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Chitragupta temple is a beautiful Hindu temple situated in Nellukara Street Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the rarest temple of the Hindu deity located in this region, considered to be the assistant of Yama, the Hindu god of death. It is believed that it has emerged from a painting and set as the accountant of good and bad deeds of human beings by Brahma. Captivating architecture and rich legends associated with the temple make this a spiritually significant site.
Quick Details On The Temple
Where To Stay: The Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels, where you can book a room.
Where To Eat: For the best vegetarian meals in a clean environment, visit one of the local branches of Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Opening Hours: 5 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Location
Photo: Deepa Chandran2014 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Chitragupta Temple, located in Kanchipuram, is dedicated to Chitragupta, a Hindu deity responsible for keeping a record of human deeds and assisting Yama, the Hindu god of death. The temple is in the centre of Kanchipuram town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. In the vicinity are other famous temples, such as the Kamakshi Amman Temple and the Ekambareswarar Temple; thus, it is part of Kanchipuram’s rich spiritual heritage.
How To Reach
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
You can travel easily to Chitragupta Temple by road from any part of the town of Kanchipuram
By Road: The best way to reach the temple is by using public transport. You can book taxis or cabs or get local buses that frequently ply throughout the town. By booking private vehicles, you can reach the temple via Gandhi Road – Chengalpattu Road – Vellore Road.
By Air: The Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport, about 75 kilometers from Kanchipuram.
By Train: Kanchipuram railway station is well-connected to major cities from the station, and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temple.
Places To Visit Near Chitragupta Temple
When you go to offer your prayer at the temple, then do read about these nearby attractions too:
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
Photo: Luistxo / Wikimedia Commons
The Kamakshi Amman Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi, an incarnation of Parvati. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where it is believed that a part of the goddess’s body fell. The temple is impressive for its architectural beauty and features intricate carvings and large gopurams (towers). Especially striking is the great form of Kamakshi, which is full of power and benevolence and performs yoga.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings or during Navratri
2. Ekambareswarar Temple
Photo: Luistxo / Wikimedia Commons
Ekambareswarar Temple, a great ancient temple in the town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one among the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of earth (Prithvi). The temple complex is large and boasts some impressive architecture and a towering gopuram (gateway tower). The temple has, over the years, remained a major pilgrimage centre that attracts thousands of pilgrims and worshippers to seek a divine blessing and connect themselves with their deity, Lord Shiva.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: February – March
3. Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Photo: Luistxo / Wikimedia Commons
The temple of Varadharaja Perumal, located three hillocks Naik136 from the town, is a revered temple among Hindus that has been preferred since ancient times. Very favoured by pilgrims because of its lovely setting, the temple has a lovely pond within the ground. Construction was funded by Thulukka Nachiyar, a Muslim girl who was inspired by the miracles that occurred at the site. It also organises the Garuda Sevai festival, drawing many devotees and visitors because of the vibrant flavour of the celebrations.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 8 PM
Best Time To Visit: Garuda Sevai festival
4. Kailasanathar Temple
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
The Kailasanathar Temple in Kancheepuram, also known as Kailasanatha temple, is a historic Pallava-era Hindu temple in Kancheepuram. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest surviving monuments in Kanchipuram. It is a square-plan temple, which has a main hall called a mukha-mandapa; it also has a maha-mandapa (gathering hall), and a main garbha-griya (sanctum) topped with a four-floor vimana. Another ancient temple of Kanchipuram is situated 4 kilometres afar from the temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: During the Maha Shivaratri
5. Kanchi Kudil Museum
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
Kanchi Kudil in Kanchipuram is one of the nice spots that showcases the cultural vibrance of the Hindu. It is located at the Sangeetha Vidwan Nainar Pillai Street in Kanchipuram, Kanchi Kudil is a heritage centre that showcases the normal person’s lifestyle and the old heritage of the town. It was an ancestral home that welcomed you with its splendid and traditional interiors. The old-fashioned 90-plus-year-old home is well-preserved and maintained. Exhibits, including utensils, furniture, costumes, and so on, are well taken care of for you to see.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays are a quiet time, or mornings are good for avoiding crowds.
Entry Fee: ₹10
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Itsmalay~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The average cost of a trip to the temple includes transportation, food, and entry fees. Expect to spend around ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per person. This covers local travel, meals, and any small donations or offerings at the temple. Costs may vary based on travel preferences and group size.
Tips For The Travellers:
- The temple is open from early morning to late evening.
- Keep water bottles handy, especially during hot weather.
- Major festivals like Chitra Pournami attract large crowds, so you need to plan the visit accordingly.
- Weekends and festivals can be crowded, so weekdays are preferable for an unobtrusive experience.
- Try local delicacies at nearby eateries for an authentic experience.
The Swamy Chitragupta Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is considered a good place to visit, especially during the full moon and Chitra Pournima festivals. A temple with ancient carvings and a long history, it is well-maintained and kept clean. It’s a must-visit temple surrounded by other major temples in Kanchipuram with high religious importance and is visited by large numbers of devotees. So, plan your Tamil Nadu trip with TripXL for a smooth visit to the Chitragupta Temple.
Cover Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
