9 Top Temples in Chennai to Awaken Your Soul
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As one of the most unique cities in India, Chennai has a very different vibe than other cities. Here you can find a magical blend of tradition and modernity. Even cosmopolitan, it is full of culture, art and classical dance forms. In fact, Chennai is world famous for the Bharatiya! It is a paradise for travelers seeking to gain insight into the traditions and customs of Indian mythology and religion.
A true city of temples, whether you are a traveler or a true religious person, you can choose a temple tour in Chennai. If architectural excellence excites you, visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and learn about its Dravidian craftsmanship. Or how about praying to all eight goddesses Lakshmi at the Ashtar Lakshmi Temple? A loyal follower of Lord Krishna? The famous Parthsarthyswamy temple is sure to fill you with peace and tranquility like never before! more importantly? South India is known as a place to find your spiritual self, and rightly so. Historically advocated, the emergence of the Chora, Pandwas or Palavas dynasties in the region brought numerous temples built here for various deities. Also, Chennai is known as the gateway to South India and religious awakening. That’s why, year after year, the city witnesses thousands of devotees lining up in front of the gates of these temples in Chennai city.But you don’t have to be overwhelmed, she
e is an exhaustive list of Hindu temples in Chennai and around the city to help you organize your travel plans.
If you are religious and wish to visit some beautiful temples, then Chennai should be your best choice. The temples here are the embodiment of Hindu culture, customs and spirituality and are known for their rich mythology, traditions and the thousands of devotees who gather here every year to see the gods and goddesses. Some of the most famous temples in Chennai are indeed worth a visit.
The most famous temples in Chennai:
Here we have put together a list of the top temples around Chennai that you must visit next time you are in the city.
1. Adiswar Temple:
The Adiswar Temple in Chennai is an exact replica of a famous temple in Kerala called Sabari Malai dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This temple is one of the best and most prestigious in the city and one of our must-see attractions. It is located in the village of Pollal, just 9 km from the city. It is very popular among Jains all over India. In fact, it marks the roots of Jainism in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Adi Bhagwan, also known as Adeeswar or Adi Jain.
- address: Red hill Lake GST Road, Balaji Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
- time: 6:00am – 8:30pm
- Dress Code: There are no special requirements, but decent traditional clothing is encouraged in all temples in South India.
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: Located in the village of Pollal, 9 km from the city. The road is well connected so it is possible to rent a taxi to the temple.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit:?
- Other attractions: The Ixon Temple and the Armenian Church are nearby
2. Kapaleeshwar Temple:
The Kapaleeshwar Temple was built in the 7th century and dedicated to a Hindu goddess named Karpagambal. This goddess is another form of Parvati, who is also considered the wife of Durga or Shiva. Located in Mylapore, Chennai, this temple is very exotic and ornate in appearance. Architecture and gopura are a colorful treat for the eyes. It also has a large tank to the west and wide streets on all sides. The whole view is very charming. In fact, its Dravidian architectural form attracts thousands of historians and travel enthusiasts to this sacred place every year. The temple holds pujas six times a day. The evening puja is the most beautiful experience as light-waving Shodasa Upacharas are performed.
- address: Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
- timing: Puja services at 5am, 6am, 8am, 12pm and 9pm. The temple is open year-round from 6am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm.
- Dress Code: Traditional clothing is encouraged
- About. Visiting time: 12 hours
- how can I get there: Chennai Airport is 16 km away. Temple is 6.4 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, with trains to Mylapore every 15 minutes. There are also direct buses.
- Temple website: http://kapaleeswarartemple.com/
- Best time to visit: New Moons, Full Moons and Pradhosa Days (13th day of the new full moon) – special services and large numbers of devotees. They also hold a 10-day festival (Panguni Peruvizha) from March to April which is a valuable experience.
- Other attractions: Gaudiya Mutt, St. George’s Cathedral and Sri Parthasarathy Temple are all close by. You can also explore the Mylapore area and shop at Corner Luz, one of the oldest shopping districts.
[Read: Most Popular Temples in Coimbatore]
3. Parathasarthy Temple:
Parthasarathy Temple is a famous Krishna temple. It was built in the 8th century and is located in Triplicane, Chennai. The word Parathasarthy means the chariot of the famous mythical figure Arjuna. The structure of the temple is quite luxurious and this temple is one of the best temple templates for style, technique and image. It is one of the oldest buildings in Chennai. The gopuram (towers) and mandapas (pillars) are beautifully carved and usually represent standard South Indian temples. Visiting this temple will definitely be a wonderful experience as it is also in the list of the best temples in Chennai.
- address: Singarachari Street, Chennai, India 600005
- time: 6am to 8pm.
- Dress Code: Avoid wearing short or revealing clothing. Decent casual or traditional clothing will do.
- About. Visiting time: <1 hour
- how can I get there: Triplicane and Vivekanandar Illam are the nearest bus stops. Triplicane is connected to the road. This temple is 4 km from Chennai Central Railway Station.
