Discover The Spiritual Significance Of Temples Near Sholinganallur: A Comprehensive Guide

Majestic gopuram of a temple with detailed architecture and intricate statue carvings

With its many temples, Sholinganallur is a suburb of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, that possesses a unique urban spiritual character. Locals and tourists alike escape the busy city for this peaceful refuge. Devotees flock to Sholinganallur temple every year to seek blessings, while tourists visit to enjoy the bounties of rich South Indian architecture and culture. Each temple features beautiful idols and carvings, and each possesses its charm. Ask for blessings, roam through historical places or simply spend your peacetime; the temples in Sholinganallur won’t disappoint.

10 Must Visit Temples Near Sholinganallur

Here is a list of 10 temples within the region in detailed location-wise with all Sholingallur temple timings and other details.

1. Sholinganallur Prithyangira Devi Temple

Entrance gate of the Sri Maha Prithyangira Devi temple with a priest standing outside

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

The Sholinganallur Prithyangira Devi Temple is a spiritual lighthouse in the bustling Chennai suburb. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Prithyangira, who is considered a powerful entity capable of dispelling negativity and granting peace. The idol of the goddess, decorated with ornaments, exhibits a divine opulence. The architecture of the temple has beautiful gopuram with intricately carved sculptures that represent the work of South Indian artisanship. Pilgrims are often involved in vigorous homams and poojas performed to seek blessings.

Location: Velachery-Tambaram Main Road, Sholinganallur
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM

2. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Temple

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Temple with its old stone architecture and detailed carvings

Photo: hriram Swaminathan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Navallur Sree Lakshmi Narayana Temple is a peaceful abode for Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. These temples near Sholinganallur are known for their architectural style, which is characteristic of South Indian temple architecture, featuring intricately carved pillars and colourful paintings depicting mythological scenes. The main sanctum has an idol of Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity, and divine protection. Keen devotees come here for regular worship, including the intricate recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranamam. This temple is one of the vaishnovites themes that attracts crowds, particularly during vaikunta ekadas.

Location: Near Sholinganallur Signal, OMR
Timings: 7 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM

3. Iskcon Temple Chennai

Iskcon temple of Chennai with white building architecture and devotees visiting the temple

Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

ISKCON Temple Chennai is a cultural and spiritual habitat dedicated to the Lord Krishna. Spread over a huge area on East Coast Road, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Idols of the deities are beautifully decorated with jewellery and flowers in the main hall. The gentle sounds of bhajans and kirtans greet devotees, creating a joyful mood across the temples where you can see hundreds of people gather. It has regular events such as Bhagavad Gita lectures and prasadam distribution, which attract devotees and tourists alike. The placid location, away from the noise of the city, makes this an ideal spot for meditation and contemplation.

Location: Akkarai, Sholinganallur
Timings: 4:30 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM

4. Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple

Interior of Vinayagar Temple with vibrant colourful pillars, walls and devotees sitting

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

These temples near Sholinganallur are a famous shrine for Lord Ganesha. It is famous for bestowing success and removing hindrances and devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for new beginnings. The idol of the deity wears a divine aura hidden behind colourful flowers and traditional decorations that attract people. The temple comes particularly alive during Ganesh Chaturthi as large-scale celebrations take place along with special poojas and cultural activities. The surrounding complex is clean and peaceful and very conducive for devoted prayer and meditation. Devotees spend time in Archanas and seek Prasadam post-visit.

Location: Sholinganallur Main Road, Chennai
Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM

5. Arulmigu Dhenupureeswarar Temple

A temple structure with small, vibrant gopurams and walls made up of stone and trees

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

It is one of the oldest and most respected temples in Sholinganallur. This temple was very close to the history of people, and hence it is called Dhenupureeswarar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the Lord is tied with a celestial cow, Dhenupuri. Exquisitely structured in Dravidian style architecture, the gopurams are intricately carved and form a serene inner sanctum for Shiva Lingam, with rituals daily in Shiva Abhishekam and Deeparadhana. Steadily, crowds come to perform their poojas and during special poojas on Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri, it is full of crowds along with elaborate rituals and spiritual discourses.

