10 Most Famous Temples To Visit in Chennai

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is a celebrated tourist destination known for its rich cultural heritage. The city boasts a number of ancient temples, some of which date back centuries.

If you're seeking to purify your mind, body, and soul and find inner peace, visiting these temples should be a highlight of your Tamil Nadu journey. The stunning architecture exemplifies the unique Dravidian style, while the mythology and legends tied to each temple will captivate you.

Discover more about Chennai through its temples. Seek blessings, create cherished memories, and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Let's dive into the discussion of some of Chennai's most renowned temples. Ready to begin your exploration?

# Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple is a highly revered site in Chennai and a prominent landmark in Mylapore. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam. Established by the Pallavas in the 7th century, this temple is among the oldest in Tamil Nadu. Mondays and Fridays see the highest number of devotees.

If you're visiting Chennai in March, don't miss the vibrant Bhramotsavam, a 12-day festival that offers a unique experience. The temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.

# Parthasarathy Temple

The Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkat Krishna, is one of Chennai's ancient temples. It is mentioned in the old Tamil scriptures of the Alvars and features separate shrines for Lord Narasimha, Lord Rama, and the Varaha Avatar. The temple attracts large crowds on Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit the temple from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. Located in central Chennai, it's close to other attractions like Shridi Sai Baba Temple, Marina Beach, and T Nagar.

# Ashtalakshmi Temple

Situated near Elliot Beach, the Ashtalakshmi Temple is one of Chennai's most beautiful and ancient temples. It features eight forms of Lakshmi and houses a grand idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple's four floors are accessible via steep staircases.

The temple is open from 6:30 am to 12 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm. Nearby attractions include Besant Nagar Beach, Elliot’s Beach, and Marudeeswarar Temple.

# Kalikambal Temple

Kalikambal Temple, dedicated to Shri Kaligambal and Lord Kamadeswarar, is one of Tamil Nadu's oldest temples, built in 1640 AD. Its serene ambiance and elegance are remarkable.

The temple operates from 6 am to 12 pm and 4:30 pm to 9 pm, with some variations. Nearby attractions include Thiru Vidanthai Temple, Padi Sivan Temple, and Vada Palani Murugan Temple.

# Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple

Located in Besant Nagar, the Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and features shrines representing each of his six sacred abodes. The temple's stunning architecture and well-maintained facilities make it a notable site.

It is open from 7 am to 11 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Nearby attractions include Besant Nagar Beach and various other temples.

# Sri Marundeeswarar Temple

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple is the largest temple in Chennai and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Covering an acre, the temple is known for its exceptional architecture and is a site for curative worship.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm. Surrounding attractions include VGP Universal Kingdom, VGP Golden Beach, and Sri Krishna Balarama Temple.

# Sree Ayappan-Guruvayurappan Temple

Located in Mahalingapuram, Sree Ayappan-Guruvayurappan Temple is Chennai’s first Ayyappan temple. It combines Kerala and Tamil architectural styles and maintains Kerala traditions in its rituals. The temple attracts many devotees during the Karthigai month (November to December).

The temple is open from 4 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Nearby attractions include Jeeva Park, Semmozhi Park, and Panangal Park.

# Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Vadapalani Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga, is a significant landmark in Chennai. It features a 40-meter-high eastern tower adorned with 108 Bharathanatiyam Mudras and detailed depictions from Skanda Puranam.

The temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. Nearby attractions include Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, Olive Ayurvedic Center, and The Forum Mall.

# Sai Baba Temple, Ambattur

Ambattur hosts one of over ten temples dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba in Chennai. The temple features a 9-feet tall idol of Shirdi Sai Baba. Devotees flock here, especially on Thursdays.

The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. Ambattur is a prominent area in Chennai with other notable landmarks.

# Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruverkadu

The Thiruverkadu Vedapureeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Swayambu Lingam, is renowned for its Gaja Brishtam architectural style. Dating back around 1300 years, it is celebrated in the Brahmotsavam festival during the Magam day.

Visit the temple from 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.