Temples in Chennai

Chennai, a city steeped in cultural and religious heritage, hosts a diverse array of temples that captivate devotees and visitors alike. Among them, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore stands as a testament to ancient Dravidian architecture, drawing worshipers to its intricately carved towers. The Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane venerates Lord Krishna and boasts historic inscriptions and sculptures. In Thiruvanmiyur, the Marundeeswarar Temple honors Lord Shiva as the divine healer, with waters believed to possess medicinal properties. Besant Nagar’s Ashtalakshmi Temple pays homage to Goddess Lakshmi in her myriad forms against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai’s temples also include the vibrant Kandaswamy Temple in Parrys, the iconic Vadapalani Murugan Temple, and the sacred Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) Temple in T. Nagar, modeled after the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. These spiritual landmarks enrich Chennai’s cultural tapestry, inviting seekers of divinity and admirers of architectural splendor. Explore more Places to Visit in Chennai.

List of Best Temples in Chennai

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Located in Mylapore, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is renowned for its Dravidian architecture, intricately carved gopurams (towers), and vibrant festivities during the Arupathimoovar festival.
2. Parthasarathy Temple: Situated in Triplicane, this historic temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his role as Parthasarathy (charioteer to Arjuna). The temple is known for its ancient inscriptions and beautiful sculptures.
3. Marundeeswarar Temple: Located in Thiruvanmiyur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Marundeeswarar, the divine healer. The temple is believed to have medicinal properties associated with its waters.
4. Ashtalakshmi Temple: Situated in Besant Nagar, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight different forms, symbolizing various aspects of wealth and prosperity. It overlooks the Bay of Bengal, providing a scenic setting.
5. Kandaswamy Temple (Kandha Sashti Kavasam): Located in Parrys, this Murugan temple is known for its annual Kandha Sashti festival, celebrating Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman. The temple is adorned with colorful decorations during the festival.
6. Vadapalani Murugan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this temple in Vadapalani is a popular pilgrimage site. The temple’s Rajagopuram (entrance tower) is a prominent landmark in the area.
7. Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) Temple: Modeled after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, this temple in T. Nagar is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It attracts a significant number of devotees.
8. Ayyappan Temple (Sholinganallur): This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan and is known for its serene surroundings. The temple is a focal point for the Ayyappa devotees in Chennai.
9. Anjaneya Temple (Nanganallur): Popularly known as the Hanuman Temple in Nanganallur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The idol of Lord Hanuman is 32 feet tall, making it one of the tallest Hanuman statues in the country.

These temples not only serve as places of worship but also showcase the architectural brilliance and cultural richness of Chennai and its religious traditions.