History

Vadapalani Andavar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is located in Vadapalani, Chennai. It was renovated in the 1920s and a Rajagopuram was built during that time. The temple has grown in popularity, which is believed to be in part due to the patronage of cinema stars.
Built around 1890, this temple began as a simple thatched shed. Around 7,000 couples marry there each year.
According to the sthalapurana, Muruga devotee Annaswami Nayakar built the shed and kept a Murugan painting there for his personal worship. During his worship, he experienced divine power entering his body and inspiring him to speak surprising things later found to be true. His utterances were labeled ‘arul vakku’ (‘God blessed statements’) and could cure diseases, provide jobs, solemnize marriages and more.
Many sannidhis are present in the temple courtyards, including Varasiddhi Vinayaka, Chokkanathar (Lord Shiva), Meenakshi Amman, Kali, Bhairava, Shanmuga with Valli and Devasena.

The moolavar in standing posture resembles Palani Murugan. In the inner prakara, many niches house Dakshina Murti, Chandikeswar, Mahalakshmi, and others. It has a spacious hall used for marriages and religious discourse. It is one of the most-frequented Murugan shrines in Chennai.

The entrance to this temple is crowned with a Rajagopuram adorned with several stucco images depicting legends from the Skanda Purana. In front of the temple is the temple tank. The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. The 108 bharata natyam dance gestures can be seen on the eastern tower.