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Chennai, often described as a modern metropolis with a historical past, is famous for the numerous temples found across the southern part of India. These historical temples in Chennai reflect their intricate features and colourful sculptures, as well as the soft echoes. These temples are not only places of worship but also art and architectural masterpieces. Every temple has a history of its own that speaks of tradition, artistry, and the passage of timeless ages. As you walk in the lively ambience of Chennai, you will witness some familiar attractions that connect the audience with the grandeur of the city’s history.
10 Historical Temples In Chennai
Here’s a curated top-picked list of ten prominent historical temples in Chennai which will make your trip to Tamil Nadu memorable:
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Photo: N. Vivekananthamoorthy / Wikimedia Commons
Kapaleeshwarar Temple, situated in Mylapore, Chennai, is magnificently built in Dravidian style and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed this temple was built in the 7th century and features meticulously revelling sculptured images of gods. The temple premises contain a water tank and a few small temples, maintaining peaceful surroundings for the devotees. The yearly Panguni Uthiram festival is witnessed by countless devotees which features the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Given its historical past, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple wanders from a regular tourist destination to a cultural heritage centre in Chennai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Mylapore Railway Station (2 km away)
2. Parakala Mutt
Photo: romana klee / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Mylapore, Chennai, the Parakala Mutt is one of the major religious and socio-cultural institutions of Sri Vaishnavism. Founded in the 15th century, it is devoted to Goddess Parakala, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is known for its artistic works, decorative paintings, and tranquil environment. The seasonal festivals especially the Panguni Uthiram festival attract a large number of devotees who admire the Vaishnavite rich tradition. Parakala Mutt is a living historical monument for the people of Chennai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Mylapore Railway Station (2 km away)
3. Marundeeswarar Temple
Photo: Sankar 1995 / Wikimedia Commons
The Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, is a highly revered shrine of Lord Shiva worshipped as Marundeeswarar. The temple dates as far back as the 6th century, and it is famous for its artistic splendour, detailed works and a gopuram. It is said to possess curative properties, hence, devotees come to the temple to seek blessings related to health and well-being. The temple has a quiet atmosphere and a sacred tank with a few mini temples. The annual Maha Shivaratri festival is a major event, which draws many people to the temple.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station (1 km away)
4. Ashtalakshmi Temple
Photo: Sudharsun.j / Wikimedia Commons
Ashtalakshmi Temple, located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, is an exquisitely crafted temple dedicated to the 8 avatars of goddess Lakshmi. The temple features crisp architectural design and extensive and colourful paintings. Beautifully designed five-tiered gopurams envelop the temple, which is a quiet place ideal for worship and meditation. Many people gather for festive celebratory activities during Navratri. In addition to being a place of worship, Ashtalakshmi Temple is a cultural institution that practises the traditions of the region’s ancestral customs.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Besant Nagar Railway Station (1 km away)
5. Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Photo: Salemjones / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Parthasarathy Temple, located in Triplicane, Chennai is regarded as one of the oldest and most iconic temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in the Vaishnavism tradition. This temple is said to have been constructed in the 8th century and has several beautiful Dravidian-style architecture with stone pillars and paintings of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations. Many people come to the temple to witness the yearly Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Parthasarathy, a charioteer form of lord Krishna along with other deities. With a blend of artistic and cultural heritage, Sri Parthasarathy Temple holds great religious significance in Chennai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Triplicane Railway Station (1 km away)
6. Vadapalani Andavar Temple
Photo: Vkraja / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vadapalani Andavar Temple is located in Vadapalani, Chennai and is one of the Hindu temples devoted to Lord Murugan. The temple was built in the early 20th century and is famous for its beautiful architecture. The primary gopuram, embellished with numerous sculptures attracts regular visitors and tourists. It is famous for the annual Thaipusam celebrations. The temple premises also contain several smaller temples and tend to be peaceful for praying. Given its ethnicity and historical background, Vadapalani Andavar Temple remains among the most frequented religious sites in the city of Chennai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Vadapalani Metro Station (500 m away)
7. Sri Ayyappa Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Sri Ayyappa Temple is situated in Bhowanipur, Chennai, and is a well-known temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, worshipped by millions of devotees. Built in the 1970s, the temple is appreciated for its beautiful design and peaceful location and it helps sink in and relish visiting the place. The temple has a decorated Gopuram and a stunning statue of Lord Ayyappa, which is embellished with ornaments. The temple is crowded with devotees during major celebrations, especially during the Mandala season and during Ayyappa Jayanthi. Because of its sacred environment and colourful activities, Sri Ayyappan Temple is one of the key religious temples in Chennai.
Best Time To Visit: November to January
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Nungambakkam Railway Station (3 km away)
8. Tiruvottiyur Kali Temple
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chennai’s Tiruvottiyur Kali Temple, located in the Tiruvottiyur area of Chennai, is a historical and sacred temple devoted to Goddess Kali. The temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old and is known for its complex architectural design and history. Goddess Kali is represented as an embodiment of power and a protective deity in her frightening form. The temple is lively during several celebrations such as Navratri as there are a lot of pilgrims who visit to get her blessings. The calmness of the temple along with its cultural heritage plays a vital role in making the Tiruvottiyur Kali Temple an important place of worship in Chennai’s vast historical and devotional aspects.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Tiruvottiyur Railway Station (1 km away)
9. Natesan Nagar Temple
Photo: K.Venkataramana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Natesan Nagar Temple is situated in Natesan Nagar, Chennai, and is a beautiful shrine with Lord Shiva. As the temple boasts of a serene environment and conventional design, it has ornately carved pillars and a colourful sculpture embellished with gopuram and makes. Various rites, rituals, and festivals are performed in the temple, with a large crowd during the Maha Shivaratri festival. Given its rich culture and enthusiastic community effort, Natesan Nagar Temple is important to keep the essence of religion in Chennai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Saidapet Railway Station (3 km away)
10. Sri Perumbakkam Murugan Temple
Photo: Sivaprarthana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sri Perumbakkam Murugan Temple is situated in the Perumbakkam and is a famous temple devoted to Lord Murugan, worshipped for war and victory. The temple is well-designed with beautiful architecture and a calm environment. The temple has a colourful gopuram decorated with various deities and many designs crafted on it. Most of the crowds gather around the temple for prayers and festivities during major celebrations such as Thaipusam and Skanda Shasti. The quietness and the faith attached to the Sri Perumbakkam Murugan Temple enhance the importance of the place to pilgrims.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Perumbakkam Metro Station (1 km away)
Visiting Chennai for a serene holy vacation is an amazing experience. Plan your visit today and visit the historical temples in Chennai. If you are a history lover, a devotee seeking blessings, a keen observer, a nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then historical temples in Chennai have something for everyone. Each temple is unique in itself and promises a diverse experience. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
