India’s first Sai Baba temple, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple, was built in Mylapore in 1952 by Sri Narasimha Swamiji. The only temple in Mylapore that more people want to visit is Sri Kapaleeswarar. Shri Shirdi Sai worked to bring religious peace between people of different religions.
The temple also promotes religious unity. Every Thursday, the Quran is read, and people can worship the statue of Jesus Christ inside the temple. Many people come here, especially on Thursdays and other holidays. Since childhood, this temple has been one of my favorite places in Mylapore.
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Temple's History:
The Sai Baba temple was built by Sri Narasimha Swamy, a lawyer from Salem who loved Shirdi Sai Baba very much. He built the temple where he used to worship a picture of Sai Baba under a mangrove tree.
Sri Narasimha Swamy started the All India Sai Baba Samaj in 1940. Their primary publication was a magazine called Sai Sudha. Swamy wrote many pieces about Sai Baba’s life and the wonders he did. He also preached all over the country about Sai Baba’s lessons and life and got many people to follow Sai Baba. In 1952, with money from his friend J. D. Pannalal built the temple, which became the home of the All India Sai Baba Samaj.
At first, people only worshiped the picture of Sai Baba. But in 1987, Sri Muthu Venkatraman created the white marble figure that people still respect today. The temple is also where Sri Narasimha Swamy rests. No one knows where Shirdi Sai Baba came from. He later spread Sufism and did extraordinary things. He worked for peace and cooperation and didn’t treat people differently because of their faith, race, or society.
Pilgrimage
My mother has been visiting this temple since the 1970s because she is a faithful follower of Saibaba. However, it was pretty empty back then and had a beautiful and peaceful vibe. This temple brings back a lot of memories from my childhood. My mom and I used to go to this temple a lot. A small picture of Shri Narasimha Swamiji used to be kept in a style that looked like a covered table.
Before going into the main sannidhi, we used to bow down there. The picture of Sai Baba was in the middle of the dais, and we would honor it. Then, we would bow down to the foot of Baba on the dais’s left side. The hall was very open, so people could sit down and think. It was Swamiji’s job to tell us stories while my mom meditated. He also asked us to look at the picture stories about Sai Baba written on the walls across the big hall.
There used to be a small library with books about Sai Baba. We would choose a few to read while sitting in the hallways of these huge rooms. We always liked going to this temple. The temple has changed dramatically; it is now well-organized and cared for.
Moola Sthan:
These days, before the corona, the main god, Sri Shirdi Baba, can also be seen from the outside. No one will miss the chance to see Him. The busiest days are Thursday and Sunday. Religious people can also wait in a different hall. Many people come here to touch the image of Sri Shirdi Baba and receive His blessings.
In the days before COVID-19, I used to go to this temple every Thursday. It would be easier to get into the Sannidhi to touch Baba’s feet if you had special viewing tickets, which you could get by booking Annadan or Abhishegam. On Thursdays, people must wait a long time to see Him up close. When you reach His feet, you can leave all your worries at His feet and walk away happy. Sri Sai Baba is firm here. Your prayers are heard, and he does what’s best for you.
Aarthi will be performed three times a day. Every day, Annadanam and Prasadam are given to followers. After lunch, aarthi and annadanam will be served. A lot of people will be waiting for this. There are always many people living on the streets outside of this temple. Thanks to this plan, they can stay alive.
How to Reach at Mylapore Sai Baba Temple
- By Air: The temple is only 17 kilometers from Chennai Airport, the closest airport.
- By Train: The temple is 9 kilometers from Central Railway Station and 6 Km from Egmore Railway Station.
- By Road: The temple is located in the heart of Mylapore and approximately 500 meters from the Mylapore Bus Stop.
Mylapore Sai Baba Temple Timings:
The temple is open from 5.00 am to 1.00 pm & 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm. The Islamic Quran and the Christian book, the Holy Bible, are read at set times in the temple. There are no entry fees to visit the temple.
Abhishek Pooja Timings
- 1st Batch: 7.00 AM to 8.00 AM
- 2nd Batch: 9.00 AM to 10.00 AM
- 3rd Batch: 11:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Satyananarayan Pooja Timings
- 1st Batch: 7.00 AM to 8.00 AM
- 2nd Batch: 9.00 AM to 10.00 AM
- 3rd Batch: 11:00 PM to 12:00 PM
- 4th Batch: 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM
- 5th Batch: 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Aarti At Sai Baba Temple
- Abhishekam
- Bhajan/Kirtan/ Vocal Music
- Dhuparti (Evening Aarti)
- Holy Bath of Shri Saibaba
- Kakad Arthi (Morning Arthi)
- Madhyanha Aarti (Noon Aarti)
- Reading of Shri Sai Satcharitra
- Shejarti (Night Aarti)
Interesting Places Nearby:
Several churches can be found in the area called Mylapore. These are some of the nearby temples:
- Sri Anjaneya swamy Temple Alamelumangapuram
- Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple
- Sri Velleeswarar Temple
Interesting Facts:
- Shri Narasimha Swamiji started the All India Sai Samaj in the 1940s and 1941. It is their main office.
- One of the good things that the Sai Samaj does is run a free medical camp, a school, a library, and a daily Annadanam for everyone.
- Shri Narasimha Swamiji blessed the Baba Temple in 1952 and 1953.
- In 1967, the Dwaraka Mai with Dhuni from Shirdi was built.
- The White Marble image of Shri Sai Baba, which stands in the middle of the dais, was blessed in 1987, and Maha Kumbabhishegam was completed then.
- One unique thing about this temple is that you can worship Shirdi Sai by feeling Him.
- This temple promotes peace between religions. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is read every Thursday at 5:30 pm.
- People of all religions and castes can come to this place and ask for His gifts.
- Pooja to Dhuni, also known as Agni Pooja, is done every Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Is The History Of Mylapore Sai Baba Temple?
The Mylapore Sai Baba Temple was built in 1952 by Sri Narasimha Swamiji, a big fan of Shirdi Sai Baba. He built it where he used to pray to a picture of Sai Baba hidden under a tamarind tree. Over time, the temple became the principal office of the All India Sai Baba Samaj.
Why Is Mylapore Called Mylapore?
Chennai’s cultural hub, Mylapore, is named after “Mayil Arparikum,” which means “Land of the Peacock Scream. ” Peacocks used to live there.
Who Is The Father Of Sai?
Shirdi Sai Baba’s roots are unknown because he didn’t say who his parents were or where he was born to promote peace and unity among all people.
What Is Mylapore Famous For?
People love Mylapore for its rich cultural history, old churches like the Kapaleeswarar Temple, and peaceful coexistence between different religions. It is also the site of the famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, which has followers worldwide.