Divine Mandir
Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
A Mylapore Sai institution founded by Sri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji, known for its marble Sai Baba image, Moolasthanam, Dwarkamai replica and interfaith prayer practice.
Chennai temple guide
The Mylapore temple is identified in the source as India’s first Sai Baba temple, constructed in 1952, and as the headquarters of the All India Sai Samaj.
Its devotional complex includes the 1987 marble image, the original Moolasthanam picture, a Panchaloha image, Narasimha Swamiji’s Samadhi and a Dwarkamai replica with a Dhuni.
Presiding form and institution
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba; a white marble image installed in 1987, with the original Moolasthanam picture and a Panchaloha image also preserved.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
All India Sai Samaj (Regd.)
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mylapore
Temple meaning and devotional role
The temple maintains Sai Baba’s “Sabka Malik Ek” teaching through worship open to all faiths.
The prayer hall hosts Quran reading on Thursdays and Bible reading on Sundays, while the Dwarkamai replica preserves a flame brought from Shirdi.
Practices and setting
Devotees are permitted by the temple tradition described in the source to touch, garland and photograph the marble image.
Thursday annadhanam, Sunday Agni Pooja, Sai Satcharitra reading, bhajans and four daily aartis form the stated devotional pattern.
Foundation and development
Sri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji founded the organisation in 1941. The temple was constructed in 1952 and received Maha Kumbabhishekam in 1953.
The Dwarkamai replica followed in 1967, the marble image in 1987, and a major renovation with new gopurams and a three-storeyed structure in 2009–2010.
Built form and worship space
The north-facing complex has a three-tiered rajagopuram, white marble interiors, a gold arch, silver Thiruvachi, gold-plated throne and carved teak doors.
The later three-storeyed structure includes a meditation hall, prayer chamber, meeting hall, offices and a modernised kitchen.
What makes this temple distinct
The original Sai Baba picture worshipped by Narasimha Swamiji is preserved.
The source describes direct touching and garlanding of the marble image.
The replica contains a Dhuni whose flame was brought from Shirdi.
Quran and Bible readings are held on different days.
Choose the visit pattern that fits
Reach before the 5:00 AM aarti window.
Choose a weekday morning outside festival periods.
Allow for larger crowds and annadhanam.
A practical, optional flow
Follow current footwear and entry directions.
Visit the marble image, Moolasthanam and Panchaloha image.
Continue to the founder’s memorial within the premises.
See the Dhuni and follow current worship directions.
Observe its interfaith practice respectfully when a reading is scheduled.
Rail, air and road planning
The source places Mylapore Bus Stop approximately 500 metres away.
Chennai Egmore is about 6 km and Chennai Central about 9 km away.
Chennai International Airport is described as approximately 17 km away.
Reconfirm current arrangements before travel
5:00–5:30 AM
Morning aarti.
12:00–12:30 PM
Midday aarti.
6:30–7:00 PM
Evening aarti.
9:00–9:30 PM
Night aarti; confirm closing arrangements.
Temple and weekly observances
A major festival period identified in the source.
A principal Sai devotional observance.
A major annual observance.
A weekly meal service for more than 1,000 devotees as described by the source.
Temple-specific observances
The source supports direct garland offerings, abhishekam sponsorship, Sai Satcharitra reading, regular bhajans and Sunday Agni Pooja.
Respect the separate interfaith prayer schedule and the temple’s current directions.
A practical source-led summary
The four stated aartis frame the day. Thursday annadhanam and special bhajans, plus Sunday Agni Pooja, add weekly observances.
Source-led Shirdi Sai Baba devotion and practice
Use current temple arrangements
The source describes devotees presenting these directly under temple arrangements.
Sponsorship is described; confirm the current process.
Thursday meal service is a central institutional tradition.
Season and crowd planning
The source identifies this as Chennai’s more comfortable season.
Suggested for a calmer darshan.
Choose for special worship and annadhanam, with heavier crowds.
Optional local and regional stops
Approximately 1 km away in Mylapore.
Approximately 1 km away.
An optional Chennai extension described in the source.
Optional sequence; not a compulsory ritual order
Begin with darshan of the marble image and Moolasthanam.
Continue within the temple premises.
Visit the Dhuni and receive current guidance.
Continue to nearby Kapaleeshwarar and Madhava Perumal temples if desired.
Before you enter
Sources carried by the supplied temple document
DT-SI-002-A_TN.docx — primary source for identity, institution, history and visitor guidance.
Link embedded in the supplied document.
Open reference