6 Famous Temples in Chennai to Visit on Your Next Trip
Known as the Gateway of South India, Chennai is a popular tourist destination famous for its historic monuments, beaches, markets and cuisine. The city is also known for its culture and traditions reflected through the heritage temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple. These famous temples in the city are not only popular pilgrimage places but are also symbols of charming heritage architecture. Dedicated to different deities of different religions, these temples are a must-visit to explore the spirituality, culture and art of the city.
Here is your travel guide to visit the famous temples in Chennai with best recommendation to book your stay in hotels in Chennai located near these key landmarks. So, why wait further? Let’s explore the popular temples of the city.
Kapaleeswarar Temple
A holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is located in Mylapore, Chennai. Originally built in the 7th century by the mighty Pallavas, destroyed by Portuguese explorers and rebuilt by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 16th century, the temple has its own story to tell through its spectacular combination of two architectural styles- Dravidian and Vijayanagari. The Brahmotsavam festival in March-April is the main festival celebrated in the temple. If you wish to witness the festivities, then it is recommended to book your stay through online booking at hotels near Kapaleeswarar Temple Tank Chennai.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).
Location: 234, Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.
Kalikambal Temple
Kalikambal Temple, now located in George Town on Thambu Chetty Street, was originally located near the seashore. Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kamakshi and Lord Kamateswarar, it is one of the famous temples in Chennai, known for its divine powers. An interesting fact about the temple is that, according to a legend, the deity was originally worshipped in his fierce form, which was later replaced by Shanta Swaroopa or the calm and composed form of the Goddess Kamakshi. Furthermore, historical evidence revealed that the Great Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, visited the temple to worship the deities in 1667.
So, if you are also planning to visit the temple, then festivals like Vaikasi, Navratri and Vasant Navratri are the best times to visit the temple. You can witness the festivities and participate in poojas by staying at nearby Treebo hotels in Chennai.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM except Tuesdays and Fridays when the timings are 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Location: 212, Thambu Chetty St, near DHL Express Courier, Mannadi, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001.
Parthasarathy Temple
Located in Triplicane, Chennai, Parthasarathy Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. The temple, dedicated to different incarnations of Lord Vishnu, gets its name from the charioteer version of Lord Krishna from the epic Mahabharata, when he drove the chariot of Arjuna in the war. Being one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu), it attracts devotees across the country, making it one of the most famous temples in Chennai.
While visiting the temple, you can book your stay at nearby budget-friendly hotels in Chennai for an affordable and comfortable stay.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM every day.
Location: Car St, Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005.
Ashtalakshmi Temple
Ashtalakshmi Temple, one of the famous temples in Chennai dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, is located near Besant Beach. The scenic beauty of the beach and the continuous sound of the ocean waves echo in the temple complex, adding a serene ambiance for meditation and praying. It is believed that Ashtalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Knowledge, blesses everyone who visits the temple to offer their prayers with a pure devotion.
Jeernotharana Ashtabandana Mahakumbhabhishekam in July is a popular Hindu religious ceremony famous for its extravaganza spending. To book a stay in the locality of the temple, hotels near Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple Chennai offer a comfortable stay with modern amenities and the best services.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM every day.
Location: Beach Rd, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090.
Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple
The majestic Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, located in Tiruvanmiyurm near Chennai, is a reflection of Dravidian architecture. Being one of the famous temples in Chennai dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity resides here in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicine. This ancient temple was glorified in the 7th-8th century by Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Turygnana Sambandar and Appar and was later expanded by the Chola Kingdom in the 11th century.
The miraculous prasadam, a mixture of sacred ash, water and milk, is believed to cure any ailments. So, if you wish to witness the mystic powers of the temple, you can look for a comfortable stay at hotels near Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple Chennai.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM every day.
Location: 8, W Tank St, Ambedkar Nagar, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041.
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Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple
Known for its magnificent architecture and artistically designed walls, pillars and gopurams, Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple receives the maximum footfall among famous temples in Chennai. The temple, situated on the banks of Sri Swami Pushkaarini, attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, mainly on Saturdays and during festivals. Dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathi, the temple complex resembles the famous Lord Venkateshwara temple in Tirupathi.
Srirama Navami (April), Sriram Pattabhishekam (April), Vasanthotsavam (April) and Hanumantha Jayanthi (June) are some of the festivals celebrated in the temple. If you wish to witness the festivities at the temple, it is recommended to book your stay at nearby Treebo hotels in Chennai through online booking.
Timings: 6 AM – 9:00 PM every day.
Location: 26, Venkatanarayana Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017.
Thus, these famous temples in Chennai represent the religious faith, culture and architectural heritage of the city. Whether you are visiting the city to worship the deities or admire the architecture, the temples are a must-visit for every traveller. Additionally, to make your travel comfortable and affordable, you can book your stay at budget-friendly hotels in Chennai from Treebo Club’s website or app.
