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Chennai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to many ancient and revered temples. These temples not only serve as spiritual centers but also reflect the rich history and architecture of the region. Here’s a list of the top 10 famous temples in Chennai, along with their history, opening times, addresses, and how to reach them.
Top 10 Famous Temples in Chennai
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
History: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, located in Mylapore, is one of Chennai’s most famous and oldest temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built around the 7th century by the Pallavas and later renovated by the Vijayanagara rulers. The temple is a prime example of Dravidian architecture, featuring a majestic gopuram (gateway tower) and intricate carvings.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.
How to Reach: The temple is well-connected by public transport. You can take a bus or a local train to Mylapore. The nearest railway station is Thirumayilai MRTS Station, and it is about 3 km from the Chennai Central Railway Station.
Also Read: Top 20 Largest Hindu Temples in the World
2. Parthasarathy Temple
History: Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is another ancient temple in Chennai, located in Triplicane. It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century and later expanded by the Vijayanagara kings. The temple is unique as it depicts Lord Krishna in his role as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005.
How to Reach: Triplicane is well-connected by road, and the temple can be reached via local buses and autos. The nearest railway station is Triplicane MRTS Station.
3. Vadapalani Murugan Temple
History: Vadapalani Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga, is one of the most popular temples in Chennai. It was built in the late 19th century and has since become a significant pilgrimage site. The temple is known for its vibrant festivals, especially during Thaipusam.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026.
How to Reach: The temple is located in the heart of Chennai and can be easily reached by bus, auto, or metro. The nearest metro station is Vadapalani Metro Station.
Also Check: Dilwara Temple
4. Ashtalakshmi Temple
History: Ashtalakshmi Temple, located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Besant Nagar, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and her eight forms. The temple was built in the 1970s and is known for its unique architecture that features eight shrines, each dedicated to a different form of Lakshmi.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090.
How to Reach: The temple is located near Elliot’s Beach, and can be easily accessed by bus or auto from any part of Chennai. The nearest railway station is Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Station.
5. Marundeeswarar Temple
History: Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple dates back to the Chola period, and it is believed that Sage Agastya received knowledge of medicinal herbs from Lord Shiva here. The temple is also associated with the treatment of diseases, and many devotees visit seeking cures for ailments.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041.
How to Reach: Thiruvanmiyur is well-connected by road and public transport. The temple is close to Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Station, and several buses run from various parts of Chennai to the area.
6. Kalikambal Temple
History: Kalikambal Temple, located in George Town, Chennai, is dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal and Lord Kamateswarar. The temple has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It is believed that the great Maratha ruler Shivaji visited this temple to seek blessings before embarking on his southern campaign.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Kalikambal Temple, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001.
How to Reach: The temple is situated in the busy area of George Town, near Parrys Corner. It can be reached by bus, auto, or taxi. The nearest railway station is Chennai Beach Station.
7. Thiruneermalai Temple
History: Thiruneermalai Temple is a hill temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the outskirts of Chennai. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, and it is unique as it has separate shrines for four forms of Vishnu – Ranganatha, Narasimha, Trivikrama, and Neervannan. The temple is believed to have been built during the Pallava period.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Address: Thiruneermalai Temple, Thiruneermalai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600044.
How to Reach: The temple is located about 20 km from the city center and can be reached by local buses and taxis. The nearest railway station is Pallavaram Station.
8. Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple
History: Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, is located in the Mangadu area of Chennai. The temple is associated with the legend of Goddess Parvati performing penance in the form of Kamakshi. The temple was renovated in the 1970s and is now one of the most visited temples in Chennai.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Address: Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600122.
How to Reach: The temple is about 20 km from the city center, and can be reached by bus, auto, or taxi. The nearest railway station is Poonamallee Station.
9. Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple
History: Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple, located in Triplicane, is another ancient temple in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and has a history dating back to the 8th century. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and the serene atmosphere it offers to devotees.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Address: Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005.
How to Reach: The temple is well-connected by public transport and is easily accessible by bus, auto, or taxi. The nearest railway station is Triplicane MRTS Station.
10. Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple
History: Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple, located in the Nanganallur area of Chennai, is one of the most famous Hanuman temples in the city. The temple is known for its 32-feet-tall idol of Lord Hanuman, which is believed to be the tallest in India. The temple was built in 1989 and has since become a popular pilgrimage site.
Opening Times:
- Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600061.
How to Reach: Nanganallur is well-connected by road, and the temple can be easily reached by bus, auto, or taxi. The nearest railway station is Pazhavanthangal Station.
FAQs on Famous Temples in Chennai
Which temple is named for Shiva in Chennai?
Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore is the most famous Shiva temple in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
What are the three Devi temples in Chennai?
The three famous Devi temples in Chennai are Kamakshi Amman Temple in Mangadu, Kalikambal Temple in George Town, and Ashtalakshmi Temple in Besant Nagar.
Which Murugan temple is powerful in Chennai?
Vadapalani Murugan Temple is considered one of the most powerful Murugan temples in Chennai, attracting devotees from across the state.
Which temple is famous in Chennai?
Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore is one of the most famous and iconic temples in Chennai, known for its rich history and stunning architecture.
Which is the most powerful temple in Tamil Nadu?
The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and revered temples in Tamil Nadu.
Which god is famous in Chennai?
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are the most revered deities in Chennai, with major temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to them.
Is there any golden temple in Chennai?
No, there isn't a golden temple in Chennai, but the Golden Temple is located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, known as the Sripuram Golden Temple.
