Top 10 Famous Temples in Chennai You Must Visit

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is a renowned tourist destination. The city has numerous temples in which some of which are many centuries old.

Do you want to purify your mind, body, and soul and find peace of mind? Then, you should not miss visiting temples on your Tamil Nadu trip. The marvelous architecture will tell you the story of the unique Dravidian style. Moreover, the mythology and legends associated with the temples will amaze you.

Explore more about Chennai by visiting the temples here. Seek blessings from the Almighty. You could create some precious memories as well to cherish later. It is time to talk about some of the famous temples in Chennai. So, are you ready to start exploring? Let’s start the discussion.

List of the Top 10 Famous Temples for Spiritual Awakening in Chennai:

1. Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar temple is a very popular holy place in Chennai. Moreover, it is also a key landmark of Mylapore. Do not forget to visit this temple on your Chennai trip. Kapaleeswarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Lingam form.

The Pallavas founded the famous Kapaleeswarar temple during the 7th century. This temple is among the oldest ones in Tamil Nadu. Maximum devotees visit here on Mondays as well as Fridays.

Are you visiting Chennai in March? Then, you can witness the vibrant Bhramotsavam. It is a 12-day celebration, which creates a unique experience in itself. Kapaleeswarar temple timings are 5 am to 12 Noon as well as 5 pm to 9 pm.

Furthermore, many other popular places are there in proximity to this temple. Some of them are Express avenue mall, Gaudiya mutt, Marina beach, and so on.

• Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
• Built In: 7th century CE
• Built By: Pallava kings

Read also: Top Tourist Attractions in Tamil Nadu for November Travel

2. Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple is devoted to Lord Venkat Krishna. It is among the ancient temples in the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Even the age-old Tamil scripts of Alvars have also mentioned Parthasarathy Temple. Moreover, this temple also consists of distinct shrines for Lord Narasimha. Besides, separate shrines for Lord Rama as well as Varaha Avatar are also present here.

Every Friday and Saturday witnesses a huge crowd of devotees in Parthasarathy Temple. You can visit here for Dharshan from 6 am to 12 pm as well as from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Parthasarathy temple is situated in the center of Chennai city. Hence, you can explore different other places nearby this temple after completing the darshan. Some such attractions are Shridi sai baba temple, Marina beach, T Nagar, etc.

• Opening Hours: 4:30 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Singarachari Street, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
• Built In: 8th century CE
• Built By: Pallava kings

Read also: Best Monsoon Destinations Near Chennai for a September Trip

3. Ashtalakshmi Temple

The Ashtalakshmi Temple is situated in the proximity of Elliot beach (Chennai). This temple is among the most beautiful ones in the capital city. Moreover, it is one of the ancient too. The Ashtalakshmi Temple comprises eight forms of Lakshmi on the premises.

The main sanctum of this temple holds a vast idol of Lord Vishnu. The beautiful architecture of the Ashtalakshmi Temple will amaze you. This popular temple consists of four floors reachable by steep staircases.

You can visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple from 6.30 am to 12 pm as well as from 6 pm to 9 pm. The temple also has many popular attractions nearby. Some of them are Besant Nagar beach, Elliot’s beach, Marudeeswarar temple, etc.

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Elliot’s Beach Road, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090
• Built In: 1976
• Built By: Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal

4. Kalikambal Temple

The Kalikambal Temple is devoted to Shri Kaligambal and Lord Kamadeswarar. This is among the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. It was built in 1640 AD. The holy ambiance and elegance of the Kalikambal Temple will amaze you.

The timings of the Kalikambal Temple are from 6 am to 12 Noon as well as from 4.30 pm to 9 pm. However, it can also be from 5 pm to 9 pm. Numerous other tourist attractions are there nearby this holy place. It includes the Thiru Vidanthai temple, Padi Sivan temple, Vada Palani Murugan temple, etc.

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Thambu Chetty Street, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001
• Built In: 1678
• Built By: Chennapa Nayak

5. Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple

Do not forget to visit the Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple in Besant Nagar, Chennai. This famous temple is devoted to Lord Murga. There is one remarkable aspect of this temple.

