1. Kapaleeswarar Temple
Dedicated to Arulmigu Kapleeshwar- form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Karpagambal- form of Parvati, Kapaleeswarar is one of the most popular Shiva temple in Chennai. Built by Pallavas in the 7th century, the marvelous architecture resembles Dravidian style, featuring wood carvings, stone carvings, decorated pillars and Gopuram at the doorway.
There are 6 daily puja services in the temple such as Kala Santhi (morning), Uchchikala (Mid-day) Sayamkala (Evening) and Ardhajama (late Night), which allure devotees throughout the year. But maximum footfall is seen during major festivals like Panguni and Arubathimooval. Moreover, there is a huge tank, right behind the temple, where theppam or float festival is celebrated every year. This is one of the best places to visit in Chennai.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Closed on Monday
Address: 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India
Built In: 7th century CE / Built By: Pallavas
2. Marundheeswarar Temple
One of the most revered temples in Chennai, Marundheeswarar is believed to be built in the 11th century. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Marundheeswarar- a healer of all ailments. According to mythological tales, Rishi Valmiki worshipped Lord Rama, under the holy Vanni tree, which is seen in the 1-acre sprawling temple ground. Marundheeswarar Temple is counted as one of the Trinity sea shore temples in Tamil Nadu; the other two being Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore and Thyagarajaswamy temple in Thiruvottiyur. This is one of the best Chennai temples that must be on your list.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: 8, W Tank St, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Built In: 7th century / Built By: Chola Dynasty
3. Parthasarathy Temple
One of the most prominent Vishnu temples in Chennai, Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. In fact, it is the only temple in Chennai, where different avatars of Lord Vishnu, namely, Krishna, Varaha, Rama and Narasimha are worshipped, under one roof. The temple has separate entrances for Rama and Narsimha. Parthasarathy Temple has spectacular sculptures, inscriptions and murals dedicated to different events of battle of Kurukshetra.
Opening Hours: 5:50 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Built In: 8th century / Built By: Pallavas
4. Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple
Sri Vadapalani Andavar temple, also known as Vadapalani Murugan Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and considered as one of the major attractions of Chennai. Built by Annaswami Nayakar, a devotee of Murugan in 1890, this temple was renovated in 1920 by building a huge rajagopuram at the entranceway. Sri Vadapalani Andavar temple is considered as a sacred place for marriages and other religious ceremonies and it is believed that the moolavar in standing posture blesses the newly married couple with health and prosperity. It is one of the most beautiful temples in South India.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Palani Andavar koil street, Vadapalani, Chennai – 600026 :
Built In: Late 19th century / Built By: Annaswami Nayakar
5. Kandhakottam
Another beautiful Chennai temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan is Kandha Kottam. Resting over sprawling 8 acres of land, this temple also has’ saravanapoigai’- a huge tank, right behind. Legend says that this temple was founded by two hard working and devout traders of Thiruporur. Here, Lord Murugan is worshipped as a ‘warrior God’. Along with daily pujas and rituals, there is a special weekly puja organised every Thursday, where Jothi Darshanam is shown and Arutperunjothi Agaval is sung by the priests.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:45 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Address: 38, 52, Nyniappa St, Rattan Bazaar, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Built In: 1915 / Built By: Maari Chettiar
6. Kalikambal Temple
The list of famous temples in Chennai also has Kalikambal Temple. Originally located near the sea shore, this temple, dedicated to Kaligambal and Kamateswarar was re-located to its current location, in 1640. Moreover, legend has it that the original worshipping deity was God in his fierce form, which was replaced by shanta swaroopa or calm and composed form of Goddess Kamakshi, in later years. Historical sources reveal that in 1667, the Great Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself visited this temple to worship.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: 212, Thambu Chetty St, near DHL Express Courier, Mannady, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001
Built In: 1678 / Built By: Shivaji
7.ThirumalaThirupathi Devasthanam Temple
Out of all the famous temples in Chennai, Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple is famed for maximum footfall, throughout the year, especially on Saturdays and during festivals. Situated by the banks of Sri Swami Pushkaarini, this temple boasts of marvelous architecture and artistically designed walls, pillars, and gopurams. The entrance porch looks stunning while the shrine of Lord Venkatachalapathi resembles closely with Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupathi.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: No 26, Venkatanarayana Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Built In: NA / Built By: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
8. Ashtalakshmi Temple
Situated by the Elliot Beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple is a religious wonder and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in Chennai. The uniqueness of the temple is that, it is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her eight forms, each representing success, offspring, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food and knowledge. This is one of most artistically designed temples to visit in Chennai with four floors, marvellous structures, pillars and intricate roof design.