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

6. Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple with white detailed architectural gopurams and scooters parked

Photo: Ramya Srivastav / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The temple is known to Hindu devotees of Lord Hanuman in Karapakkkam. Hanuman, also renowned in Indian mythology for his complete devotion to Lord Rama, is worshipped here as a symbol of strength and courage. The statue of Lord Anjaneya is so tall and, at the height of the temple, is quite captivating, eternally surrounded by holy garlands and ornaments. Saturdays are auspicious for Hanuman, and so the temple is crowded with devotees on these days. They perform special poojas and recite Hanuman Chalisa, filling the atmosphere with spirituality. With the surroundings being so big and clean, it is a perfect place to pray and meditate.

Location: Near Sholinganallur Bus Stand
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM

7. Sri Vaikundavasal Perumal Temple

Detailed carved stone walls of the vaikunta Perumal temple with small plants and trees

Photo: Nandhinikandhasamy / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Vaikundavasal Perumal Temple is located at the busy Sholinganallur junction and is a divine abode dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Vaikundavasal form. This temple is known for its calm and peaceful atmosphere, along with the various cultural activities that take place here. The main sanctum of the temple houses a very beautifully decorated idol of Lord Vishnu, and the premises are well maintained to offer a peaceful worship experience. The Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated grandly, with special decorations and prayers and the distribution of prasadam. Many devotees come to this temple seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu for good health, wealth, and spiritual enlightenment.

Location: Sholinganallur Junction
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

8. Sri Vengeeswarar Temple

Gopuram of a temple with detailed architecture and colourful, vibrant, intricate carvings

Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sri Vengeeswarar Temple is a popular shrine of Lord Shiva. The most tranquil and spiritual temple that attracts devotees who wish for peace and divine blessings. With idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan, as well as the sacred Shiva Lingam proclaiming the sanctum, it is indeed a perfect spiritual spot. Its architectural style is similar to that of other South Indian temples, with beautifully chiselled pillars and an intricately designed gopuram. Archanas, abhishekams and pujas are conducted here by devotees in the temple, particularly on Mondays and also during Mahashivaratri, when the temple is full of activity.

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

9. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Sri Sai Baba Temple with unique pillars and ceiling made up of gold and a Sai Baba statue

Photo: RATHOD SRAVAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sri Sai Baba Temple located in Sholinganallur is a tranquil temple dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, a mystic known for his lessons on love, humility and compassion. The temple is simple in design, mimicking Baba’s teachings on universal brotherhood and faith. The primary sanctum has a life-size idol of Sai Baba himself, emanating peace and tranquillity. The devotees pay a visit to the temple every day to offer prayers and also participate in the Aarti sessions, which are the main activities of the day. Thursdays, which is an auspicious day for Sai Baba, are also celebrated with special poojas and bhajans.

Location: Sholinganallur Main Road
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM

10. Sri Jalakandeswarar Temple

Close-up of the gopuram of Sri Jalakandeswarar temple of Vellore and a light bulb on top

Photo: Harrisask / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sri Jalakandeswarar Temple is located in the serene surroundings of Sholinganallur, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is rather small but of great importance to devotees who come here to find peace and seek blessings from the Almighty. The presiding deity, Lord Jalakandeswarar, is worshipped as a granter of prosperity and peace. This temple is most noted for the Shiva Abhishekam rituals that happen every Monday, attracting a lot of devotees. The calm and serene atmosphere, coupled with the chanting of mantras in rhythm, puts one into a deep spiritual state.

Location: Residential area, Sholinganallur
Timings: 6 AM – 11 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM

Temples near Sholinganallur are aesthetically balanced between spiritual engagement and the nearest comforts. From discovering the grandeur of temples and feasting on scrumptious local food to getting some relaxation in a decent stay, Sholinganallur has everything special for every kind of traveller. With its location and lively atmosphere, this suburban jewel offers an enriching experience for local devotees and visitors alike. So plan your visit with TripXL and enjoy your spiritual experience.

Cover Photo: Nandhinikandhasamy / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit is either the early morning or evening when the atmosphere is quieter and you can join in with rituals.
Photography is allowed outside the sanctum and praying areas. Be mindful of your surroundings and respect the place.
Families can visit nearby beaches such as Thiruvanmiyur Beach or DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, approximately 10 km away.
The temples celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple and Mahashivaratri at Shiva temples.
Sholinganallur easily comes near the OMR Road either by public transport or your vehicle, as it is around 20 km from the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

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