Chennai is a renowned destination for its rich culture and heritage. An uncountable number of temples and historic constructions of Chennai speak about the land’s rich culture and heritage. Even the surrounding destinations of Chennai showcase a large number of temples and edifices that reflect the South Indian culture and heritage. Many temples near Chennai will make you wonder how beautifully they are sculpted and organized. Also, many interesting things about temples will leave you in surprise with their unique presence.
So what next to think? Now we are going to explore the beautiful and spectacular religious places near Chennai. Let’s know what are the important religious places that should never be missed.
Exploring Chennai’s Top 10 Spiritual Nearby Destinations:
1. Tiruvannamalai (195 km)
A very well-known place in Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamalai is a very famous religious spot for its Arunachala or Annamalaiyar Temple. From all the southern states of India people throng to the destination to visit this temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva built between the 16th and 17th centuries by Viyanagara Kings. It is believed that this temple is one of the pancha bhoota sthalam, which means the manifestation of five natural elements. Lord Shiva in this temple replicates the form of Agni. That’s why the idol is called Agni Lingam.
The Dravidian style of architecture of the temple with intricate carvings and sculptures looks great and grandeur. During the time of Brahmotsavam between November and December, the temple looks special and alluring with festivities.
2. Kanchipuram (72 km)
One of the oldest cities in India, Kanchipuram is like an epitome of Tamil Nadu’s culture and history. The place is home to numerous historic temples and constructions of Pallavas and Cholas. The architecture and remnants of these iconic attractions will remind the historic legacy of Tamil Nadu’s rich culture and heritage. Besides, its famous silk sarees, which were handmade are the special attraction of the place.
Notable temples that can be covered in this temple city are Kamakshi Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, and Ekambaranatha Temple. Apart from all the temples, Ekambarabatha Temple is the famous and must-visit temple.
3. Sri Kalahasti (120 km)
In India, Sri Kalahasti is one of the prominent religious places dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place is quite famous for its Sri Kalahasti Temple. It is also one of the Pancha bhoota sthalam of Lord Shiva. The idol in this temple is the form of air, that’s why it is called Vayu Lingam. The temple is also a wonderful one to witness because it was carved out from a single rock and it looks stunning with its mighty gopuram facing the temple.
Apart from the temple, the Rahu and Ketu temple inside the complex is another important attraction. From all corners of India, visit this temple to do pooja to get solutions for long-standing issues especially, for marriages.
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4. Tirumala (140 km)
Located on an elevation of 3,200 ft above sea level, Tirumala is the most sacred religious spot of Lord Venkateswara. From all corners of India, devotees flood the temple. On a daily count, it attracts devotees in thousands of numbers. Being located on the Sheshadri hills, people can reach the temple by road or trek. While trekking you have to climb nearly 3000 steps to reach the temple. If you try to trek to the temple, you will be mesmerized bypassing wildlife animals and so many eateries to enjoy.
When it comes to the temple, the main idol of Lord Venkateshwara looks majestic and grandeur with beautiful ornaments. The temple’s architecture and its gold-covered vimana stand as the major attractions to witness. Other important attractions to explore in Tirumala hills are Akasa Ganga, Papavinasanam, Srivari Padalu, Ckajra Theertham, and Shilatoranam.
5. Sripuram (145 km)
The well-known Golden Temple of South, Sripuram is a wonderful and artistic temple located in Vellore. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi spread across 100 acres. Being placed amid the lush green gardens, the temple looks beautiful and picturesque.
The major attraction of the temple is its gold-coating Vimana and Ardha Mandapa, which was covered with nearly one and a half tonnes of gold. Besides, the Dravidian architectural styles of the temple add more charm to the place.
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6. Kanipakam (170 km)
Located in Andhra Pradesh, Kanipakam is a famous religious spot for its Lord Ganesh Temple. The famous Kanipakam Temple houses Lord Ganesh in a well, where he was found by the villagers. The idol in this temple is Swayambhu and people say that it is still growing. This temple was built in the 11th century, which reflects the beautiful architecture of Cholas. The annual festival of the temple that takes place between August and September receives a large number of devotees.
