Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Prathyangira Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Pratyangira, who is known to be the incarnation of Goddess Adishakti. The goddess possesses the power to destroy the influences of black magic and evil forces and is also known to be the consort of Lord Sarabeswara. In the temple, the idols of Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Lakshmi are placed near the idol of Goddess Pratyangira. Abhishekam takes place regularly here, and special poojas are offered every Sunday. Devotees from all over the country visit this holy temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess.
Quick Details About Pratyangira Temple
Address: 16 A, Sree Prathyangira Kovil Road, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Time Duration: Almost 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Location
Photo: Ranjan Kumar Panigrahi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pratyangira Temple is located in Sholinganallur, a southern suburb of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, India. The temple is near the coastline of the Bay of Bengal and is situated on the bank of the Buckingham Canal. It lies halfway down the link road between the old Mahabalipuram road and the East Coast Road.
Suggested Read: Sai Baba Temples In Chennai
How To Reach Pratyangira Temple
Photo: Hexatron93 / Wikimedia Commons
Chennai is well-connected with other cities across the country. Here is how you can reach the Pratyangira Temple with ease:
By Road: You can take a bus from the Koyambedu CMBT Bus Stand. Other than that, you can also reach the temple by hiring a cab or an autorickshaw.
By Air: Chennai has one of the busiest airports in India, Chennai International Airport, which is situated at a distance of 21.7 kilometres from the Pratyangira Temple.
By Train: Chennai Central Railway Station is a train station from which you can easily reach the temple. It is situated 25 kilometres from the Pratyangira Temple.
Things To Do At Pratyangira Temple
Out of numerous things to do, here are a few things that you can do at the Pratyangira Temple on your next visit to Chennai:
1. Learn About The Legends Of Pratyangira Temple
Photo: Johann-Nikolaus Andreae / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many legends surrounding the renowned temple, such as that it is believed goddess Prathyangira originated from Lord Shiva’s third eye and took the form of a half-lion and a half-human. Legends state that Lord Shiva was asked to pacify the anger of Lord Narsimha and took incarnation as Lord Sarabeswara but couldn’t fight against Lord Narsimha’s Gandaberunda form. At that time, goddess Parvati manifested as goddess Prathyangira, ending the fight between Lord Narsimha and Sarabeswara. She is believed to possess the powers of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
2. Offer Prayers To The Deities
Photo: SabaFatima123456789 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While entering the Pratyangira Temple, you will witness the stunning Rajagopuram, which was built according to the Vaastu Shastra. The temple complex enshrines numerous gods and goddesses, such as Goddess Neela Saraswathi, Goddess Varahi, Lord Shiva, Lord Sarabheswara, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Agni, Lord Narasimha, etc. Other than this, devotees can also offer their prayers to Uchista Ganapati, Sri Panchamukhi Hanuman, Annapoorni, Gayatri Devi, Chamunda Bhadrakali, Garudan, Ashta Parivarars Nagas, etc., and seek their blessings.
Places To Visit Around Pratyangira Temple
If you are looking for places to visit near the Pratyangira Temple, the following are a few places where you can visit and experience the tranquil environment:
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is among the notable temples present in Chennai. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has Dravidian-style architecture. It is believed to have been built around the 7th century by the Pallava dynasty rulers. There are several halls in the temple complex where the six daily rituals occur at various times. In the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the Aurbathimoovar festival is celebrated during Panguni (a Tamil month) as a part of the Brahmotsava. The Aurbathimoovar festival is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in the temple, which attracts both cultural aficionados and devotees from all across the country.
Distance From Pratyangira Temple: 18 kilometres
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Explore Places To Visit In Tirunelveli For Its Rich Cultural And Historical Heritage
2. Sree Ramanatheeswarar Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sree Ramanatheeswara Temple is located in Porur and is known for its cultural and historical significance. The temple was built around 700 CE by the Chola King Kulothunga II. Sree Ramanatheeswara temple is dedicated to Lord Ramanathaeaswarar, who is known to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Rama installed the Shiva Lingam in this temple, and from there, the temple got its name Ramanathaeeswarar. The temple is known to be a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site and is located near the Porur junction. It is one of the Navagraha Sthalams in Thondai Mandalam that is dedicated to Lord Guru.
Distance From Pratyangira Temple: 27 kilometres
Timings: Opens from 6 AM – 11:30 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
3. Parthasarathy Temple
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Parthasarathy Temple, known to be dedicated to Lord Krishna, showcases the rich ancient architecture of Tami Nadu state. This holy temple was constructed in the 8th century and was initially built by Pallava king Narasimhavarman I. It has a raja gopuram and contains vivid sculptures. The term Parthasarathy means the charioteer of Arjuna, which refers to the role of Krishna as a charioteer to Arjuna in the Hindu mythology of the Mahabharata. The temple is classified among the 108 Divya Desams, which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Many festivals are celebrated at the temple, such as Pallava Utsavam, Ramanujar Utsavam, Panguni Serthi, and Vaikunda Ekadashi.
Distance From Pratyangira Temple: 21 kilometres
Timings: Opens from 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Velankanni
4. Pancha Rathas Temple
Photo: Lodo / Wikimedia Commons
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, has many world heritage sites, one of which is the Pancha Rathas Temple. This ancient temple complex has five temples in it, which are constructed in the form of chariots. The temple was built by King Narasimhavarman I around the 7th century CE. They are dedicated to the Pandavas and Draupadi (their wife) from the Hindu mythology of the Mahabharata. Out of all the temples, the largest is dedicated to Bheema, and the others are dedicated to Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula-Sahadeva, and Draupadi. All of the temples are monolithic, which means they are constructed from single-carved stone.
Distance From Pratyangira Temple: 37 kilometres
Timings: Opens from 6 AM – 5:30 PM
5. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
Photo: Swarna1311 / Wikimedia Commons
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple comes under the list of UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites. The temple got its name from the fact that it is located near the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is situated near a serene beach known as Mahabalipuram Beach. It is known to be one of the seven temples that were built by the Pallava rulers. Six of them got submerged in the water along the coastline, and traces of them were found when a tsunami hit in 2004. It has stunning architecture, which consists of intricate carvings and houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Distance From Pratyangira Temple: 35 kilometres
Timings: Opens from 6 AM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Ooty In April
Where To Stay
Photo: Ansar Muhammad / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When planning your visit to the Pratyangira Temple, ensure to book your accommodation in an area from where you can reach the temple with ease. Some of the hotels and resorts available in the nearby area of the temple are Hotel Spark, Leisure Stays, RJN Hotel, and FabHotel Hibiscus Stays.
Where To Eat
Photo: Karthick / Wikimedia Commons
Pratyangira Temple is surrounded by a wide variety of eateries, which you can explore based on your preference in regard to the cuisine. Some of the popular eateries in the area are Rathna Cafe, Firdouse, Sri Radha Nivas Restaurant, and Hotel Thalapathi.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Coimbatore
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Visitors
- Visit the temple as early as possible to avoid the crowd in the daytime.
- Wear shoes or sandals that will be easy to put on and off.
- Carry a water bottle with you, preferably non-plastic.
- Carry some cash or change with you and
- As the temple holds religious significance, it is advised to dress modestly.
Prathyangira Temple is a fascinating holy temple dedicated to Goddess Pratyangira in Sholinganallur. It is said that by offering prayers to the goddess, one can get rid of negative energies. The temple features idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswathi alongside Goddess Pratyangira. To experience the temple’s unique aura, plan your trip with TripXL and feel the divine energy of protection and prosperity.
Cover Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
