Meet the cricket and visa gods in Chennai temples

The temples in Chennai speak about its rich tradition. A tradition that goes back centuries. Time has changed, and with it the temples have evolved too. A spate of new temples to meet modern-day needs have taken shape. From ensuring victory in cricket matches to getting that visa to take you out of this country, here is a look at these curious temples in Chennai. 

The cricket Ganesha temple

In India, cricket is religion. And this Cricket Ganapathi temple situated in Chennai Anna Nagar takes the cake.  Cricket fan K.R.Ramakrishnan was planning a Ganesha temple in his housing colony when the famous Indo-Aussie cricket match came up. He vowed to name the idol of the temple as Cricket Ganesha, if the Men in Blue won the match.  India returned from the brink of defeat to win the match with glory. The temple was built and the main idol was of Ganesha playing cricket. 

There are about ten Ganesha idols – and each of them in one or other pose symbolising cricket. One idol has eleven heads, and the other is designed like a wicket keeper. 

Special rites are held here when Indian team plays. There's heavy rush of cricket fans when the World Cup and important 20-20 matches are played out. 

Sri Laxmi Visa Ganapathi

Having issues with getting a visa for your overseas trip? Chennai has an answer for this too. Pay a visit to Sri Laxmi Ganapathi temple at Pazhavanthangal Vrindavan Nagar in Chennai. Offer a deep prayer and the visa will come, say believers. They say Visa Ganapathi can help obtain visas to any country. 

American Anjaneyar

This one is more specific. The Anjaneyar idol at Chennai Nankanalloor MMTC colony Sri Laxmi Narasimha Navaneetha Krishnan temple has gained a reputation for helping devotees fulfill their American dreams.

The temple sits on land that was a swamp 40 years ago. Local people decided to build a Narasimha temple there. Some idols were discovered when the land was cleaned up.  Archaeology officials determined that there was an ancient temple at the location some 1,500 years ago. A temple was then built with the help of local Brahmin families. The Anjaneyar idol was placed after an year before the installation of the main Sri Rama idol. 

Soon, this Anjaneyar gained a reputation as some Hindu families in MMTC colony found success praying to him to help their children get to America without difficulty. Anjaneyar's favorite offerings are betel leaf garland and ghee. 

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