Sivan Malai Alapakkam ancient cave temple Chengalpattu

I had the fortune of accidently stopping over at  Sivan Malai Temple, on the outskirts of Chengalpattu but within the city limits. A small hill Temple located in the beginning of the hillock amidst green surroundings and water bodies,  this Temple is fit to be bracketed with the famous cave temples like Thiruparankundram, Chittannavasal and  the like. Built by Mahendra Verma the famous Pallava king in the sixth century, this  Temple has its own tank from where water is drawn for  performing Abhishekam for the Lord. Some 50 odd steps take you to the temple which is in two or three levels.

Before we  go any further to know about the temple it is necessary know Shri Chellappa who is is not only the priest of the temple but also the person who has painstakingly spent his savings, physical energy and emotional energy to maintain this Temple all these years without any support from anybody.

All devotees will be grateful to his sincere efforts over the last 63 years. We understand that today his sons  are supporting him but  it is tireless efforts of this individual this Temple is what it is today.

Mahendra Varma Pallava was originally a Jain converted to Hinduism and he very well understood importance of being balanced to all beliefs. This Temple houses Vaishavite Lord Vishnu, Saivaite Lord Shiva and ID AccuWeather Ashu other Lords

Very  similar to the cave temples like  Thiruparankundram and chittannavasal the Lords are carved out of the walls of the rocks.  Lord Shiva Lord Vishnu Vinayaka Subramanya Saneeswara and his wife Jyeshta are housed in this Temple.

Such  temples are generally taken over by the Archaeological survey of India (AS)  which makes sure the temple is  locked, with no Pooja & no upkeep. Only effort which Archaeological Survey does is to put their board warning uses what is visitors that action will be taken if the temple is  used in any manner without their permission.  

Barring a few temples most of the sites taken over by ASI see no development or upkeep. Fortunately this Temple has not drawn their attention yet. Daily Poojs are  done by priest purely from his  personal resources, pension and retirement savings. The greatest regret Sri chellappa has is  that most of the days theret are not any  devotees in the temple.  But  that does not him from performing passionate service to the Lord. This is a must visit  Temple for or all Chennai and Chengalpattu residents,  thanks to The proximity of the temple to these cities.