18 Famous Temples In Chennai: Location, Images, Timings, and History

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is not just famous for its skyscrapers, relaxing beaches, and bustling streets; this historical city is also well known for its ancient and preeminent temples.  

These huge and colorful temples are adorned with detailed carvings and statues of several gods and goddesses, depicting the rich history of India. 

These hundreds of years old temples are so well maintained and restored that they have made their place among some of the most popular tourist places in the city. 

Here is a list of the 18 most famous temples in Chennai that you can’t afford to miss!

The Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore is the most visited temple in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Shiv. This majestic temple holds 6 daily pujas and annual festivals that attract an abundance of visitors. 

Legend — According to the legends, during a meeting between the Gods, Lord Brahma failed to show respect to Lord Shiv and thus Shiv in anger, cut off one of his five heads. To repent, Lord Brahma built this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva here. 

Architecture —  The temple is made in classic South Indian architecture with two entrances along with gopuram on both sides. 

Opening and closing timings — The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 12:00 PM for a short break and then opens again at 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The temple stays closed on Mondays. 

Address — 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India

History — The temple was built in the 7th CE century, and was known to be worshiped by the Goddess Parvati herself. 

Ekambareswarar temple is a must-visit Shiv temple in India and a significant one too as it’s one of the temples associated with the five elements, namely the element of Earth. 

Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the largest and highest temples in India, covering a total area of 10 hectares with four huge gateway towers called Gopurams.

Legend — One of the most popular legends behind this temple states that Goddess Parvati, Shiva’s consort, was worshiping a Linga made out of sand under a mango tree. When the river Vegavati overflowed and threatened to engulf the Prithvi Linga, Parvati embraced the Linga, touched by this gesture, Shiv melted into his true form in Parvati’s embrace. Through this story, Shiv also came to be known as Tazhuva Kuzhainthaar (“He who melted in Her embrace”) in Tamil.

Architecture — The structure covers an overall area of over 9.3 hectares and the gopuram is about the height of 59 m which is the tallest one in South India. Not just that but it is said there flows an underground holy river beneath the temple. 

Opening and closing timings — Ekambareswarar stays open from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The temple stays open for the whole week without any break. 

Address — Ekambaranathar Sannathi St., Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

History — The temple is said to have existed since 600 CE. Some of the inscriptions found in the temple date back to 1532 CE. Krishnadevaraya built the southern gopuram which is the largest one.

Located adjacent to the beach of the Bay of Bengal this temple is one of the most famous temples in Chennai and one of the trinity sea shore temples. Nestled in Thiruvanmiyur. The present-day temple was made during the Chola dynasty. 

Legend — The sage Valmiki who wrote the texts of Ramayana worshiped Lord Shiva here since Valmiki was blessed here

Architecture — The temple has partial features of the Pallava dynasty and partially of Chola art. The temple has two entrances each adorned by 5 tiered gopuram. The temple covers an area of about 1 acre and has 36 massive pillars adorned with carvings. 

Opening and closing timings — The temple stays open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. 

Address — 8, W Tank St., Ambedkar Nagar, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

History — The temple was said to have been built by the Chola dynasty in the 7th century and then later expanded by the Chola King in the 11th century.

This is one of the most important Vishnu temples in Chennai to visit and the only one that depicts and worships all avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Krishna. The name ‘Parthasarathy’ means the ‘charioteer of Arjuna’, referring to Krishna’s role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata.

Legend — This place is connected to the old legend of the war of Mahabharata where Lord Krishna played the role of charioteer of Arjuna and the only place where he is sporting a mustache. 

Architecture — Made in traditional South Indian Temple Architecture this temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai and one of the most historical places in India.

Opening and closing timings — The first half of the temple is 5:50 am to 12:30 pm and the second half is 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm between which the premises remain closed. The temple is also open seven days a week. 

Address — Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005

History — The temple was built between the 6th and 8th centuries by the Pallavas and was expanded by the Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings in the 15th century. 

The Ashtalakshmi Temple is located on the shoreline near Elliot’s Beach in Chennai. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and her eight divine forms — the Ashtalakshmi. This is one of the most ancient temples in Chennai to visit. 

