Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari Devasthanam and Charities owes its existence to the blessings of Sri Vasavamba, the presiding deity of the Arya Vysya community.
With the philanthropic services and support of the members of the community and under the able leadership of Suncoo Chinna Kistamah Chetty and Collah Moothoorama Chetty, a temple for Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari Ammavaru was constructed in the year 1720 in the “Kooragayala Thota” at Audiappa Naicken Street, Madras.
About the Temple
The temple is constructed with two entrances. The main entrance is at Audiappa Street and the second entrance is from Godown Street. Upon entering through the main entrance, you can worship the greater view of Raja Gopuram. As you cross the Raja Gopuram you can have the darshan of our graceful looking Vasavi Matha with a serene look and you are ensured sense of peace. Uthsava Vigraham is placed aside the Moolavar in the Sanctum Sanctorium. On the right side you can have the darshan of Adhala Mandapam and Mandahasa Mandapam.
In the Mandahasa Mandapam you can have the darshan of Lord Nagareeswara (in Emerald), Lord Sri Kothandaramar, Lord Sri Venkatachalapathi, Lord Sri Muruga, Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Lord Sri Hanuman, Rishabh vigrahas, Spatika Lingam, Maragadha Lingam and Saligramams which have been worshipped for more than a century. You can also see the Navarathri Kalasam with Narikelapalam which is received from the blessings of Sri Kanchi Sankara Matam and preserved until the next Navarathri.
Opposite to Mandahasa Mandapam Navagraha sannithi has been consecrated. To the left, Lord Sri Naga Devatha sculptures, Lord Sri Ganapathi and Snake Pit were established under a marri chettu (peepal tree).
The walls of the Maha Mandapam are decorated with the Tanjore Artwork of Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari Charithra. Even Children can easily learn the history of Ammavaru. The temple has adequate parking facilities for cars and two-wheelers.
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devasthanam
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devasthanam and Charities owes its existence with the blessings of Sri Vasavamba, the presiding deity of the Arya Vysya Community. With the indefatigable services and support of the members of the community and the able leadership of Sri Suncoo Chinna Kistnamah Chetty and Collah Moothoorama Chetty and the support from the community members, Sri Kanyaka Parameswari temple was constructed at “Kooragayala Thota” at AudiappaNaicken Street, in the year 1720.
The members of the Collavari family and the prominent members of the community acquired considerable movable and immovable property in that area. The income from the market and other properties was utilized for the performance of the Nithya poojas and Naivedyams and festivals of the temple . Feeding of Pilgrims during Navaratri was done out of food.
ANNASATHRAM
To cater nutritious food for the needy and deserving students SKPD & CHARITIES has started Annadhanam Scheme nearly 150 years ago. The students are being fed with Quality Food 3 times a day on all the days. The Scheme is successfully running at fully renovated ANNASATHRAM inside the Devasthanam premises. The students recite Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Sthothram and Lakshmi Ashtothram in front of Ammavaru before having their food.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan former president of India had his food here. Many people who had their food during their student life.
FREE HOSTEL
The same students are provided with shelter on Free of Cost basis by providing stay at our premises SKPD FREE HOSTEL situated at 37 Annapillai Street, Chennai – 600 001. The students are blessed to have the milk & curd received from Vasavi Gosthalam everyday.
Scholarship
SKPD & Charities runs a scholarship scheme under the auspices of Sadras Venkatrama Chetty Charity. Every year about 400 students pursuing professional and arts and science are given substantial scholarship based on their credentials and the marks obtained.
Free Diabetes Clinic
Senior Citizens Support
Many elderly people are subjected to hardship on account their inability to get stable monthly income. Many of them also do not have the support of their kith and the kin. Under the auspices of Yelchuru Venkata Kotiah Chetty Charities about 600 elderly and physically challanged people are provied with monthly assistance.Have attained environs heights in life become doctors, auditors, lawyers in India, US, UK, Europe donated money to Annasathram every year.
SRI VASAVI NANDANAVANAM
The ceremonial garden is the place which is being used by the community to do the 15th and 16th day obsequies, to the departed. The ceremonial garden, known as the “thotha” at periamet has been used from the last century by the community for the above purpose. A new building, “Vasavi Nandanavanam” has come up at the above place with contributions from one and all in the year 2012.
Vasavi Nandanavanam is spacious, having a separate sumangali pooja room, potharlu place, locker room for the ashes, an immersion tank, nithyakarma place and a kitchen for the pindam preperations. Facility is made available for performing Amavasya Pithru tharpanam.
CREMATION GROUNDS
The arya vysya cremation grounds is situated at pattalam on demellows road, where the final rites for the departed is performed and then the body is laid to rest and cremation is done as per tradition.
In order to modernize this place, the cremations at pattalam has now been temporarily put on hold, and soon it will be renovated with all the necessary facilities, including a garden.