The shrines of Aadilakshmi, Dharyalakshmi and Dhaanyalakshmi rests on first floor, while Goddess Mahalakshmi and Maha Vishnu on the second. Third floor houses Santha Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Gajalakshmi and Dhanalakshmi is worshipped on the fourth floor.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Elliots beach, 6/21 paindi Amman Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090
Built In: 1974 / Built By: Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal
9. Shree Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir
Shree Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir is one of the most popular Jain temples in Chennai. Dedicated to 8th Tirthankara- Sri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan, this is a two-storied structure, built of sparkling white limestone, marble and soapstone. Endowed with white façade, beautiful murals and pillars, the intricate yet splendid architecture, resembles that of Dilwara temple in Rajasthan.
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Location: 142 , S Mint Street, George Town, Sowcarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001
Built In: NA / Built By: NA
10. Mangadu Kamakshiamman Temple
The Mangadu Kamakshiamman Temple is located in Mangadu, a suburb between Kundrathur and Poonamalle in Chennai. The term Mangadu means Mango forests or Mangroves. The temple is dedicated to Hindu goddess Kamakshi Amman. It is believed that the goddess playfully closed Lord Shiva’s eyes due to which the entire world fell into darkness. Following which, Lord Shiva had asked her to perform some severe penance. And the place where the temple stands now is where Kamakshi Amman performed her penance. Lord Siva was so moved by her devotion, that he appeared before her and married her. So there’s a belief that unmarried girls who pray to goddess Kamakshi here get married soon. This belief makes it one of the most famous Amman temples in Chennai.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Address: Kundrathur – Sriperumbudur Rd, Srinivasa Nagar, Mangadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600122
Built In: NA / Built By: NA
11. Arulmigu Thirumoolanathar
Arulmigu Thirumoolanathar is a revered deity in Hinduism, worshipped primarily in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He is a manifestation of the celestial deity Shiva and is revered as the Lord of Hills. His temple is located in the town of Thiruvannamalai, where devotees gather to offer prayers and perform rituals. Thirumoolanathar is also associated with the powerful mantra "Ulangoor-Padai," which is believed to grant spiritual blessings to those who chant it with devotion.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Location: Redhills Lake, GST Rd, St Anthony Nagar, Balaji Nagar, Puzhal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Built In: 1st century BC / Built By: NA
12. Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple
The Mahalingapuram Ayyappan temple was the first Ayyappan temple to be built in Chennai. Constructed in 1974 under the guidance of Sri.N.Subramanian Stapathy, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, the god of growth. This temple is visited by a large of devotees and came into existence as many worshipers head to the most popular Ayyappa temple, Sabarimala, during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku seasons. As it is one of the famous temples in Chennai, it receives a heavy footfall every month.
Opening Hours: 3:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: 18, Madhavan Nair Rd, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
Aarti Timings: 3.30 AM
Built In: 1974 Built By: NA
13. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a Hindu shrine located in Mylapore. The temple came in to existence in 1952. It was build by a prominant devotee called, Narasimhaswami, in memory of the Indian saint Sai Baba of Shirdi. The temple is considered to be one of the most powerful and famous temples in Chennai as Narasimhaswami had built it with the money donated by a Chettiar merchant.
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: No 187 Bheema Sena Garden Street, Royapettah High Rd, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Built In: 1952 / Built By: Sri Narasimha Swamy
14. Arulmigu Ramanatheswarar Temple
Located in Porur, Arulmigu Ramanatheswarar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple. The temple dates back to 700 AD. It is believed that when Lord Rama came was searching for his wife, Sita, he found linga of Lord Shiva here. And with his guidance he found the direction to Sita. The practice of offering Theertham (holy water) and Sadaari are only done in Vishnu temples. And, this is the only temple dedicated to Shiva, where it is offered to the devotees. The temple is built in the Chozha temple architectural style.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: 19, Eswaran Koil St, RE Nagar, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600116
Built In: 700 AD / Built By: Kulothunga Chola
15. Madhya Kailash Temple
Madhya Kailash Temple, also known as Nadukkayilai, is located in Adyar. The temple is popular due to its unique idol of “Adhyantha Prabhu”. The idol partly depict two Hindu deities – Ganapathy (Ganesha) and Anjaneya (Hunuman), with the right side being Ganesha and the left being Hanuman. The idol was built after a vision seen of this form by a temple official.
