Sri Naga Sai Temple
No scriptSri Naga Sai Temple: A Sacred Shrine of Faith and Devotion in Coimbatore
The Sri Naga Sai Temple (Sri Naga Sai Mandir) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is one of the best-known shrines dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba in South India, and the best-known landmark of the Saibaba Colony area. It is a sacred space where devotees gather every day, and in large numbers on Thursdays, to pray and sing bhajans.
History of the Temple
- 1939: According to the temple’s own history, Pujya Sri B.V. Narasimha Swamiji and Sri C. Varadaraja Ayyah started the Sai movement in Coimbatore, described as the first Sai Baba institution in Tamil Nadu.
- 1942: Sri C. Varadaraja Ayyah donated about an acre of land on Mettupalayam Road, and a thatched shed was put up for the Sri Sai Baba Mission, later called the Sri Sai Baba Madam.
- 7 January 1943: During evening bhajan, a large cobra appeared before Sai Baba’s picture and stayed there, as if absorbed in the worship, despite the drums, aarti and lights. Temple accounts say it remained for about 48 hours, was photographed, and then went into the bushes. An ant-hill on the grounds linked to the event is considered holy. From then on, Sai Baba was worshipped here as “Sri Naga Sai.”
- 1961: The marble idol of Shirdi Sai Baba was installed by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Location and Accessibility
- Location: The temple is on Mettupalayam Road, Saibaba Colony, Coimbatore, one of the most easily accessible areas in the city.
- Accessibility: It is well-connected by road and public transport. Devotees can reach the temple by town buses on Mettupalayam Road, auto-rickshaws, taxis, or private vehicles, from Gandhipuram, Coimbatore Junction or the airport.
Temple Features
- Main Deity: The presiding deity is Sai Baba of Shirdi, in a marble idol installed in 1961.
- The Sacred Ant-hill: The ant-hill associated with the 1943 cobra is revered by devotees, many of whom pray there as part of their visit.
- Bhajan Hall: Devotional singing has been at the heart of the temple since its beginnings as a bhajan mission.
Spiritual Significance
- Teachings of Sai Baba: The temple promotes Sai Baba’s core teachings of Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience), emphasizing universal love, service, and harmony among religions.
- Daily Aartis: Like many Sai temples, the day is marked by aartis from morning to night. Ask at the temple for the current aarti times.
- Thursdays: Thursday is the day sacred to Sai Baba, and the temple is at its busiest, with special worship and bhajans.
Festivals and Celebrations
- Guru Purnima: One of the main celebrations, honouring Sai Baba as guru, with special worship and large crowds.
- Rama Navami: Widely celebrated in Sai temples, as it was in Shirdi during Sai Baba’s lifetime.
- Mahasamadhi Day: Sai Baba attained Mahasamadhi on Vijayadashami in 1918; the day is observed with prayers and bhajans.
Visitor Experience
- Atmosphere: The lamps, incense and chanting of “Om Sai Ram” make it a calm place for prayer and reflection, even in the middle of a busy road.
- Darshan: Darshan is usually quick on weekdays; on Thursdays and festival days, expect queues.
- Annadhanam: Check at the temple office whether free meals or prasadam are being served on the day of your visit.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are calmest. Thursdays are especially auspicious but tend to be crowded, particularly in the evening.
- Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended. Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises.
- Offerings: Devotees commonly bring flowers, fruits and sweets as offerings; shops near the temple sell them.
- Parking: Mettupalayam Road is busy; on Thursdays, park a little away or come by auto.
Also in Coimbatore
- Perur Pateeswarar Temple: A famous ancient Shiva temple on the south-western side of the city, known for its Dravidian architecture.
- Famous temples in Coimbatore: Our visitor guide to the city’s best-known temples, for planning a temple circuit.
- VOC Park: A popular family park in the city centre.
The Sri Naga Sai Temple in Coimbatore is more than a place of worship: since 1939 it has been the centre of the Sai movement in the city, and its story of the cobra at the bhajan has become part of Coimbatore’s local lore.
A visit to the Sri Naga Sai Temple offers a peaceful break and a glimpse of one of the oldest Sai Baba shrines in Tamil Nadu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it called Naga Sai Temple?
On 7 January 1943, during evening bhajan, a large cobra appeared before Sai Baba's picture and stayed for about two days, according to temple accounts. After that, Sai Baba was worshipped there as Sri Naga Sai.
Where is the Naga Sai Temple in Coimbatore?
On Mettupalayam Road in Saibaba Colony, Coimbatore.
When was the Naga Sai Temple founded?
The Sai movement there began in 1939, the land was donated in 1942, and the marble idol was installed by Sri Sathya Sai Baba in 1961.
Which day is busiest at the Naga Sai Temple?
Thursday, the day sacred to Sai Baba, especially in the evening. Weekday mornings are calmest.