritual richness and uniqueness of the Melvenpakkam temple.
After the Samprokshanam (sacred consecration ceremony), Maharanya Sri Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamigal, who had the divine darshan and performed worship to all the deities in this sacred temple, gave this blessed statement:
“After coming here, it feels like there is no need to visit any other sanctum... All the deities themselves have astonishingly manifested right here in this place!”
Melvenpakkam Dhyan Shloka
suvarNavrddhim kuru mE grhE Sreeh
sudhAnyavrddhim kuru mE grhE Sreeh
kalyANavrddim kuru mE grhE Sreeh
vibhootivriddhim kuru mE grhE Sreeh || 107
Meaning
May high-quality grains grow in abundance for all three daily meals, so I may eat fully and be nourished.
May I prosper through business using those grains and attain immense wealth.
At the right age, may I get married, have children at the right time and later enjoy the blessings of grandchildren at the proper stage of life.
May I be blessed with crores and crores worth of wealth at an age where I can truly enjoy it.
Whatever the world celebrates as the highest form of prosperity, may all of that be granted to me without delay by Melvenpakkam Thayar Perumal.
It is believed (as per tradition) that if the above Dhyana Shloka is chanted with full concentration 28 times daily, during morning and evening Sandhya (twilight) hours, then there is no wealth in this world that cannot be attained.
Shubhamastu – May all auspiciousness be upon you.