Legend — The temple is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and her eight forms namely, success, offspring, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge.

Architecture — The temple has four floors and detailed architecture. The Sanctorums of the deities are displayed on a multi-tier complex in such a way that no devotee has to step over any of the Sanctorums while visiting. 

Opening and closing timings — The first half of the temple is 6:30 am to 12:30 pm and the second half is 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm between which the premises remain closed. The temple is also open seven days a week.

Address — Elliots beach, 6/21 paindi Amman Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090

History — The temple was constructed on the wishes of Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal. The foundation of the temple was laid in January 1974 and consecration of the temple took place on 5th April 1976. 

This is one of the best temples in Chennai and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva also known as the God of war. The temple is a popular location for marriage ceremonies and worship rituals for lord Murugan. 

You can find daily festivals and Puja happening anytime you visit the temple. Major Puja like Artha Sama Puja on Tuesdays and Fridays is super popular in Chennai. 

Legend — The temple is known to be magical and extremely powerful. It is believed that those who can’t visit the Palani temple can pay a visit to the Vadapalani temple with their offerings and God will shower them with his grace. 

Architecture — Made in traditional South Indian architecture, the entrance has sculptures of the Skanda Purana depicted on them. 

Opening and closing timings — The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and then from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The temple stays open the whole week. 

Address — Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Palani Andavar Koil Street, Vadapalani, Chennai – 600026

History — The temple originally started as a thatched hut where Lord Murugan’s portrait was worshiped by his devotee Annaswami Nayakar. Later the temple was built at the same place in 1890. 

The Kalikambal Temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi and lord Kamadeswarar (Shiv). Located in Perry’s Corner, George Town, this is one of the most visited temples in Chennai. 

The location of the temple is also quite strategic as it’s located on Thambu Chetty Street which is a prominent financial street. 

Legend — Legends have it that the temple originally had the aggressive form of the deity which was later replaced by the calmer one. 

Architecture — The temple faces in the west direction and has a 10-meter-high tower which is also known as rajagopuram.

Opening and closing timings — The temple opens from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and stays open for seven days a week. 

Address — Thambu Chetty St., near DHL Express Courier, Mannady, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001

History — The original temple has no expected date of establishment, but later the temple was relocated from near the seashore in 1650 CE where it originally stood.

Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India like the Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple contains all six abodes of Lord Murugan and is situated in Kalakshetra colony in Besant Nagar.

Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, and Skanda Shashti are some festivals celebrated in the temple. 

Legend — Dr. Alagappa Alagappan once asked sage Kanchi Paramacharya if he can construct a granite temple that has all the six abode of Murugan and secured an acre of land in Chennai’s Besant Nagar.

Architecture — The Rajagopuram is located on the western side which is quite unique for a Tamil temple. The Mela Gopuram measures 137 feet in height and 90 feet in length. 

Opening and closing timings — The temple opens from 7 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM and stays open for the rest of the week. 

Address — Thirumurugan St, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090

Chennakesava Perumal is one of the most ancient temples in Chennai and was the first temple to be built in 1700 and is dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu Chennakesava Perumal. 

Three daily pujas are performed every day in the morning, afternoon, and evening. 

Legend — Ever since the construction of the Madras City this temple was the first to be built in the area and was originally structured in the place of the High Court building. Because of the pressure from the people, the British government gave another piece of land for the construction of the temple. 

Architecture — The whole temple has beautiful carvings depicting Thayar Sengamalavalli, Krishna Leela, Donors, Flower Creepers, Lotus Medallions, and others on the ceiling and pillars. 

Opening and closing timings — The visiting hours of the temple are from 5 AM to 8 PM and is open seven days a week.

Address — 37QJ+963, Devaraja Mudali St., Rattan Bazaar, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003

History — It is believed that the temple was built in the 1700s in the place where the high court stands today. 

As the name suggests this is an Ayyappan temple located in Mahalingapuran in Chennai. The temple has some important shrines of deities like Ayyappan, Shiv, Bhagavati, Ganapathy, and Subramaniar. 

Some important festivals like Makar Sankranti, Chithirai Vishu, 1st day of the Tamil month Karthigai are celebrated here with great joy and in a grand manner. 

