The Kalyana Subramanya Temple in Villivakkam, Chennai, is a significant place of worship dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Murugan), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple holds great importance for devotees seeking blessings for marital harmony, fertility, and protection from serpent-related doshas. Its association with the divine marriage of Lord Subramanya and Valli makes it a unique and cherished spiritual destination.
The primary deity of the temple is Lord Subramanya (Murugan), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Subramanya is the god of warriors, serpents and is regarded as the protector against evil forces and afflictions. He is depicted holding the divine Vel (spear), symbolizing victory and strength.
The temple also has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and the Navagraha (nine planets), reflecting the broad spectrum of Hindu worship in the temple. Naga (serpent) deities are also honored here due to Subramanya’s association with serpents.
The Kalyana Subramanya Temple follows the traditional South Indian Dravidian architectural style, featuring a simple yet elegant design. The temple has a central sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) where the idol of Lord Subramanya is enshrined, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls. The Vimanam, or temple tower, is adorned with depictions of various deities and scenes from Lord Murugan’s mythology. The temple’s pillars are beautifully sculpted, adding to the overall charm, while the Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall) reflects the temple’s focus on the divine marriage of Lord Subramanya and Valli.
The Kalyana Subramanya Temple is famous for commemorating the divine marriage of Lord Subramanya and Valli, a tribal girl. The temple’s name, Kalyana, meaning “marriage,” signifies this union. Over time, the temple became a major pilgrimage destination for those seeking blessings for marital happiness, health, and protection from serpent afflictions.
The legend of Lord Subramanya’s marriage is central to the temple’s identity, and devotees flock to this sacred place to seek divine intervention in their personal lives, especially for issues related to marriage and fertility.
The Sthalapurana (legend) of the Kalyana Subramanya Temple in Villivakkam, Chennai, is rooted in the divine marriage of Lord Subramanya (Murugan) and Valli, a tribal girl. According to the legend, Valli was an ardent devotee of Lord Subramanya, and he, moved by her beauty and devotion, decided to marry her. However, Valli was unaware of his intentions and initially reluctant. To win her heart, Lord Subramanya appeared to Valli in different forms — as a hunter, a poor Brahmin, and as a celestial being. Eventually, Valli accepted his proposal, and their marriage was a grand affair, celebrated by the gods and goddesses in heaven.
The temple is named Kalyana, which means “marriage,” and it symbolizes the divine union of Lord Subramanya and Valli. Over time, this temple became a significant place for worship, particularly for those seeking blessings for marriage, fertility, and prosperity. Additionally, Lord Subramanya is considered the protector of serpents, making the temple a major center for serpent worship. Devotees who suffer from Naga Dosha (the malefic effects of serpents) come here seeking relief.
The temple was originally a small shrine but grew in prominence as the popularity of Lord Murugan’s worship spread across Tamil Nadu. The Valli Kalyana festival, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Subramanya and Valli, is a central event in the temple. The rituals performed at the temple, such as Abhisheka (ritual bathing of the idol) with milk, coconut water, and honey, are intended to purify and bless the devotees. Many who visit for the blessings of marital harmony and Naga Dosha relief have reported miraculous outcomes, with their problems resolved through Lord Subramanya’s divine intervention.
The temple continues to stand as a beacon of faith, granting blessings of love, prosperity, and protection for all who seek divine aid.
The Kalyana Subramanya Temple celebrates several key festivals, with the most significant being Skanda Shashti, which marks Lord Subramanya’s victory over the demon Tarakasura. Valli Kalyana, celebrating the divine marriage of Lord Subramanya and Valli, is another important event. The temple also observes Thai Poosam, honoring Lord Subramanya receiving the Vel (spear) from Goddess Parvati, with devotees performing Kavadi Attam. Navaratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is also celebrated with prayers to Lord Subramanya. These festivals draw large numbers of devotees who seek blessings for marital harmony, strength, and prosperity.