Other important temples to witness here are Sri Manikanteswara Swami Temple, Sri Ardhagiri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple, Sri Varadaraja Swami Temple, and Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
7. Chidambaram (230 km)
Chidambaram is an important historic and religious place in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. This place is quite famous for its Chidambaram Nataraja or Thillai temple, which is also one of the panch bhoota stalas and it signifies space. In April, the annual festival of Chidambaram Temple took place and it attracts a large number of devotees from all corners of South India. The architecture of the temple with a golden hall of dance and other sculptures showcases beautiful Dravidian architecture.
Other than this temple, Pichavaram Temple, Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, and Sattanathar Temple are notable temples to visit.
8. Kumbakonam (280 km)
Kumbakonam is a must-visit religious site near Chennai, where devotees can submerge in spirituality. It houses nearly 180 temples and a large number of mutts. Wherever you go many temples will appear before you. Among all, the most important temples to visit here are Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Nageswaraswamy Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Airavateeswarar Temple, and Swamimalai Murugan Temple.
Mahamaham festival of Kumbakonam is a popular festival of this place, which takes place once in 12 years. Apart from the temples and mutts, the town is quite famous for its silk products, metal wares, panchaloha idols, and brass. Also, for educational institutes, this place is very popular in Tamil Nadu.
9. Mayiladuthurai (280 km)
Mayiladuthurai is a famous religious place near Chennai for its Mayuranatha Swamy Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is an ancient temple that resembles the architecture of the 10th century.
The special attraction of the temple is Goddess Abhayambikaappears as a peacock worshipping Lord Shiva. Besides Lord Shiva Temple, the Nataraja Temple is a special attraction of the place. Its annual dance festival known as the Mayura Natyanjali festival is a must-watch festival of the temple that takes place between March and April.
10. Thirukkadaiyur (300 km)
Familiar for its Amritagahateswarar– Abirami Temple, Thirukkadaiyur is a famous religious site of Lord Shiva. This temple houses Lord Shiva and his consort Abirami. Many mythological stories about the temple describe its greatness. This place is also called one of the 8 Veera sthalas of Lord Shiva, where Lord Shiva fought with Lord Yama for Markandeya. Even we can see a dedicated temple to Markandeya in the temple complex.
When it comes to architecture the temple showcases the beautiful architecture of Cholas dates back 11th century. The three holy theerthas namely Markandeya, Kaala, and Amrita Pushkarini are sacred places to take a holy bath. The annual Brahmotsavam of the temple takes place between April and May. During this time the temple looks attractive and grandeur.
11. Shravanabelogala (310 km)
Located in Karnataka, Shravanabelogala is a famous religious and historical site of Jainism. This place is quite famous for its Bahubali Statue, which heights nearly 58 feet carved out from a single rock of granite. Also, it is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. Here you can witness numerous Jain temples located on hills. Especially, Gomateswaratemple located on Vidhyagiri hillis the most popular one to witness. Apart from it, there are many Jain temples located on the Chandragiri and Vidhyagirihills.
Once in 12 years, the Mahamastakabhishekafestival takes place in Shravanabelogala. At the time the place will be crowded with a huge number of devotees from all corners of India. The last festival took place in February 2018.
12. Srirangam (330 km)
Ranganathaswamy Temple of Srirangam is a wonderful and majestic temple to be visited near Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is one of the prominent temples of Lord Vishnu. Spread across 156 acres, the temple complex houses 21 gopuras, 9 sacred pools, 50 sub-shrines, and a golden vimana that showcases the grandeur and history of the place. It is a wonderful temple, which is a perfect blend of architecture and rich history. The Dravidian architecture of the temple with intricate designs and sculptures will make everyone stuck in amaze.
Especially, the golden Vimana and 236 ft Rajagopuram, which is the tallest one in India are great examples of the rich history of this place. These iconic standing masterpieces reflect the greatness of Indian architecture that dates back to nearly the 10th century.
13. Thanjavur (326 km)
Thanjavur is a historical and religious destination, which is a perfect blend of rich history and culture. Once it served as the capital of the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara kingdoms. During the time of Cholas, the Brihadeeswarar Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola in the 11th century and it is the major attraction of the place. The Dravidian style of architecture and the massive sculptures with intricate detailing of the temple makes everyone surprised. For its rich heritage and culture, the temple was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Apart from this temple, Thanjavur Palace, Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Kumbakonam, and Thirubuvanam are worthy places to visit in Thanjavur.