Legend — 

Architecture — Every Ayyappan temple is quoted with the word Thaththuvamasi (തത്ത്വമസി in Malayalam) which means “You are what you seek”. 

Each and every Ayyappan temple is built with 18 steps that imply the following — Birth is impermanent, Shankya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Wisdom Yoga, Sannyasi Yoga, Meditation Yoga, Gnana Vignana Yoga, Atsara Brahma Yoga, Rajavidya Rajaguhya Yoga, Vibhuti Yoga, Visvarupa Darshan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Seshatra Vibhaga Yoga, Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga, Purushottama Yoga, Taivasurasambat Vibhaga Yoga, Chratatharaya Vibhaga Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.

Opening and closing times — The temple hours are from 4 am to 9 pm, and it is open seven days a week. 

Address — 18, Madhavan Nair Rd, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034

History — The temple was constructed in 1974 for the Ayyappan devotees who wanted to visit the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, followed by a 41-day fast. 

Shri Chandraprabhu Mandir is a beautiful Jain temple in the Sowcarpet area of Chennai. Most temples in Chennai are built in south Indian style architecture but Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir is constructed in Dravidian style architecture. This white temple is extremely popular and is visited by locals and tourists alike.

Legend — The temple is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth Tirthankara in Jainism. The temple was built as a refuge for the Jain population to practice their cultural beliefs. 

Architecture — The temple is made of white marble, which seems to be the main characteristic of Jain temples. The temple walls and pillars are beautifully adorned with carvings and sculptures. 

Opening and closing timings — The timings are from 10 AM to 8 PM from Monday to Saturday, and the temple remains closed on Sunday. 

Address — Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir, 142, S Mint Street, George Town, Sowcarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001

History — Originally, the temple was established to serve the spiritual needs of the Jain community in Chennai. The exact date of the construction of the temple is not available, but it has been the focal point of devotion for centuries. 

Mangadu Kamakshiamman temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Mangadu, Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, who is another form of Parvati. 

The name Kamakshi means ‘She with loving eyes’. The Tamil month of Aadi which is from July-August is of particular significance and is celebrated inside the temple. Other festivals, like Navaratri and special Puja ceremonies, happen in the temple. 

Legend — According to legends, the place in Mangadu is where the goddess Parvati performed severe penance to reunite with her consort, Lord Shiv. She stood on one leg amid the scorching heat and 5 fires, symbolizing intense devotion. 

Architecture — The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, with beautiful carvings, towering gopuram, and sanctum sanctorum. 

Opening and closing timings — The temple is open from 6 am to 1:30 pm and 3 pm to 9:30 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Except for all days, the temple timings are from 5 am to 10 pm. 

Address — Kundrathur — Sriperumbudur Road, Srinivasa Nagar, Mangadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600122

History — The temple’s origin is related to goddess Parvati but the original date and construction of the temple are not detailed. Another text states that the temple was further constructed and spread by the Chola dynasty. 

This is another Jain temple also known as Adi Bhagwan temple, located in the Polal village near Chennai. It is another one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites. The main deity worshiped here is Lord Rishabhadeva also known as Adinath.

Legend — Lord Rishabhadeva is a highly revered figure in Jainism as the first Tirthankara who established the principles and doctrines of the religion. The temple is a significant site for Jains to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.

Architecture —  The temple is constructed in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, characterized by its breathtaking carvings, complicated sculptures, and towering gopurams (entrance towers). 

Opening and closing timings — The timings are from 6 am to 7 pm and the temple is open seven days a week.

Address — Redhill Lake, GST Rd, St Anthony Nagar, Balaji Nagar, Puzhal, Chennai, Lyon, Tamil Nadu 600017

History — The exact date of temple construction is clear however it is believed to have been built many centuries ago and has undergone renovations and restorations over time.

The Shirdi Sai Baba temple is a prominent and popular temple dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi. Daily Aartis and special occasions like Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Sai Baba’s Punyatithi are celebrated in the temple. 

Legend — The temple is devoted to Sai Baba of Shirdi, who is adored by followers for his teachings on compassion, love, forgiveness, and harmony between all people, regardless of caste or religion.

Architecture — The temple’s main shrine is adorned by a life-size statue of Sai Baba, very similar to the one in Shirdi. The temple complex has many small shrines dedicated to various deities. 

