15 Famous Temples (Mandir) in Chennai

Chennai, a City of Temples, boasts a rich history of temples and has historical places in India, many of which date back centuries, reflecting the city's deep-rooted spiritual and cultural traditions. Chennai is famous for its numerous ancient and culturally significant temples that showcase Dravidian architecture and serve as major pilgrimage destinations. The temples in Chennai are known for their stunning examples of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures. Thus, if you plan to explore the cultural landmarks of Chennai, you can go through the information mentioned and get updated with the famous 15 temples that are situated in Chennai.

List of 15 Famous Mandirs/Temples in Chennai

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple:
2. Kalikambal Temple:
3. Marundeeswarar Temple:
4. Parthasarathy Temple:
5. Ashtalakshmi Temple:
6. Ekambareswarar Temple:
7. Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple:
8. Chennakesava Perumal Temple:
9. Mangadu Kamakshiamman Temple:
10. Kandhakottam Temple:
11. Arulmigu Ramantheswarar Temple:
12. Madhya Kailash Temple:
13. Vadapalani Murugan Temple:
14. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam:
15. Anjaneya Swami Temple:

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple:

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple that is a symbol of Lor Shiva. It is believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas in the 7th century. Visit the temple and witness its magnificent sculptures depicting Puranic incidents. The prominent faces are Lord Kapaleeshwarar, known as Shiva, and Goddess Kerpagambal, representing Parvati.

Location: Mylapore

2. Kalikambal Temple:

The temple is dedicated to Shri Kaligambal and Lord Kamadeswarar. Visit the Famous temples in Chennai, originally inside Fort St. George. It is said to be one of Chennai's most potent Ambal temples and a historical landmark. Visit the temple and witness its unique water source and sacred evergreen mango tree.

Location: Thambu Chetty Street

See also: 10 Most Iconic Temples in Maharashtra

3. Marundeeswarar Temple:

According to legends, the temple is Chennai's oldest and most historical Shiva temple. Marundeeswarar is believed to be a God of Medicine; people visit the temple in huge numbers to seek the blessings of good health. Walk to the ancient temple of Marundeeswarar and inhale the blessings of the environment.

Location: East Coast Road

See also: Top 12 Famous Temples in Karnataka

4. Parthasarathy Temple:

Parthasarathy Temple is tilted to be one of the famous mandir in Chennai. It is one of the oldest structures, dating back to the 8th century. The temple is one of the 108 Divyadesams known for portraying Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy and Arjuna's charioteer with a moustache.

Location: Triplicane

See also: 10 Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh

5. Ashtalakshmi Temple:

The temple Ashtalakshmi is in honour of Goddess Lakshmi and one of the eight auspicious forms. Its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture make it a popular pilgrimage site in Chennai. The temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and unique design that resembles the shape of AUM. Arrive at the temple, as it is known as the religious site for devotees who wish to seek blessings.

Location: Besant Nagar Beach

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

6. Ekambareswarar Temple:

It is a sprawling, ancient, and revered Shiva Temple that is considered one of the best temples in Chennai as it represents the five elements, and this temple represents Earth. The temple also houses Lord Vishnu and one of the 108 Divya Desams respectively.

Location: Kanchipuram

7. Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple:

This is another famous temple in Chennai. It is wholly dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main deity of Mata Parvati Sannathi. The temple features a seven-tiered gopuram, a small tower of Bali peeth, a flagstaff, and a Nandi-facing idol.

Location: Saidapet

8. Chennakesava Perumal Temple:

The temple showcases the distinctive features of Hoysala architecture, including carvings from Hindu mythology. The temple has a unique star-shaped plan and is a major tourist attraction as it symbolises the Hoysala kingdom.

Location: Peddanaickenpettah

9. Mangadu Kamakshiamman Temple:

It is believed that Goddess Parvati performed penance here to marry Lord Shiva, and now the temple is known as a place to pray for marriage. The temple is historic, having existed since the Adi Shankaracharya period. Head to the temple and witness Chola-style architecture.

Location: Mangadu

10. Kandhakottam Temple:

Kandhakottam temple is a significant Hindu temple used to worship Lord Murugan. You can visit the temple and witness the historical significance of the beautiful architecture and the legend of the deity's image, which emerges from an ant hill. The temple is also famous for its ancient Dravidian architecture, historical significance, and divine legend surrounding the main idol.

Location: Muthialpet

11. Arulmigu Ramantheswarar Temple:

The temple is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga temples where Shiva is worshipped as a Jyotirlingam. The temple is magnificent, and Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva before crossing the bridge to Lanka. The temple also has 22 holy wells, so visit the temple and get pure.

Location: Rameswaram

12. Madhya Kailash Temple:

The temple has a unique idol, Adhyatha Prabhu, which depicts Lord Ganesha on the right and Lord Hanuman on the left together. The temple presents eight bells that show the seven musical swaras, including "Om." Therefore, the temple also worships Venkata Ananda Vinayakar and is surrounded by Shrines for Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, and Devi.

