Top 10 Most Famous Temples In Chennai

Tamil Nadu, a state in India's southern region, is renowned for many famous Hindu temples, some of which go back to very ancient times. Chennai, known as Madras earlier, is the capital city of the state and home to many such temples that sport an architectural style that is uniquely south Indian. These temples represent not only the spiritual wealth of the country but also its art, culture, and traditions.

These ancient spiritual abodes are among the many things that define Chennai, a city that straddles both tradition and modernity with ease. Tamil people, despite the prevailing Dravidian political culture shaped by atheism and rationalism, are very religious and spiritual. Even the simple and daily ritual of drawing the kolam in front of one’s house is infused with religious and spiritual meanings. So it is not surprising that Chennai has no dearth of temples to various Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, Goddess Sakthi, Lakshmi, Murugan, Ganesha, Kubera, and many more. 

Let’s discover the ten most popular temples in Chennai.

Kapaleeswarar Temple

The renowned Kapaleeswarar temple is in Mylapore, and it’s one of the most popular temples in Chennai. The main deity is Lord Siva in the form of a Lingam. The Pallavas built the temple in the 7th century, and it is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the state. This temple attracts many devotees on Mondays and Fridays. Brahmotsavam, the 12-day celebration at the temple in March, is a grand spectacle.

  Parthasarathy Temple

This temple, dedicated to Lord Venkat Krishna, is located in Triplicane. It is a very famous and ancient temple. The temple's most prominent feature is the colorful Gopuram. This temple finds mention in the ancient Tamil scripts of the Alwars. The temple also houses separate shrines for deities like Narasimha, Rama, and Varaha. Fridays and Saturdays are quite crowded as they are very special for Lord Venkata Krishna.

  Ashtalakshmi Temple

The Ashtalakshmi Temple located near Elliot beach is one of the most beautiful temples in Chennai. The ancient temple is unique as all the eight forms of Lakshmi are present here under one roof.

The huge idol of Vishnu inside the main sanctum is an amazing sight to behold. The temple architecture, too, is quite unique and not to be found anywhere else. Situated near the shore of Besant Nagar beach, Ashtalakshmi temple has four floors that can be reached by climbing a steep staircase.

Kalikambal Temple

This temple is dedicated to the deities, Kaligambal and Kamadeswarar. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Tamilnadu and was built in 1640 AD. It is situated in Thambu Chetty Street, which is a financial street in Georgetown. Though the temple had been demolished during the Portuguese invasion, it was restored later and still looks imposing. The idol of Goddess Kalikambal is very beautiful and has a sublime charm.

  Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple

Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is located in Besant Nagar and is one of the popular temples here for Muruga. A special feature of the temple is that it has all the six army camps of Muruga under one roof.

Separate shrines can be found inside this temple for all the six Murugas, like Palani Dhandayuthapani, Thiruparankundram Murugan Thiruthani Murugan, , Thiruchendoor Subramaniyan, Pazhamuthircholai Murugan, and Swami Malai Murugan. People from neighboring areas take Kavadi on New Year’s eve and Thai Poosam. The temple architecture is impressive, and the edifice is well maintained with neat corridors where devotees can rest for a while.

Marundeeswarar Temple

The Marundeeswarar temple is in Thrivanmaiyur, Chennai, and is the largest temple in Chennai. One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, it occupies an area of one-acre land. The temple also attracts people for its architectural. The Marundeeswarar temple is frequented by people who are suffering from various diseases. Shiva, as Marundeeswarar, is the main deity. 

Astroved Ganesha temple

This ganesha temple is at the OMR Dr. Pillai temple and is dedicated to the elephant god, Ganesha. Homas, Abishekams, and Poojas are performed here for the deity, who has the power to remove all obstacles in our life.

Astroved Shiva Lingam temple

The shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is at the OMR Dr. Pillai temple. Shiva Lingam is one of the Holy Trinity of Hindu gods. All the important rituals like Poojas, Homas, and Abishekams are performed here.

Astroved Lakshmi temple

This is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows wealth, good fortune, and auspiciousness to her devotees. Lakshmi Devi Temple is located at the OMR Dr. Pillai temple, and special rituals like Homas, Poojas, and Abishekams are done here to propitiate the goddess.