Temples In Kanathur: Discover The Spiritual Gems Of This Coastal Town

Multiple gopurams of temples with detailed carvings and vibrant, colourful architecture

Kanathur is located along the tranquil stretch of the East Coast Road (ECR) and is dotted with some of the other most important temples that can be visited for a peaceful visit. Temples in Kanathur are known for their spiritual heritage, intricate architecture, and colourful fiesta. So whether you’re looking for divine graces or experiencing the cultural legacy of Tamil Nadu, you can never have enough of Kanathur’s temples. Beyond the temples, the region has a quiet aura and calm environment and has a scenic surrounding that sets the flank for the sightseeing of spiritual landmarks and connecting with traditions.

10 Best Temples In And Around Kanathur

Following are the famous and must-see temples in Kanathur for you to visit and experience the spirituality of these sacred sites.

1. Kanathur Prithyangira Devi Temple

Entrance to the Sri Maha Prithyangira Devi temple with unique architecture and statues

Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Kanathur Prithyangira Devi Temple is a one-of-its-kind temple in the world dedicated to Goddess Prithyangira Devi, where you can seek the power of the Goddess to protect from evil forces. Supported by highly-carved pillars and elegant statues of the goddess that enhance the beauty and grandeur of the temple, the architecture of the temple attracts visitors. Navaratri is one of the great festivals for which the temple organises special poojas and on festive occasions, the temple is decorated with flowers, and the ambience reverberates with the faith of the people.

Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM

2. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple

Gopuram of a temple with detailed Dravidian architecture, surrounded by bamboo sticks

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple is a holy abode of worship for Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Located on the East Coast Road (ECR), this temple is a popular place of worship for many devotees looking to seek wealth and health. The principal deity, Lakshmi Narayana, is adorned with garlands and offerings. You can visit the temple to offer prayers with serenity on Fridays and auspicious days like the Vaikunta Ekadasi when special rituals are performed. The temple’s architecture is typical of South Indian Dravidian styles, with ornate pillars, intricate carvings and a serene tank for rituals.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM

3. Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple

Interior of the Vinayagar temple with people waiting in line for darshan and signboards

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

In Kanathur Village, Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha, who is the destroyer of obstacles and the God of new beginnings. Though the temple is simple, it contains spiritually enriching rituals and a beautifully sculpted idol of Lord Ganesha sitting majestically in the sanctum. The quiet atmosphere attracts devotees to pray for success, health and prosperity. Ganesh Chaturthi is a time when the temple is a gathering point for devotees who come to offer prayers and partake of special poojas.

Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM

4. Kanathur Mariamman Temple

Top of the Sri Marriamman temple with detailed architecture and sculptures of gods

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kanathur Mariamman Temple is an important temple among other Kanathur temples dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, a deity who is known to cure several diseases. This temple is very important to people who come here to pray for good health and safety from maleficent powers. The temple is basic but effective, and at the centre of the worship is the main statue of Goddess Mariamman. During the summer months, particularly, the temple performs special rituals known as Acidho Vrat to seek relief from the sweltering heat, hence, devotees throng here.

Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM

5. Sri Sundara Vinayagar Temple

Interior of the Vinayagar temple with different kinds of lord Ganesha's small works

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Sundara Vinayagar Temple is a quaint, ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is famous for its deep spiritual energy, where followers pray to Lord Ganesha for new beginnings, wisdom, and prosperity. The statue of Ganesha, stunningly sculpted and encircled by ornate stone carvings and placid images of other deities, is the temple’s most striking feature. Aside from the special poojas throughout the year, Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most auspicious times to be at the temple, when they adorn the temple with bright flowers and perform many rituals to the deity with utmost devotion.

Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 – 8 PM

6. Sri Thirupurasundari Amman Temple

Amman temple with old detailed architecture, white gopurams and bicycles parked

Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sri Thirupurasundari Amman Temple is lesser-known among other Kanathur temples but is a significant place of worship for Goddess Thirupurasundari, a form of Goddess Parvati. The temple is famous for its tranquil atmosphere, where devotees are guided to meditate and seek the goddess’s blessings for growth, health, and family well-being. The beautiful sculptures of the goddess and other deities surrounding the temple give you a glimpse of peace and connection with the divine. The temple is mostly crowded with devotees during the Tamil month of Panguni, as it is believed that the goddess showers her grace on her devotees at this time.

Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM

7. Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple

 Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple with Tamil written on the blackboard and lord ayyappa on the wall
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Photo: Nehareddy17 / Wikimedia Commons

The Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple is located in Kanathur Village and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is worshipped for strength, prosperity, and devotion. Simple in build but deep in spirituality, devotees flock here seeking blessings for health, courage, and personal victories. There is a huge inflow of pilgrims observing rigid rituals in respect of Lord Ayyappa during the annual Mandala Pooja lasting 41 days. The structure of the temple is humble and the serene environment turns it into a holy haven for people in search of peace and blessings. In the evening, its main attractions take place and the chants of Ayyappa’s hymns give a meditative and powerful atmosphere.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 8 PM

8. Sri Venkateswara Temple

Statues of deities sculpted with white stone and the structure of Venkateswara temple behind

Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Venkateswara Temple is a temple for worshipping Sri Venkateswara, the most prominent form of God in Hinduism. This is the temple with the longest cultural and historical legacy in the calm village of Kanathur that spread the worship of Lord Venkateswara. Built in the traditional South Indian style, with intricate carvings and a gopuram that towers above. The presiding deity is set in the main sanctum of the temple, and the temple visitors come there to seek fulfilment of wealth, prosperity and happiness in their lives. The Tirupati Brahmotsavam Festival is one of the most popular festivals celebrated at the temple, along with Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

9. Kanathur Shiva Temple

Entrance to the Lord Shiva temple with people exploring and a Nandi statue in the middle

Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kanathur Shiva Temple is dedicated to God lord Shiva and is located in a peaceful area surrounded by temples. The Shiva Lingam in the main shrine is exquisitely beautiful, and you can feel the peace this place radiates, particularly in the evenings when the temple hosts its traditional poojas. The history of the temple goes back a few centuries, making it a spiritual landmark in Kanathur. The temple draws in a large number of devotees, especially during the auspicious Maha Shivaratri, where the temple arranges for poojas at the peak and also at midnight, dedicated to the lord’s functions.

Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 8 PM

10. Kanathur Vishnu Temple

Gopuram of a lord Vishnu temple with intricate carvings and detailed architecture

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kanathur Vishnu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is known as the preserver of the universe. This tranquil temple in Kanathur, located right off the East Coast Road, is a peaceful place for pilgrims who seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings for safety and good health. This temple is famous for its calm atmosphere with well-carved sculptures and detailed representations of different avatars of Vishnu. During Vaikunta Ekadasi, the temple witnesses a heavy inflow of devotees who offer prayers and seek blessings for spiritual progress and prosperity.

Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 8 PM

With a rich spiritual heritage and a peaceful atmosphere, it is the perfect destination to explore ancient temples and a peaceful retreat. The Kanathur temples, along with a variety of dining and lodging options, make it a well-rounded destination for devotees, travellers and families. So, be it divine blessings or a relaxing sojourn, Kanathur guarantees a great outing. So, plan your visit with TripXL and explore these holy sites.

Cover Photo: mckaysavage / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Kanathur is free, but most temples, including Prithyangira Devi Temple, do not charge an entry fee.
The temples are less crowded in the morning hours as well as in the evening hours, making early mornings or evenings the best time to visit when the weather is cooler too.
You can enjoy a trip to Kanathur Beach or visit the nearby DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, offering cultural uses for all ages.
Yes, special poojas and rituals happen during Navratri and Maha Shivaratri at temples such as Prithyangira Devi Temple, etc.
Kanathur is well-connected to other parts of Chennai via roadways. The East Coast Road (ECR) provides direct access to major areas, while public transport options, including buses and auto-rickshaws, are readily available.
Kanathur offers delicious seafood, traditional South Indian dishes like dosa and idli, along with local street food such as sundal and murukku, reflecting the coastal culinary heritage.

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