The temple has each of the six army camps of Lord Muruga. Dedicated shrines are there for all six sacred abodes of Lord Murga. The architectural beauty of this temple will astonish you. Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is a well-maintained temple. Besides, neat corridors are also there so that devotees can take some rest.

You can enter this temple from 7 am to 11 pm as well as from 5 pm to 8.30 pm. Besant Nagar beach is there nearby this holy place. Many other temples are also located in proximity.

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Beside the Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
• Built In: Ancient temple, exact year unknown
• Built By: Unknown

6. Sri Marundeeswarar Temple

Which is the largest temple in the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai? The answer is Sri Marundeeswarar Temple. Moreover, this temple is among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

The spread of the Sri Marundeeswarar Temple is one-acre land. The wonderful architectural beauty of this holy place is a unique experience in itself. Curative worship in this temple has been popular culture.

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Many people gather here on several auspicious occasions. It includes Siva Rathiri, Brahmotsvam, and Pradhosham.

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple is said to consist of the partial trait of the Pallava dynasty. Moreover, Chola art can also be seen in this temple. It is a vast temple with detailed carvings, beautiful paintings, and embellished pillars. Besides, the five-tier Gopurams with awe-inspiring idols are just mind-blowing to experience.

You can visit the Sri Marundeeswarar Temple from 5.30 am to 12 Noon as well as from 4 pm to 10 pm. Many popular tourist destinations are there around the temple. It includes VGP universal kingdom, VGP golden beach, Sri Krishna Balarama temple, etc.

• Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
• Built In: 11th century CE
• Built By: Cholas

7. Sree Ayappan-Guruvayurappan Temple

Sree Ayappan-Guruvayurappan Temple is located at Mahalingapuram, Chennai. Did you know it is Chennai’s first-ever Ayyappan temple? The architectural grandeur is mind-blowing. Lord Ayyappan is the deity of this temple. Moreover, separate shrines of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga are also present.

Sree Ayappan-Guruvayurappan Temple makes a combination of Kerala and Tamil styles. However, the Kerala tradition is maintained during the Poojas as well as rituals. A large number of Ayyappan devotees visit this temple during the Karthigai month. It falls from November to December.

Sree Ayappan-Guruvayurappan Temple has fixed the timings for darshan. It is from 4 am to 11 am as well as 5 pm to 8.30 pm. Some tourist attractions nearby the temple are Jeeva park, Semmozhi Park, Panangal Park, etc.

• Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: 15/23, Tank Bund Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
• Built In: 1985

8. Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Lord Muruga is the deity of the Vadapalani Murugan Temple. It is a prominent landmark in Chennai. The incredible architecture and rich history of this temple are awe-inspiring.

Vadapalani Murugan Temple houses a 40m high eastern tower. It consists of all 108 Bharathanatiyam Mudras. Besides, the temple pavilion houses image descriptions from various occurrences of Skanda Puranam.

The timings of the Vadapalani Murugan Temple are 5 am to 12 pm as well as 4 pm to 9 pm. Many tourist places are present in the surrounding of this temple. Some of them are Varasiddhi Vinayaka temple, the olive Ayurvedic center, the forum mall, etc.

• Opening Hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Palani Andavar Koil St, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026
• Built In: 1890
• Built By: Annasamy Naicker

9. Sai Baba Temple, Ambattur

More than 10 temples are there in Chennai devoted to Shridi Saibaba. Visit this temple and you will witness a 9-feet high idol of Shridi Saibaba in a standing position. A large number of devotees gather here on Thursdays. You can visit here from 6 am to 12 pm as well as from 4 pm to 8 pm. Ambattur is a prominent landmark in the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

• Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Plot 21, Ambattur Industrial Estate Road, Venkatapuram, Ambattur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600053
• Built In: 1994

10. Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruverkadu

One of the famous temples in Chennai is Thiruverkadu Vedapureeswarar Temple. Lord Shiva is the deity of this temple in the form of the Swayambu Lingam. The architectural style of this temple is extremely beautiful. You will explore the Gaja Brishtam style in the Thiruverkadu Vedapureeswarar Temple. This temple may be of around 1300 years old.