Opening Hours: 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Address: Anna Sathya Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
Built In: NA / Built By: NA
16. Anjaneya Swamy Temple
Anjaneyaswami Temple is located in Nanganallur, a southern neighbourhood of Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Anjaneya, popularly known as Lord Hanuman. The temple has one of the largest Hanuman idols in India. The 32 feet tall granite statue was constructed from a single layer of rock. The temple is visited by large number of devotees and tourists who come here just to see the statue.
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: No. 1, 8th Street, Ram Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600061
Built In: 1995 / Built By: NA
17. Chennakesava Perumal Temple
Chennakesava Perumal Temple is one of the oldest temples in Chennai that is located in the George Town area. It is believed to be the first temple built in the 1700s in this area. The temple is dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Chennakesava Perumal. The best part about this temple is the carved pillars and sculptures that honor different gods. It is also believed that Chennai was named after the name of this temple.
Opening hours: 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Address: Devaraja Mudali St, Rattan Bazaar, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Built In: 1117 CE / Built By: King Vishnuvardhana
18. Karaneeswarar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Karaneeswarar Temple is an ancient temple in the area of Saidapet. On the temple premises, you will find a rank with the name Gopathi Saras which is believed to have magical powers and can cure illnesses if one takes a dip in the holy waters on a full moon night. This Chennai temple houses shrines of Lord Ganesh, Lord Surya, Lord Kartikeya, and Lord Karaneeswarar.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: 1, Karaneeswarar Koil St, Suriyammapet, Saidapet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600015
Built In: 12th-century / Built By: NA
19. ISKCON Temple
Everyone must have heard of ISKCON Temple in one city or the other. These temples are maintained by the Hare Krishna organization. The temple is situated on the East Coast Road in South Chennai and is considered to be the biggest temple that is dedicated to Radha and Krishna. In comparison to the old temples in Chennai, this one is newly built.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Bhakti Vedanta Swami Road, Off ECR, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119
Built In: 2012 / Built By: International Society for Krishna Consciousness
20. Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple
Built in 1979, the temple is the major cultural centre of Chennai and is known for its historical and religious significance. The poor are regularly fed in this temple and grand pujas are organised on various auspicious occasions. It is one of the historical temples in Chennai and also features an auditorium where many musical as well as cultural programs are held on a regular basis.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Besant Nagar
Built In: 1979 / Built By: NA
24. Nandeeswarar Temple
The temple is located in Adambakkam, and is close to the St. Thomas Mount subway station. The temple is also known as Sivan temple, one of the famous temples in Chennai and is dedicated to Sri Nandeeswarar as the main deity and Gomathi or Aavudai Nayagi as the Goddess. Shrines of many prominent gods and goddesses are also available in the temples premises.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Adambakkam
Built In: 950 AD / Built By: NA
25. Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal Temple
Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, the temple is one of the historical temples in Chennai and was constructed in the 15th century during the rule of Vijayanagara Kings and has elements that date back over a thousand years. During the Thotta Utsavam festival, the deity at the temple is visited by Shri Parthasarathy Perumal from his temple in Triplicane.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 15/8, Perumal Koil St, Sarathy Nagar, Saidapet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600015
Built In: NA / Built By: NA
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26.Kurungaleeswarar Temple
Kurungaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the neighbourhood of Koyambedu in Chennai City of Tamil Nadu. This temple is situated on the banks of river Cooum at Koyambedu. The presiding deity is called Kurungaleeswarar or Kuchalavapureeswarar and the goddess is called Dharmasamvardhini or Aram Valartha Nayagi. Sthalavriksham (the divine tree of the temple) is a jack tree
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Location: 1/11, S Mada St, Virrugambakkam, Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 6001076
Aarti Timings: 5:30 AM, 8:15 AM, 9:15 AM, 11:30 AM
Built In: 7th century / Built By:
27.Arulmigu Thiruvalleswarar Temple
Thiruvaleeswarar Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Built during the medieval period, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and a major tourist attraction in the region. The original structure of the temple is believed to have been built by The temple is closely associated with Rajaraja Chola III. There are 14 inscriptions from the Chola empire, with the oldest dating back to Tribuvana Chakravarthy Vijayakanda Gopalan who donated multiple jewels to Nachiyar
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Location: Sivan Kovil Rd, Padi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600050
Aarti Timings: 5:30 AM, 8:15 AM, 9:15 AM, 11:30 AM
Built In: 11th century/ Built By: III Rajaraja Chola
Popular Temples In Chennai
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu is a hub of temples of various faiths. Built in the unique South Indian architectural styles, these Chennai temples are a symbol of spirituality, culture and art. Here are some of the most popular and important temples in Chennai that you might not want to miss on your vacation!
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