The Ashtalakshmi Kovil lies on the shorelines near the Elliot's beach Just next to the lapping waters of the Bay of Bengal, in Adyar, Chennai, India. It is a temple to the Goddess Lakshmi. Ashta means eight, and the eight forms of Lakshmi are worshipped in this temple. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu.
 

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History

The Sri Ashtalakshmi koil traces its history from the year 1976, when it came into being under the auspices of a trust consisting of five members, and chaired by Mukkur Srinivasa Varadhachriyar, a devotee. The temple was constructed through donations, a major donor being Sri Lakshmi Mills of Coimbatore. But seventeen years later, the temple was taken over by the State Government after the kumbhabhishekam, and is now being run by the Hindu Religious Endowments and Administrative Department.
 

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Mythology

Sri Aadhi lakshmi the Goddess of health, Sri Dhanya lakshmi the Goddess of food, Sri Dhairya lakshmi the Goddess of courage, Sri Gaja lakshmi the Goddess of luck, Sri Santhana Lakshmi the Goddess of children, Sri Dhana lakshmi the Goddess of wealth, Sri Vijaya lakshmi the Goddess of victory and Sri Vidya lakshmi the Goddess of education. All idols are made of stone and adorned with silk draperies.
 

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The Temple Architecture

The koil has been constructed in an omkar shetram – a holy place in simpler terms, and resembles a vimana (chariot) wherein all the lakshmi’s and Lord Vishnu are seated. There is a belief that during the Tamil months of Chitra, Thai and Puratasi, Vishnu performs the Maha Lakshmi pooja in the middle of the ocean.

It is also believed that the central vimana shadow, where the main deities – Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu are installed, does not fall on the ground throughout the year. A special significance of the temple.
 

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 Festival

The temple celebrates with religious fervour – Navratri, Dussehra, Deepavali, Pongal and the New Year’s day, follow the traditions of the temple.
 

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