Navapashanam Murugan Temple is located in Hasthinapuram near Chromepet in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated in a quiet residential locality and can be easily reached from Chromepet railway station, which is about 1–1.5 km away. Though the temple is situated in a narrow street with simple surroundings, it attracts many devotees due to the rare Navapashanam Murugan worship.
Navapashanam Murugan Temple is a relatively modern shrine and is not considered an ancient temple. The temple gained importance after its kumbhabhishekam around 2015. Despite its recent origin, the temple became spiritually significant because of the installation of a rare Navapashanam Murugan idol, which is associated with the sacred Siddhar tradition. The temple was established mainly to provide devotees in Chennai the opportunity to worship Navapashanam Murugan, similar to the tradition followed at the famous Palani shrine. Over time, the temple became popular among devotees who believe in its healing and spiritual benefits.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan worshipped as Sri Thandayuthapani or Navapashanam Murugan. The idol is believed to be made from Navapashanam, a sacred combination of nine medicinal minerals and herbs prepared through Siddha alchemical methods. The deity appears in a standing posture holding the Vel (divine spear), blessing devotees with protection, health, and spiritual strength. The temple also houses shrines for Lord Jalakandeswara (a form of Shiva), Goddess Meenakshi Amman, a Siddhar shrine, and a Shiva Lingam where Pradosha worship is performed, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
The temple has a simple and compact modern structure without large gopurams or elaborate architectural features. It consists of a small sanctum for Lord Murugan and a modest mandapam for devotees to perform worship. The temple is located within a residential neighborhood and maintains a peaceful and devotional environment. Though architecturally modest, devotees believe the temple has strong spiritual vibrations due to the presence of the Navapashanam idol.
The Sthalapurana of this temple is connected mainly with the sacred Siddhar tradition of Navapashanam rather than ancient puranic stories. According to temple belief, the preparation of Navapashanam idols originates from the great Siddhar *Bogar, who created the famous Navapashanam Murugan idol at the sacred **Palani Murugan Temple* using a divine combination of nine powerful medicinal substances. Through yogic and alchemical processes, these substances were transformed into a spiritually energized form capable of radiating healing energy.
Following this Siddhar tradition, a realized devotee is believed to have installed the Navapashanam Murugan idol at Hasthinapuram to bring the healing grace of Lord Murugan to devotees in Chennai who cannot travel to Palani. It is believed that Lord Murugan chose this place to bless devotees with relief from diseases, removal of negative karma, mental peace, spiritual growth, protection, and prosperity. Devotees also believe that the abhishekam performed to the Navapashanam idol produces sacred water with healing properties. Unlike many ancient temples, this temple’s sanctity comes mainly from Siddhar tradition, Navapashanam worship, and the belief in Murugan’s healing grace.
The greatest speciality of this temple is the rare Navapashanam Murugan idol. Navapashanam is believed to be a combination of nine medicinal minerals and herbs associated with Siddha medicine and alchemical practices. The idol is believed to radiate healing vibrations, and the abhishekam water is considered spiritually powerful. This rare form of Murugan worship attracts devotees seeking relief from health problems, spiritual upliftment, and divine protection.
The temple celebrates major Murugan festivals with devotion. Important festivals include Skanda Sashti, Thai Poosam, Karthigai Deepam, and monthly Krithigai worship dedicated to Lord Murugan. Pradosham is also observed with special poojas for Lord Shiva. During these occasions, large numbers of devotees visit the temple.