- Temple website: http://www.sriparthasarathytemple.tnhrce.in/index.html
- Best time to visit: The temple hosts many festivals such as the 10-day Spring Festival (SRI GAJENDRA VARADAR UTHSAVAM), summer festivals and float festivals. It is best to visit during the Tamil month of Chitirai (April to May), when the grand festival of the goddess is held.
- Other attractions: Marina Beach is just 0.8 km from your exploration.
4. Temple of Ayapan:
In the list of ayyappa temples in Chennai, Ayyappa temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ayyapan. This is the first temple dedicated to him. It also has idols of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Subramanian. This temple is truly artistic and beautiful in appearance. Beautiful carvings and paintings and a well maintained and clean premise make it a delight to visit. Devotees of Ayyappa flock to this temple for its simplicity and authenticity. It follows the traditional service at the Kerela style ayapppan temple. The building is also built around a typical Kerala feel and practice, including the 18 steps leading up to the shrine. A huge meditation hall accommodates pilgrims during the festival, witnessed by musical performances and events. Conveniently located in the city centre and absolutely peaceful, this is the place to go if you want to discover more of Kerala culture.
- address: 18, SIR MADHAVAN ROAD, MAHALINGAPURAM, NUNGAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI 600 034.
- time: 4am to 11am and 5pm to 9pm
- Dress Code: Decent traditional clothing is best for
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: Easily accessible from city bus or metro from all over Chennai. The nearest station is Kodambakkam (1 km or 5 minutes drive from the temple).
- Temple website: http://www.ayyappantemplesabs.org/index.php
- Best time to visit: Crowded but considered very auspicious during mandala prayers. December 27-29 is their temple Utsav.
- Other attractions: Jagannath Temple, Kanathuris 2.9 km away.
5. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple:
This is the famous Sai Baba temple in Chennai, Mylapore. It was built in honor of the great Sai Baba and is made of pure white marble. A golden arch sits atop the shrine’s walls. The temple is one of two shrines built in his name in the city. It was built in 1952 by Sai Baba faithful Narasimhaswami. A Chettiar businessman donated a sum to the building, and since then it has become one of the most trusted places of worship. Unlike other places, devotees here can touch the Sai Baba statue. The holy fire continued to be lit, and the fire puja was held on Sunday. Devotees can also offer garlands and clothing to their deities. A very special mention about this temple is that it also welcomes and maintains different religious beliefs and beliefs. Not only did they allow followers of other religions to enter, but they also arranged for them to follow their own beliefs while visiting Sai Baba.Read the Quran every Thursday
Go out at 4:30 pm by a Muslim saint and read the Bible aloud every Sunday. Now, if that doesn’t make the temple stand out, what can? This temple should be visited by all who consider themselves a faithful follower of Sai Baba.
- address: 51B, VC Garden Street, Alamelu Mangapuram, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004.
- time: 5am-1pm and 4pm-9pm daily except Thursdays. Thursday, 5am to 10:30pm.
- Dress Code: There is no such dress code, but appropriate dress code is encouraged
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Due to its central location, it is easily accessible by road and bus. It is 500 meters from Thiru Mayilai local train station.
- Temple website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaiMandhiratMylapore
- Best time to visit: Every Thursday, the temple hosts bhajans and annadhanam (a feast for 1,500 people who eat), enjoying a large number of devotees. Ram Navami (when devotees celebrate Sai Baba’s birthday), Navaratri and Vijaya Dashmi are also celebrated in a grand manner.
- Other attractions: Ramakrishna Temple is nearby. Enjoy and explore the Mylapore area (with shopping and dining options).
[Read: Important Temples to Visit in Kanchipuram]
6. Kalikambal Temple:
Dedicated to the Hindu gods Kaligambal and Kamateswarar, this temple was originally built by the sea but was relocated in 1640. It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and is now located on the lively Financial Street. This place is famous for the visit of the great Marathi ruler Shivaji on October 3, 1667. The temple is of great historical significance and is visited by a large number of devotees, tourists and tourists every year. It is said that the once ferocious deity has now been replaced by a peaceful form, the goddess Kamakshi. This is another ancient temple in Chennai.
- address: 212, Thambu Chetty Street, Near DHL Express Courier, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001
- time: 5 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 9 pm
- Dress Code: Easy-going traditional clothing works best
- About. Visiting time: about 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Easily accessible by road from all parts of Chennai. Metro bus services and trains can drop you off at Chennai Beach Railway Station, which is only about 500m-1Km from the temple. Cars, taxis and rickshaws are easily found near the temple.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Vaisaki when the Kinni Ther parade takes place. Navaratri also has a unique celebration at the temple.
- Other attractions: Explore Myanmar bazaars famous for foreign goods, stationery, metals, hardware and more at wholesale prices. You can also check out the port of Chennai a mile away.
7. Ashtarakshmi Temple:
Ashtalakshmi Temple is a famous and established temple in Chennai. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. She is…