10 MUST VISIT TEMPLES IN CHENNAI

The never-ending shores of Marina, bustling streets of T. Nagar, peaceful stroll in ECR, sparkling classic shopping malls, spicy hot street stalls is what defines Chennai; the capital of Tamilnadu. Modernisation can change many things but be it any era the spiritual thirst of Tamil people will never be replaced.  The crowded walls of Chennai temples will authenticate this fact. This capital town is dotted with surplus temples dedicated to all Hindu gods, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Sakthi, Murugan, Vinayaka, Guberar, Lakshmi and many more.

1.Kapaleeswarar Temple:

The Shiva Lingam worshipped here is a Swayambhu Lingam, which means it is a self-manifested lingam. It is one among the 64 Swayambhu Lingams in the world.The Kapaleeswarar Temple is also significant for Lord Muruga receiving the Shaktivel before battling the demon Surapadman.

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Built In: 7th century CE
Built By: Pallavas
Location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QBnzYCL1s4LNafKH6
Major Festivals: The annual festival Brahmotsavam is celebrated during the Panguni month [mid-March to mid-April], when thousands of devotees visit Kapaleeswarar Temple. It is a 9 day festival, which starts with flag hoisting.



2.Marundheeswarar Temple:

Lord Shiva is worshipped as Marundheeswarar- a healer of all ailments. According to mythological tales, Rishi Valmiki worshipped Lord Rama, under the holy Vanni tree, which is seen in the 1-acre sprawling temple ground. 

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Built In: 7th century
Built By: Chola Dynasty
Major Festivals: The important festivals are Shivratri, Skanda Sashti, and Ganesha Chaturthi.Other regular poojas of this temple are Sankatahara Chaturthi, Prathosham, full moon days or the Kruthika Star days.


3.Parthasarathy Temple:

One of the most prominent Vishnu temples in Chennai, Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. In fact, it is the only temple in Chennai, where different avatars of Lord Vishnu, namely, Krishna, Varaha, Rama and Narasimha are worshipped, under one roof. The temple has separate entrances for Rama and Narsimha. Parthasarathy Temple has spectacular sculptures, inscriptions and murals dedicated to different events of battle of Kurukshetra.

Opening Hours: 5:50 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM 
Built In: 8th century
Built By: Pallavas
Major Festivals: The 10-day Brahmotsavam during Chittirai (April-May) and the Vaikunta Ekadasi during Margazhi (December-January) are celebrated,drawing thousands of devotees.


4. Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple

Vadapalani Murugan Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and considered as a sacred place for marriages and other religious ceremonies and it is believed that the moolavar in standing posture blesses the newly married couple with health and prosperity.The Moolavar (main deity) resembles the Palani temple idol and is in standing position.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Built In: Late 19th century
Built By: Annaswami Nayakar
Major Festivals: The temple celebrates Krithigai, Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram,Thiruvadharai Urchavam in the month of Margazhi on the day of Pournami and also the seven days Shashti.


5. Ashtalakshmi Temple

The uniqueness of the temple is that, it is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her eight forms.The shrines of Aadilakshmi, Dharyalakshmi and Dhaanyalakshmi rests on first floor, while Goddess Mahalakshmi and Maha Vishnu on the second. Third floor houses Santha Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Gajalakshmi and Dhanalakshmi is worshipped on the fourth floor.

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Built In: 1974
Built By: Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJpSnyAv3KfYtBYK6
Major Festivals: The temple celebrates the festivals of Pavitra Utsavam, Dhanur Masa Pooja, Janmashtami, Navratri, Deepawali, Karthigai Deepam, English New Year, Pongal, and Tamil New Year's Day.


6. Kalikambal Temple:

The temple of  Kalikambal  is dedicated to Maratha kings, The temple used to have a different location earlier, and was much closer to the seaside. It is currently moved this location around 16th century. This temple is believed to have worshipped by great warrior  Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was also believed that the deity was once in a fierce form, and was later changed as a soft Goddess. The chariot festival of this temple is highly prominent. 

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Built In: 1678
Built By: Shivaji
Major Festivals: The Kapaleeswarar Temple hosts special pujas on full moon days, vibrant celebrations during Navratri, and heightened devotion on Tuesdays and Fridays, particularly by female worshippers. The month of Aadi holds special significance. The annual Brahmorchavam festival occurs in Vaigasi. Deepavali and Pongal are celebrated with grandeur.


7. Sree Ayyappan-Guruvayurappan Temple, Nungambakkam

Opening Hours: 5 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 9 PM.
Built In: 1970
Major Festivals: Festivals. Gokulashtami, Makar Sankranti, Chithirai Vishu, 1st day of Tamil month Karthigai are some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple.


8. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple:

This is the oldest temple dedicated to the spiritual leader and saint, Shirdi Sai Baba, in South India. The temple is also known as the All India Sai Baba Samaj. The temple is also known as the 'Shirdi of the South'.

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Built In: 1952
Built By: Sri Narasimha Swamy
Major Festivals: Navaratri with a ten-day festival ending on Vijayadashami. Guru Purnima, honoring Gurus, is a significant celebration. Sri Rama Navami is crucial, as Sai Baba designated it as his birthday. Narasimha Swamy's birthday on August 21st is also observed. Thursdays, dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, draw large crowds with teachings and bhajans. Sundays feature a special Agni Pooja, attracting devotees to the temple.




9. Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple:

The Kamakshi Amman Temple in Mangadu, meaning Mango Grove in Tamil, is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. Legend has it that the goddess performed rigorous penance here to unite with Lord Shiva. All 32 types of Dharmic rituals were conducted during her austerities. Despite being a Saivite shrine, the temple also houses idols of Lord Vishnu, uniquely depicting him holding the Prayoga Chakra in his right hand.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Built In: 17th century
Built By: Chola Dynasty




10. ISKCON Temple:

Everyone must have heard of ISKCON Temple in one city or the other. These temples are maintained by the Hare Krishna organization. The temple is situated on the East Coast Road in South Chennai and is considered to be the biggest temple that is dedicated to Radha and Krishna.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM,  and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Built In: 2012
Built By: International Society for Krishna Consciousness








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