14. Thiruvanaikoli (330 km)
Thiruvanaikoli is a prominent religious place, where Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located. It is one of the pancha bhoots sthalas and the idol in this temple is dedicated to water, called Appu Lingam. The sanctum of the temple has an underground water stream flowing and also comes out.
It is believed that Goddess Parvathi in the form of Akilandeswari performed penance and brought Shiva Lingam out of the Kaveri River. Even today at noon priest offers pooja to Lord Shiva by dressing like a female. Besides, the temple architecture with massive structures of gopuras looks majestic and beautiful.
15. Mahanandi (360 km)
Mahanandi is a well-known religious place for Lord Shiva devotees. This place is home to Mahanandiswara Temple, which is one of the famous temples of Lord Shiva. Among Nava Nandis in Mahanandi, this temple is quite famous for its well-known architecture and many interesting things. A very important and interesting thing about the place is its undisturbed, continuous, and crystal-clear pool inside the temple. Even a small pebble appears in this water at any depth. The water flows from under the basement of Garbha Gruha.
During Mahashivaratri, the temple receives a large number of devotees. Being surrounded by thick forests, the temple looks beautiful and will be pleasing for the devotees to enjoy the day. Apart from that temple, Kameswari Devi Temple and Kodanda Ramalayamare worth visiting places in Mahanandi.
16. Lepakshi (380 km)
Lepakshi temple is an architectural wonder of the Vijayanagara kingdom built in the 16th century. This temple houses beautiful architectural works, natural paintings, the mighty Nagalingam, and its hanging pillar, many will make you awestruck. The temple complex houses temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Veerabhadra Temple. Among all the temples, Veerabhadra temple is the most important one. Apart from the temple, a massive Nandi carved out from a single rock is another attraction to witness here.
In many mythological stories, this temple was mentioned. One instance of a mythological story is Goddess Sita Devi’s footprint in the temple. An interesting thing about the foot it is always filled with water even in summer but there is no nearby source for water.
17. Yaganti (380 km)
Located in Yerramala Hills, Yaganti is a famous pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh. The place is home to Uma Maheshwara Temple, where Lord Shiva appears in the form of Ardhanareeswara. Also, it is the rarest place where Lord Shiva appears not in the form of Shiva Linga.
Apart from the temple, a very interesting thing about the place is its Nandi, which is still growing in size. Here you can witness numerous caves surrounding the temple. It is believed that many great saints used to meditate here. Being surrounded by thick forests, the temple will be a very exciting spot for natural enthusiasts to explore.
18. Srirangapatna (420 km)
Srirangapatna is a famous religious place in Karnataka for its well-known Ranganathawsamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Among Lord Vishnu temples in India, this temple is one of the most important temples.
The temple showcases fantastic architectural works of Vijayanagara and also this temple is one of the largest Vishnuvaite temples in Karnataka. This temple is quite famous for its Laksha Deepotsava, Dussehra, Ratha Sapthami, and Buddha Purnima festivals.
19. Madurai (460 km)
Well-known for its Meenakshi Temple, Madurai is a prominent religious destination near Chennai. The temple is a wonder of the city with stunning architecture. This temple is the best place to witness the Vishwakarma Brahmin architectural style works.
People from all parts of India, visit the temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Meenakshi and its intricate architecture. Apart from this temple, Koodal Alagar Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Mahal are the important tourist places to cover in Madurai.
Madurai Package: 5 Nights 6 Days Madurai Tirupati Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Trip Itinerary
20. Srisailam (480 km)
Srisailam is a perfect blend of tourism and religious attractions in Andhra Pradesh. This place is widely known for its Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple dates back to the Vijayanagara Kingdom and looks attractive. Apart from the temple, Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Shikaresvara Temple, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple, and Mallela Theertham are the other famous religious attractions.
When it comes to tourist attractions, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary, Akka Mahadevi Caves, Pathal Ganga, etc are the important tourist attractions to cover here.
These are the must-visit and important religious places near Chennai in a radius of 500 km, maybe distances kept approximately. However, whenever you visit these places you feel light and enjoy your presence in these religious places seeking the blessings of god. Hope you find the places worthy for your next religious trip near Chennai.
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