5 Must-Visit Temples In Chennai For Your Bucket List

Formerly Madras, Chennai is a land locked by temples where seek the blessings of deities arduously. The name "Madras" comes from Madrasapattinam, a fishing village that existed before the British East India Company established the city in 1639. Over time, the name evolved into Madras, reflecting its colonial roots. Apart from being the capital of Tamil Nadu, the city is a bustling metropolis rich in culture and heritage. It is also the devotional locus where devotees from all around the country gather to experience the divine communion together with the splendour of historical architecture. Let us take a look at sites of worship where this communion is observed in its perfect glory.

Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore

The ornate architecture of Kapaleeswarar Temple features stone and wood carving, painted pillars and Gopuras at the doorway, classic of South Indian temples. These doorway Gopuras resemble Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically in his form as Kapaleeswarar, and Goddess Karpagambal Parvati. It is believed that this temple was contructed in the 7th century by the Pallavas in the Darvidian-style featuring colourful gateway tower. At this temple, the puja ceremony takes place as frequently as six times a day. The different pujas, such as Kala Santhi in the morning, Uchchikala in midday, Sayamkala in the evening, and Ardhajama in late night, attract flocks of devotees to the temple throughout the year. A traveller would do well to visit the temples during festivals like Panguni, Arubathimooval, and Theppam, or the float festival, which are the main attractions for devotees. The temple's pond and traditional architecture make it a historic and cultural landmark in Chennai.

Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

Address: 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India

Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane

Evident in the name, the Parthasarathy Temple is largely dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, which means 'charioteer of Arjuna'—a name signifying his active role within the Mahabharata. Variously dedicated to an alternative avatar of Lord Vishnu, the temple enjoys a buzzing influx of devotees from diverse parts of the country. According to people, the temple was built in the 8th century by the Pallavas and was reconstructed by various South Indian dynasties. A central highlight of the temple features the five incarnations of Lord Vishu - Krishna, Rama, Narasimha, Varaha, and Ranganatha, which can be observed as separate shrines. The temple chiefly draws devotees for Vaikunta Ekadasi (a Hindu festival observed by Vaishnavas) and for its traditional Dravidian architecture filled with intricately carved pillars.

Timings: 5:50 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm

Address: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar

Standing along the shorelines near the Eliot's beach, the Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated exclusively to Goddess Lakshmi and her eight forms - the Ashtalakshmi. According to some folklores, the marriage between Mahavishnu and Goddess Lakshmi offers a way to explain life's mysteries. Built in the latter quarter of the 20th century, the temple commands a spectacular view of the coastline along Besant Nagar. In time, the temple has stood tall for devotees seeking to pray for prosperity and continued good fortune. When a devotee comes to the Ashtalakshmi Temple, they take solace in the belief that they have blessings of Goddess Laxmi and her eight manifestations: Dhanya Laxmi (living wealth), Dhana Laxmi (money), Vijaya Laxmi (victory), Vidya Laxmi (knowledge), Samruddhi Laxmi (prosperity), Aishwarya Laxmi (wealth), and Shree Laxmi (luxury).

Timings: 6:30 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm

Address: Elliot's Beach, 6/21 Paindi Amman Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur

This temple is famously dedicated to Lord Shiva as Marundeeswarar, which in Tamil means the "God of Medicine." In the Tamil language, 'Marundhi' means medicine and 'Eswara' translates to God. It is believe that the temple is the site where Lord Shiva taught the medicinal qualities to Sage Agastya leading to such nomenclature of the temple. The temple is known to have healing powers and attracts devotees stricken with ailments. It was constructed n the 11th century by the Chola dynasty and showcases beautiful Dravidian-style architecture to its pilgrims visiting for the Panguni Brahmotsavam festival.

Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm

Address: 8, W Tank St., Ambedkar Nagar, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

Kalikambal Temple, Parrys

Dedicated to Lord Kamadeswarar and Goddess Kalikambal, an incarnation of Parvati, the Kalikambal Temple stands near the seashore at Parry's corner. While originally closer to the shore, the temple was relocated to its current site in 17th century when the British East India Company built its fort. A urban legend attributes a visit to temple to Maratha warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Other than Goddess Kamakshi and Lord Kamadeswarar, Kalikambal Temple also houses several local deities and a shrine of Navagrahas, the nine planets according to Hindu mythology, that attracts a large number of people from all across Tamil Nadu. People visit the temple for its vibrant festivals and connection to Chennai’s cultural heritage.

Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm

Address: 212, Thambu Chetty St. near DHL Express Courier, Mannady, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001