Opening and closing timings — The timings are from 5:45 am to 2 pm and then from 3 pm to 9 pm, the temple is open.

Address — No 41, V C Garden Street, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 (Alamelu Mangapuram)

History — The Chennai Shirdi Sai Baba Temple was established in the early 1950s. It was built by a group of Sai devotees led by Sri Narasimha Swamiji, a renowned devotee and propagator of Sai Baba’s teachings.

The Parrys Jain Temple, also known as the Sri Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir, is one of the most famous temples in Chennai. Located in the bustling Parrys Corner area, it is an important religious site for the Jain community.

Legend — The temple is dedicated to lord Chandraprabhu, the eighth Tirthankara in Jainism. Tirthankaras are spiritual teachers who have attained enlightenment and guided others on the path of salvation.

Architecture — Traditional Dravidian and North Indian architectural traditions are combined in the temple’s design. Its elaborate carvings, elaborate pillars, and exquisitely crafted domes are examples of this combination.

Opening and closing timings — The temple is open Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm. 

Address — 91, Kutchery Rd, Madhava Perumal Puram, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

History — The early 20th-century construction of the temple was a reflection of Chennai’s Jain community’s expansion and settlement. Members of the Jain sect who moved from Rajasthan and other northern Indian states erected it. 

An important Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva is the Arulmigu Ramanatheeswarar Temple, often called Ramanatheswarar Temple. It is situated in Porur, a thriving Tamil Nadu suburb of Chennai.

Legend — The temple honors Lord Ramanatheeswarar, a manifestation of Shiv. According to legend, Lord Rama, on his way to Lanka to rescue Sita, worshiped Shiva at this site to seek blessings for success in his mission. Hence, the deity is called Ramanatheeswarar.

Architecture — The temple’s gopuram (gateway tower), elaborate sculptures, and roomy courtyards are hallmarks of the classic Dravidian architectural style. The sanctuary intends to provide devotees with a calm and energizing spiritual atmosphere.

Opening and closing timings — The temple is open seven days a week from 6 am to 11:30 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. 

Address — 19, Eswaran Koil St., RE Nagar, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600116

History — While the exact age of the temple is not clearly documented, it has been a prominent place of worship for centuries. 

This is the most famous temple in Chennai devoted to Lord Hanuman. Also called the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple, it is situated in a Nanganallur neighborhood, and is well-known for its enormous Hanuman statue and its spiritual importance.

Legend — Believing that worshiping at this temple may grant power, courage, and the fulfillment of wishes, devotees adore Lord Hanuman for his steadfast devotion to Lord Ram.

Architecture — The enormous 32-foot-tall idol of Lord Hanuman, one of the largest Hanuman idols in India, is the temple’s main attraction. What’s more amazing is that the statue is made from a single piece of granite. 

Opening and closing timings — The temple timings are from 6 am to 12 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm on all days of the week. 

Address — No. 1, 8th Street, Ram Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600061

History — The temple was constructed in 1989 by the efforts of a group of Hanuman devotees, it has since become a major pilgrimage site. 

The ISKCON Temple in Chennai, also known as the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is a prominent landmark and spiritual center located in the Injambakkam area on the East Coast Road. 

Legend — The temple is part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a worldwide spiritual organization founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. These are located all over India like ISKCON temple Delhi, Bangalore, Juhu, Vrindavan, Noida, etc. 

Architecture — The temple displays a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural styles, with beautiful carvings and sculptures. Spanning over 1.5 acres it includes Sanctum Sanctorums, Prayer Halls, Lecture Halls, etc. 

Opening and closing timings — The timings are from 7:30 AM to 1:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, opening on all 7 days of the week. 

Address — Bhakti Vedanta Swami Road, Off ECR, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119

History — The ISKCON Temple Chennai was inaugurated on April 26, 2012, by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa.

Conclusion 

Chennai is much more than a metropolitan city with beautiful beaches. Among the busy city life, the historic temples are not just places of worship but are also architectural marvels and repositories of the city’s rich history and culture. Each temple has its unique charm and significance, so whenever you visit this place, do pay a visit to these famous temples in Chennai.