KRISHNAN TEMPLE, CORAL MERCHANT STREET, MADRAS

       Sri Venugopala Krishnaswamy Temple. This  temple also called  Krishnan  temple is a 230 year old temple on Pavazhakara Theru,  Muthialpet.  This is one of the few Krishnan temples of  Madras. The  main deity  Krishna is  in standing posture  cross legged with four arms Sanku, Chakra and flute in his hands  and with his consorts  Bhama and Rukmani. There is a separate shrine for Rukmani on the  southern side.  Separate shrines are there for Srinivasa Perumal, Ramar and Andal on the  north side.  The  dwajasthambam of the temple was erected in 1894 and was recently refurbished.  There is also a 15feet high granite Deepa Sthamba.  In the  18th  century  Pavazhakara Theru (Coral  Merchant Street ) was inhabited by Jews and Armenians who indulged in trading  Diamonds , Coral and Gems. In the  year 1790 there was a  serious riot  during the Annual  Uriyadi festival  between  Right hand castes and Left hand castes when the right hand hoisted  their white  flag instead of  five colour flag of Left hand.  The  riot led to the arrest of Caste  Head Men in Fort St. George. The  Left hand castes alleged that the right hand castes had even stopped the various  castes like barbers and washermen from serving the left hand castes. The  EIC government ordered only the flag of St . George should be hoisted during festival and asked the Town Major to mediate. The  temple follows Thengalai sampradayam.