Location: Tharamani

13. Vadapalani Murugan Temple:

The main attraction of the Vadapalani Temple is the Dravidian architecture, which is in honour of Lord Murugan. Its idol is Murgan in a standing pose with his left foot forward. The temple is considered to be an auspicious place for marriages. Witness the eye-gazing architecture with 108 Bharatanatyam dance gestures standing tall at 40.8 meters.

Location: Vadapalani

14. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam:

The temple is wholesomely dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a Vishnu form. The temple is quite special as it is known to be one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. The temple is believed to be the earthly dwelling place of Lord Vishnu during the Kali Yuga.

Location: Venkatnarayana

15. Anjaneya Swami Temple:

The temple is likely to refer to the Shri Abhaya Anjaneya Swami Temple or Hanuman Temple, as it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple has a 32-foot idol of Lord Hanuman, representing Anjaneya, with five faces, each representing a different aspect of the deity.

Location: Tiruvallur

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Chennai is one of the best places to visit in India, and it offers so many things to its tourists, whether it's cultural, historical monuments, or traditional activities. If you want to experience the culture of Chennai very closely, then you must see these famous temples. So, if you are planning to visit Chennai next time, don't forget to explore these above-mentioned popular temples in Chennai. The religious vibes of this temple will definitely give you a positive vibe.

FAQS About Most Famous Temples in Chennai

Q. Which is the most famous temple in Chennai?

A. There are quite a few famous temples in Chennai that you can visit. The following include Ekambaranathar Temple, Arulmigu Sri Vadivudai Amman Sametha Sri Thiyagarajaswamy Temple, and Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

Q. What are the top 5 must-visit temples in Chennai for tourists?

A. There are quite a few must-visit temples in Chennai that you must visit; thus, naming the top five is hard. Still, you must visit the following: Kapaleeswarar, Marundheeswarar, Ekambareswarar, Parthasarathy, and Sri Vadapalani Andavar temple.

Q. Is there any historical temple in Chennai worth visiting?

A. Yes, Chennai boasts several historically significant temples worth visiting, including Kapaleeshwarar temple, which is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Pallavas.

Q. Which is the oldest temple in Chennai?

A. The Parthasarathy Temple is one of the oldest ancient temples in Chennai, and it is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god. King Narasimhavarman built the temple in the 6th century.

Q. Are there any famous Shiva temples in Chennai?

A. Yes, Chennai has quite a few famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These include Kapaleeswarar Temple and Marundeeswarar Temple, among many others.

Q. What are the best temples in Chennai for spiritual seekers?

A. For spiritual seekers, each temple in Chennai is best for their religious beliefs. Each temple holds its significance. The list of the best temples includes Ekambaranathar Temple, Arulmigu Sri Vadivudai Amman sametha Sri Thiyagarajaswamy Temple, and more.

Q. Can I visit the Chennai temples with my family and kids?

A. Yes, you can visit the temples in Chennai with your family and kids, as most of the following offer a rich cultural experience. You can visit the following temple there and seek blessings with your family.

Q. Are the temples in Chennai open to non-Hindus?

A. There are Hindu temples in Chennai,and non-Hindus are not allowed to enter a Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, including those in Chennai, beyond the Kodimaram area.

Q. Is there a dress code for visiting temples in Chennai?

A. Yes, while not consistently strictly enforced, it is generally recommended that you cover your shoulders with a shawl or a garment with sleeves, as it is not mandatory to wear traditional Indian Attire.

Q. Which temples in Chennai are popular during festivals?

A. During the festivals, the popular temples in Chennai are the Kapaleeshwarar temple, Parthasarathy temple, Ashtalakshmi temple, Kalikambal temple, and Marundeeswarar temple.

Q. Are there any famous temples near Marina Beach in Chennai?

A. Yes, there is the famous temple near Marina Beach in Chennai, which is famously known as Sri Parthasarathy Temple, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and others.

Q. How to reach Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai?

A. To reach Chennai, take a train from Chintadripet to Tirumala or a bus from Broadway to Santhome church. You can also take a taxi from Chennai Central to Kapalees.

Q. Are there Jain or Buddhist temples in Chennai as well?

A. Chennai has both Jain and Buddhist temples; you can visit the Shanthinath Jain and Indo-Burma Buddhist Temple Cultural Centre.

Q. Are there any Vishnu temples in Chennai?

A. Yes, Chennai has a few Vishnu temples; Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Adikesava Perumal Temple, and Chennakesava Perumal Temple are the following Vishnu temples to visit in Chennai,respectively.

Q. What is the best time to visit temples in Chennai?

A. To visit Chennai, you must travel to the destination during the best time. The best time to visit the temple is from November to February, as the weather is relatively cooler and pleasant.