Chennai is not only a busy city, full of traffic, offices, productive hubs, and vibrant pubs; it’s also home to numerous temples that attract devotees and tourists alike. These sacred sites, each with its unique architecture and legend, offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region. In this blog, we will explore 10 famous temples in Chennai, each standing as a testament to the city’s enduring devotion and vibrant religious traditions.

List of 10 Famous Temples in Chennai

In this list, we’re going to check the details like the nature of the temple, prominent shrine, address, rating, timing, website, location, and significance of the following famous temples in Chennai

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
2. Marundeeswarar Temple
3. Ekambareswarar Temple
4. Kaalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple
5. Karaneeswarar Temple
6. Sri Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple
7. Parthasarathy Temple
8. Vadapalani Murugan Temple
9. Ashtalakshmi Temple
10. Mahalingapuram Sree Ayyappan Temple

Famous Temples in Chennai | Shaivism 

#1 Kapaleeshwarar Temple 

About: 

Famous Tamil poets and saints Thirugnanasambanthar and Appar, who belong to Shaivism, sang about this temple in the 7th century CE. This makes the temple one of Shaivism’s most famous and important places. In 1566 CE, the temple was damaged during Portuguese rule. It was rebuilt later, and the current structure dates back about 300 years ago.

Six daily puja ceremonies, including morning Kala Santhi, midday Uchchikala, evening Sayamkala, and late-night Ardhajama, draw devotees all year round. Every year, the Theppam, or float festival, is celebrated grandly.

#2 Marundeeswarar Temple

About:

The Hindu deity Shiva is worshiped at the Marundeeswarar Temple, which is situated in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, near the Bay of Bengal seashore. The temple features two entrances, with one located on East Coast Road and the other on West Tank Street. Both entrances are beautifully decorated with 5-tiered Gopuram (gateway towers).

The temple holds great significance in the verses of Tevaram, a canonical work by the saint poets Appar and Sambandar from the 7th century. Initially, the temple was built during the Chola era. Later additions were made by the rulers of Vijayanagar. Still, writings from the 11th century, during the reign of Rajendra Chola, can be found in the shrine of Tripurasundari Amman. 

Since the beginning, the Marundeeswarar temple has been a holy place where people with illnesses and other health problems can get spiritual help.

#3 Ekambareswarar Temple

About:

In the 1680s, a dubash working for the British East India Company named Alanganatha Pillai built the Ekambareswarar Temple. According to popular belief, he was a committed and devout follower of the Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram. He made regular visits to the temple on a special day known as “Prathosam”. One day, he was exhausted and unable to make it to the temple. During his worry, Lord Shiva showed up and told him that Shiva was where he rested in the form of “Suyambu,” so he didn’t have to go to Kanchipuram to worship Shiva. So Alanganatha Pillai built the Ekambareswarar Temple in Chennai, George Town.

This place is a highly sought-after destination for those who aspire to buy/ build their own home. It is known for its significance in Navagraha Parikara. Overall, this place is becoming a great spot for many who believe this temple helps them to overcome any challenges and fulfill their dreams.

#4 Kaalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple

About

The temple was initially situated near the coastline, specifically at the location where Fort St. George stands today. The temple was moved to its current location on 1 March 1640 CE when the British East India Company constructed the fort.

This temple has occupied a few lines in Indian history as Maratha warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji visited this temple in 1677. In the early 20th century, The famous Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramaniya Bharathi regularly visited this temple.

#5 Karaneeswarar Temple

About

As per the stories and beliefs, lord Indhira created a lush pasture in the area, installed a Linga, and prayed to Lord Shiva to get back his holy cow Kamadhenu in the place where the temple is located now. In the present day, this temple has a 7-storied Gopuram and a beautiful tank that worships lord Shiva in the form of Karaneeswara with his consort in the form of Goddess Swarnambika.

Swarnambika is known as a Goddess who grants boons for wealth. So, many people who pray to become rich regularly visit this temple and worship the Goddess Swarnambika. Performing poojas and other divine ceremonies in “Aadi Velli” is especially special here.

Famous Temples in Chennai | Vaishnavism

#6 Sri Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple

About

One of the oldest temples in Chennai, Chennakesava Perumal Temple dates back to the 1700s and is situated in the city’s historic George Town. It features elaborately carved pillars, entrances, and statues thanking Manali Saravana Mudaliyar and Manali Krishnaswami Mudaliar for their services. It is dedicated to Chennakesava Perumal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Legends from the area claim that Chennai was called for this temple. 

The Chenna Malleeswarar Temple and this Chennakesava Perumal Temple are referred to as “Twin temples.” Based on stories, these temples are where the city’s regional name “Chennai” originated.

#7 Parthasarathy Temple

About

As the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by the 12 Alvars), it’s a special temple for the people who espoused bhakti to the Hindu preserver deity Vishnu. 

This temple was originally built by the Pallavas in the 6th century by King Narasimhavarman I. Later, it was expanded by the Cholas and then by the Vijayanagara kings in the 15th century. One of the special significances of the temple is that it has icons of five forms of Vishnu (Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Ranganatha, and Krishna as Parthasarathy). So, it’s one of the best places to spend your evening or early morning time surrounded by the spiritual aroma and historical pride.

Famous Temples in Chennai | Other Deities

#8 Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple

About

The temple was built around 1890 as a straw hut where Annaswami Nayakar, a devoted follower of Murugan, worshiped the god and kept a picture of him. In the initial time, this temple was famous for the Annaswami Nayakar’s ability to foretell events, known as “Arul Vakku”.

The temple is constructed following the traditional design principles of South Indian temples. The entrance of the Rajagopuram is adorned and portrays the legends of the Skanda Purana. Moolavar, the principal deity resembles the idol found in the Palani temple, standing tall and majestic.

#9 Ashtalakshmi Temple

About

This Ashtalakshmi temple was constructed in 1976 on the wishes of Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt. Nearby people and devotees who want to worship lord Vishnu and the eight forms of goddess Lakshmi prefer this temple. Along with these deities, you can also find the deities and portraits of Dashavatara (avatars of Vishnu), Guruvayoorappan, Ganesha, Dhanvanthari, and Anjaneyar deities. As it is located on the shoreline of Besant Nagar beach, it is preferred by many families to spend time peacefully.

#10 Mahalingapuram Sree Ayyappan Temple

About

About fifty years ago, no temple was dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Chennai so the devotees traveling to Sabarimala had limited support. To overcome this challenge the Sree Ayyappa Bhaktha Sabha was formed in 1968. With donations and community support, a temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa was built and consecrated in 1974. Now, the temple has become a spiritual hub, hosting annual religious events and discourses.

This temple has been providing an online booking facility for Kalabham Abhishekam, Ashtabhishekam, Chandana Kappu, and other poojas through their official website. 

Closing Words

That’s all. We hope this list of famous temples in Chennai helps you well. whether you are a spiritual seeker or a history enthusiast, these famous temples in Chennai are must-visit landmarks that provide a serene escape and a profound cultural experience. In case you’re looking for more famous temples in Chennai, comment below. We’ll come up with “10 Famous Temples in Chennai – Part 2”.

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