Adi Parasakthi Temple is located at Melmaravathur near
Chennai. Unlike most other temples, devotees, belonging to any religion, caste or creed, are permitted to enter into the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) and pray in their own ways to the Goddess. Thus the temple upholds the dictum of Ore Thai and Ore Kulam - one mother, one clan; or equality of mankind before a single god.
The temple was founded by Sri Bangaru Naicker. The idol of the temple is in sitting position on a black stone pedestal in the form of a lotus. A self-manifested
Shivlinga is also kept in front of Adi Parasakthi. There is a Puthu Mandapam and Saptakanya Mandapam here. Behind the Saptakanyas is the
Durga idol with Nagendra. The pilgrims coming to the temple wear mala and also carry with them the Irumudi, or a bag of offerings carried on the head. This is similar to the custom of Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.
