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Chennai is a city steeped in spiritual practices, with its numerous temples and open areas where people perform Pithru Tharpanam, seeking blessings from their ancestors. There are so many temples around here dedicated to different deities, which mainly turn into peaceful and sacred areas especially during the sacred days like Amavasya. These are the best list of the top 10 Pithru Tharpanam temples in Chennai, which help you find the best locations for ancestor rituals with their own uniqueness in history, ambiance, and religious importance.
Top 10 Pithru Tharpanam Temples In Chennai
Here are the top 10 Pithru Tharpanam temples in Chennai which will make your trip more memorable one with your friends and family:
1. Thiruvottiyur Vadivudai Amman Temple
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Thiruvottiyur Vadivudai Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vadivudai Amman. This temple in Chennai is one of the oldest and holds significant cultural importance. The massive, intricate architecture in the Thiruvotriyur region of the temple attracts huge numbers of devotees daily. It’s especially auspicious for doing Pithru Tharpanam because of the spiritual ambiance and historical background. On new moon day or Amavasya, devotees from all walks of life throng this temple, performing rituals for their ancestors. The temple is also known for its serene surroundings and well-maintained premises.
Location: Thiruvotriyur, Chennai
Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings, especially on Amavasya (new moon day)
2. Sri Kalikambal Temple
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The Sri Kalikambal Temple, located on Thambu Chetty Street in the George Town area of Chennai, is dedicated to the goddess Kalikambal. This historic temple is said to have been built around the 7th century and was initially situated near the seashore. The temple was later relocated to its current location. With its beautiful carvings and peaceful ambiance, it is a favored spot for ancestor rituals such as Pithru Tharpanam. The temple is often crowded on Fridays, which are considered auspicious for goddess worship. Performing rituals here is believed to bring blessings from the goddess, helping with family peace and prosperity.y
Location: Thambu Chetty Street, George Town
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Friday mornings
3. Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple
Photo: N. Vivekananthamoorthy / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of the iconic temples situated in Mylapore. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Being one of Chennai’s most popular temples, it has been constructed in Dravidian architecture with a richly carved and colorful gopuram. Nowadays, people visit this temple for Pithru Tharpanam. Every year in the Tamil month of Aadi, special pujas are performed in the temple. Kapaleeswarar temple observes long and vibrant festivals, such as the festival of Arubathimoovar, attracting thousands of devotees to this spot. The tranquil surroundings created by the temple’s serene tank and other areas help the devotees connect deeply with their heritage.
Location: Mylapore, Chennai
Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Mondays, during Margazhi festival season
4. Sri Parthasarathy Temple
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Situated in Triplicane, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is a major Vishnu temple in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Dating back to the Pallava dynasty, this temple is an important site for Vaishnavite worshippers. The temple attracts large numbers for Tharpanam rituals during Vishnu-related festivals, such as Vaikunta Ekadasi. The temple’s intricate architecture and historical significance add to the solemnity of the rituals. Devotees also visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Parthasarathy, who is considered a compassionate deity.
Location: Triplicane, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings, especially on Ekadasi
5. Karaneeswarar Temple
Photo: Aleksandr Zykov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Saidapet, Karaneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its peaceful environment. The temple has a rich history and is a sacred place for conducting Tharpanam, particularly on Pradosham days, when special poojas are performed. The temple’s grand gopuram and serene interiors offer a calming space for devotees seeking a meaningful connection with their ancestors. Karaneeswarar Temple is especially crowded on Mondays, and many visit it during the Tamil month of Aadi to perform rituals in honor of their departed loved ones.
Location: Saidapet, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Mondays, during Pradosham days
6. Thirumullaivoyal Masilamaneeswarar Temple
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Thirumullaivoyal’s Masilamaneeswarar Temple is known for its association with Lord Shiva and the legends surrounding it. The temple is believed to have been established by the ancient Chola kings and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Masilamaneeswarar. Devotees come here to perform Tharpanam on significant days like Amavasya and other Shiva-related festivals. The temple’s lush green surroundings and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect setting for Pithru Tharpanam, helping devotees to connect with nature and honor their ancestors in a serene environment.
Location: Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai-Thiruvallur Road
Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Mondays, during the Tamil month of Aadi
7. Madhava Perumal Temple
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Madhava Perumal Temple, located in Mylapore, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is considered auspicious for Tharpanam rituals, particularly during Ekadasi, a sacred day in Vaishnavite tradition. The temple’s peaceful surroundings and beautiful architecture create an ideal atmosphere for performing ancestor rituals. Madhava Perumal Temple is one of the oldest temples in the region. It is believed that performing rituals here can bring blessings for family harmony and spiritual growth. The temple is well-maintained, and its spacious courtyard offers a sense of tranquility to visitors.
Location: Mylapore, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Saturdays, on Ekadasi days
8. Sri Marundeeswarar Temple
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The Sri Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is one of Chennai’s oldest and most revered temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known for its association with health and medicine, the temple is a popular site for performing Pithru Tharpanam rituals. The temple’s spacious courtyard and serene atmosphere make it an ideal place for honoring ancestors. Many people come here during the Tamil month of Margazhi to perform special ceremonies, believing that it will bring health and longevity to their families. The temple is also known for its beautiful Dravidian architecture and detailed sculptures.
Location: Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Mondays, during the Tamil month of Margazhi
9. Adi Kesava Perumal Temple
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The Adi Kesava Perumal Temple in Mylapore is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the oldest Vaishnavite temples in Chennai. The temple features beautiful Dravidian-style architecture and is a popular spot for performing Pithru Tharpanam rituals, especially during the auspicious Tamil month of Aadi. Devotees come here seeking blessings for their ancestors, as the temple is believed to hold significant spiritual power for those honoring the departed. The temple’s peaceful ambiance and spacious courtyard provide a tranquil setting for Pithru Tharpanam ceremonies.
Location: Mylapore, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Saturdays, during Tamil festivals
10. Thiruvalithayam Temple
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Located in Padi, Thiruvalithayam Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Lord Valithaya Nathar. This temple has a serene environment, making it ideal for ancestor worship, especially on important days like Shivarathri. The temple is surrounded by greenery, and its simple yet divine ambiance provides a peaceful setting for Tharpanam rituals. During the Tamil month of Aadi, the temple attracts numerous devotees who come to perform ancestor rituals, believing that the blessings of Lord Shiva will bring prosperity and happiness to their families. Thiruvalithayam Temple is a significant place for spiritual seekers and families honoring their lineage.
Location: Padi, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: Mondays, during Shivaratri
Performing Pithru Tharpanam in Chennai’s sacred temples is a powerful way to connect with your ancestral roots. Each temple provides a meaningful and peaceful experience, allowing devotees to honor their heritage and seek blessings for family well-being. Visiting these Pithru Tharpanam temples in Chennai not only fulfills spiritual obligations but also strengthens one’s connection to Chennai’s rich cultural and religious heritage. May these temples bring you peace, fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of the power of tradition.Tour with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