Even renowned poet Thirugnanasambanthar was all praise for this temple. The largest festival of this temple is the Brahmotsavam during the Magam day. The visiting hours of the temple are from 5 am to 12 pm as well as 4 pm to 8 pm.

Some eminent places nearby this temple are Padi Sivan Temple, Cholamandalam Artist Village, etc.

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Address: Thiruverkadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077
• Built In: Ancient temple, exact year unknown

What is the Best Time to Visit Chennai?

The answer is from November to February. It is because all these months belong to the winter season in the city. You can expect to experience between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius temperature in winter here.

The cool breath of wind from the sea offers great relief from the scorching heat during the daytime. Moreover, you can explore the vibrant Pongal festival if you set your trip in January. Nonetheless, December month also marks a grand Music & Dance Festival in Chennai.

How to Reach Chennai?

You can arrive in Chennai via air, train, or road. Do you want to reach Chennai via flight? Then, Chennai International Airport is there. It is located only 7 km distance from the heart of the city.

Chennai consists of two major railway terminals. The largest one in the city is Chennai Central station. You can reach other key cities and many smaller towns throughout the country. On the other hand, Chennai Egmore offers connectivity to places mainly within Tamil Nadu.

Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal or CMBT is among the largest bus stations in Asia. It connects key cities in Tamil Nadu.

Wrapping Up

Are you ready to explore all these famous temples on your Chennai trip? You can experience spirituality, rich culture, traditions, and so on throughout your journey. These temples are the origin of classical dance, music, poems, folktales, etc. Did you know around 1 lakh temples are there in Tamil Nadu? So, plan your trip today and have a great spiritual experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which is the most famous temple in Chennai?

Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore is one of the most famous and significant temples in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

2. What is special about the Kapaleeshwarar Temple?

It is known for its Dravidian architecture, rich cultural history, and the vibrant festivals held throughout the year, especially during Panguni Peruvizha.

3. Are there any ancient temples in Chennai?

Yes, Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, built in the 8th century by the Pallavas.

4. Which temple in Chennai is dedicated to Lord Murugan?

The Vadapalani Murugan Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan and is known for blessing devotees with marriages and childbirth.

5. Is there any Vishnu temple in Chennai?

Yes, Parthasarathy Temple and Ashtalakshmi Temple are popular temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Chennai.

6. What is the significance of the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Chennai?

The Ashtalakshmi Temple in Besant Nagar is dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, representing prosperity, wealth, and knowledge.

7. Which temple in Chennai is known for its architectural beauty?

The Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is known for its Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the healer.

8. Can I visit temples near the beach in Chennai?

Yes, the Ashtalakshmi Temple and Sri Ramakrishna Math in Besant Nagar are located near the beach, offering a peaceful spiritual experience.

9. Which temple in Chennai is known for the Navagraha worship?

The Agastheeswarar Temple in Villivakkam is famous for Navagraha worship, attracting devotees who seek blessings from the nine planets.

10. Are there any Jain temples in Chennai?

Yes, the Shri Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir in Mint Street is one of the prominent Jain temples in Chennai, known for its intricate carvings.

11. What is the best time to visit temples in Chennai?

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to visit temples in Chennai. Most temples also host special poojas and festivals during Pongal, Navaratri, and Shivaratri.

12. Which temple in Chennai is popular for people seeking marriages?

The Vadapalani Murugan Temple is well-known among devotees who seek blessings for marriage and family happiness.

13. Can I visit any modern temples in Chennai?

Yes, the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore is a popular modern temple, drawing devotees from all around for its serene ambiance and spiritual significance.

14. Are there any temples dedicated to Goddess Kali in Chennai?

Yes, the Kalikambal Temple in Parry’s Corner is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is revered for its power and historical importance.

15. Which temple in Chennai is famous for its festivals?

The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is renowned for its grand Panguni Peruvizha festival, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists each year.