Vannarapettai Sri Baktha Vathsala Perumal Kovil

Monday, August 18, 2025

Vannarapettai Sri Baktha Vathsala Perumal Kovil

Vada Chennai (North Madras) as portrayed in movies is more about poverty, violence and crime – but this is a place with rich history. North Chennai, geographically, is the northern part beyond Parrys / Georgetown .. .. it encompasses, Royapuram, Madhavaram, Thiruvotriyur, kasi medu and .. .. there is Vannarapettai (Washermanpet)

Washermanpet has a bus terminus and a Metro railway Station too - in the Blue Line of the Chennai Metro rail network and another metro station near Sir Theagaraya College in Old Washermanpet.

"Bhaktavatsalam" is a Sanskrit name composed of two words: "Bhakta" (भक्त) and "Vatsalam" (वत्सलम्). "Bhakta" means devotee or worshipper, and "Vatsalam" signifies affectionate or loving. Therefore, Bhaktavatsalam translates to one who is affectionate or loving towards devotees according to Sanskrit dictionaries.

எம்பெருமான் ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனின் திருநாமங்கள் பல உள்ளன: கிருஷ்ணா, வாசுதேவா, கோவிந்தா, ஸ்ரீதரா, ஜனார்தனா, ஹ்ருஷீகேசா, பத்மநாபா, தாமோதரா, முரஹரி, நரஹரி, கிருஷ்ணஹரி, அம்புஜாக்ஷா, அச்சுதா, உச்சிதா, பஞ்சாயுதா, பாண்டவ தூதா, லக்ஷ்மீ ஸமேதா, லீலாவிநோதா, கமலபாதா, அரங்கா, ஆராவமுதா, புருஷோத்தமா, வைத்தமாநிதி அழகியசிங்கா, ஸ்ரீபார்த்தசாரதி என பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கான திவ்யநாமங்கள் சொல்லி அவனை அழைத்து அவன் புகழ் பாடுகிறோம். அவற்றுள் ஒன்று "பக்தவத்சலன்" - அவர் பக்தர்களை மிகவும் நேசிப்பவர்; அவர்களின் மீது மிகுந்த வாஞ்சை கொண்டவர். "பக்தவத்சலன்" என்ற சொல்லுக்கு, பக்தர்களை தாயைப் போல் நேசிப்பவர்; பக்தர்களின் மீது வாஞ்சை கொண்டவர் என்று பொருள். அவர் எப்போதும் தன் அடியார்கள் மீது கருணை காட்டுவதால், இந்த பெயர் அவருக்கு வழங்கப்பட்டது

In the divyadesams of Thiru Ninravur and Thirukkannamangai – emperuman is Bakthavatchala Perumal.

Vannarapettai sometimes shortened as Vannai, is an old area located north of Parrys Corner and adjacent to Royapuram. Washermanpet is famous for its jewelry shops and matchbox industries, many of which are centered on two main arterial roads. It is a famous textile market having hundreds of shops – wholesale and retail.

The name comes from the fact that it used to be the washermen's enclave in Chennai, where many of the city's dhobi ghats were located. The "Mc Road" in Washermanpet, stands for Monegar Choultry Road, named after - Monegar Choultry, considered to be the first organised charity in Madras city.

In the old bustling Old Vannarapettai area with lanes and bylanes is the famous beautiful temple of ‘Sri Bakthavatsala Perumal’ spreading divinity. This sacred abode is steeped in history and significance, attracting pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. The temple legend suggests that its origins date back to the 12^th century reign of King Rajendra Chola I. Legend has it that a devout Vaishnavite sage named Lavana Rishi was performing austerities on the banks of the Cooum River when he witnessed Sriman Narayana appear in the form of a divine boar. The boar, Varaham in Sanskrit, uprooted the earth and revealed the idol of Sri Bakthavachala Perumal, who is the presiding deity of the temple. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions. During the Vijayanagara period, the temple's gopuram (tower) was constructed, and the temple complex was enlarged. In the 18th century, the Maratha general Raghoji Bhonsle is said to have donated significant funds for the temple's upkeep. The temple continues to be a thriving center of worship, hosting numerous festivals and religious events throughout the year.

Moolavar Sri Bakthavachala Perumal is in Ninra thirukkolam and Uthsavar is beautiful and all benevolence. The temple address is 80 Sanjeevi Rayan Koil Street, Old Washermanpet, Chennai 600081 and is very near Thiyaragaya college Metro station and MC Road. Recently the temple was renovated and samprokshanam performed in Mar 2020 and hence in good shape. There are separate sannathies of Alarmelmangai thayar, Andal, Ranganathar, Aanjaneyar too. Here are some photos of the temple gopuram, Uthsavar .. .. this is a Thennacharya samprathaya temple.