Dhandeeswaram Temple: The Spiritual Home Of Lord Shiva

Gopuram of a Dhandeeswaram temple with carvings of deities and vibrant architectural details

The Dhandeeswaram temple is a well-known temple in the strides of Lord Shiva. This temple is located at Dhandeeswaram in the state of Tamil Nadu, and it is one of the temples with an old architectural design, history, and religious significance. The presiding deity here is Dhandeeswaram, and he takes the shape of lingam. The original temple structure was built in the Pallava dynasty, which was later repaired and restructured during the Chola dynasty. Devotees from all corners of the world visit the temple in millions, seeking the blessings or the wish-fulfilling power found within the temple.

Quick Details About Dhandeeswaram Temple

Dhandeeswaram Temple Address: 1st Ave, Karunabigai Colony, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Dhandeeswaram Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach: By bus, auto-rickshaw, and taxi
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 12 km
Nearest Railway Station: Velachery Railway Station, 3 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Location

View of the intricately carved gopuram of Dhandeeswaram temple

Photo: PRAKASAM R / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Situated in Velachery, Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, the Dhandeeswaram Temple is along the Dhandeeswaram Main Road. It connects through the Velachery Main Road, which connects to Mount and Raj Bhavan Road and is easily accessible from the main city. The temple is located conveniently close to other sites, such as Velachery Bus Terminus and Vijayanagar Junction.

How To Reach Dhandeeswaram Temple

Chennai airport, a cab or taxi from here makes the Dhandeeswaram temple easily accessible

Photo: Sodabottle / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, 12 km from the city. From there, you can catch a taxi or bus to Kanchipuram, then an autorickshaw to Dhandeeswaram Temple.

By train: The nearest railway station is Velachery Railway Station, which is about 3 km from the temple. Taxis and autorickshaws are directly available to the temple.

By Road: If you are coming from Chennai, it is 60 km through the Chennai-Bangalore Highway. Regular buses are available to Kanchipuram and Velachery. The nearest bus station is the Velachery bus stand, and from there, you can walk to the temple.

Places To Visit Near Dhandeeswaram Temple

After visiting Dhandeeswaram Temple, explore nearby attractions rich in history and spirituality:

1. Guindy National Park

Children's play area in Guindy National Park, surrounded by greenery and a bench

Photo: Ara C / Wikimedia Commons

This is one of the very few urban wildlife sanctuaries in the country, and it is situated at the centre of Chennai. This is a 2.7-square-kilometre reserve place that has emerged as the haven for numerous flora and fauna, such as blackbuck, spotted deer, jackal, and also more than 130 types of birds. The park has a children’s play area with a small zoo. It is a good view for nature lovers, photographers, and bird watchers.

Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance: 5 km from Dhandeeswaram

2. Phoenix Marketcity

Phoenix Market City with its modern shopping complex near the Dhandeeswaram temple

Photo: Onlinemak/ Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The ultimate destination for spending an entire day on shopping, dining, and entertainment is Phoenix Marketcity in Chennai. One of the city’s largest malls, this place features an extensive selection of international and Indian brands, high-end boutiques, and many dining places. This mall has a multiplex cinema, thereby becoming an entertaining space. It contains a food court and fine dining restaurants offering cuisine worldwide.

Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Distance: 2 km from Dhandeeswaram

3. Ashtalakshmi Temple

Ashtalakshmi Temple with detailed gopuram, vibrant statues, and devotees visiting

Photo: User:Sudharsun.j / Wikimedia Commons

The Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, each symbolising different aspects of prosperity and well-being. It is located along the scenic shore in Besant Nagar, with its multi-tiered architecture and serene location making it a beautiful and spiritual place to visit. The temple has a calm atmosphere with waves in the background, ideal for prayer and meditation. This temple complex features carved work and colourful shrines.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM
Distance: 10 km from Dhandeeswaram

4. Elliot’s Beach

Besant Nagar Beach with calm waves, one of the places near the Dhandeeswaram temple

Photo: KARTY JazZ / Wikimedia Commons

Elliot’s Beach is situated in the bustling locality of Besant Nagar. It is a peaceful place with calm waters and a clean, sandy beach free from the city’s noise. It is considered quiet and one of the favourite evening walking spots for family get-togethers and casual outings. Other attractions are the Karl Schmidt Memorial dedicated to the Dutch sailor, and the Annai Vailankanni Church, which gives it cultural importance.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Distance: 9 km from Dhandeeswaram

5. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam with its grand structure and intricate details reflecting in the water

Photo: Surajram / Wikimedia Commons

Valluvar Kottam is one of the prominent landmarks in Chennai. It is a unique monument dedicated to the great Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The chariot is sculpted with minute carvings of verses from Thiruvalluvar’s work, Thirukkural. The 39-metre-high chariot with stone wheels in fine details portrays traditional Tamil architecture and artistry. Valluvar Kottam itself is a marvel of architecture and a cultural and historical landmark because it houses many exhibitions and events.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance: 10 km from Dhandeeswaram

Where To Stay

A luxury hotel room with a large bed, elegant furnishings, soft lighting, and a big window

Photo: Kurt Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway is a well-furnished and modernised hotel that contains an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and restaurant facilities, located about 5 km from the Dhandeeswaram Temple. Due to the availability of the hotel close to Velachery, it is a perfect accommodation option for the guests visiting the region. Alternatively, the Westin Chennai Velachery, which is 3 km from the temple, has luxury accommodations, a spa, and an international buffet along with Indian specialties.

Where To Eat

Traditional Tamil Nadu’s idli served with chutney and sambhar

Photo: Jack Baghel /Pexels

Dining options around Dhandeeswaram Temple include Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, located along Velachery Main Road. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of South Indian vegetarian dishes and provides a clean and family-friendly ambience. Dosas, idlis, and filter coffee are the favourites among residents and tourists. Aasife Biriyani in Velachery, known for its mouth-watering biryanis and North Indian delicacies, is the other option.

Other Factors To Consider

Image of the halls of the Dhandeeswaram temple with unique pillars

Photo: Ankit Bhattacharjee / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Best Time To Visit

October to March is the ideal time to visit Dhandeeswaram Temple because it is the most pleasant time of year in Chennai, with cold temperatures and less humidity. This is the region’s winter, ideal for outdoor activities and temple visits.

Average Cost Of The Trip

You can go for a weekend visit to Dhandeeswaram Temple within your budget. One person would require about ₹1,500 to ₹5,000. On average, all transports, budget lodgings, meals, contributions, and donations that you would like to make at the temple are covered in that amount.

Whether you are seeking divine blessings or simply desire to experience serenity surrounding the temple grounds, Dhandeeswaram Temple is a good starting point for exploring the vibrant cultures and festivals of the region. So, plan your visit to this magnificent site and discover the rich spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Johann-Nikolaus Andreae / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Dhandeeswaram Temple is worshipped for its devotion to Lord Shiva and is known for attracting devotees who come seeking blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Dhandeeswaram Temple takes around 1 to 2 hours if one is interested in observing the architectural details.
Yes, the temple is common to all faiths, and many foreign travellers visit India for its rich culture.
Photography is not allowed inside the temple's inner sanctum; however, you can capture photos of the exteriors of the temple.
There are parking spaces available near the temple, but it becomes crowded, so early arrivals are recommended.

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