Thiruvanmiyur Temples: Timeless Spiritual Sanctuaries In Tamil Nadu

Front of Marutheswara Temple, one of the famous Thiruvanmiyur temples in Tamil Nadu.

Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai is one of the spiritual hotspots, with ancient temples scattered all over the region. Each Thiruvanmiyur temple has its own kind of architecture, rituals, and serene ambience that attract devotees as well as tourists. Besides its spiritual attraction, Thiruvanmiyur boasts of pristine beaches with sunset views. Visiting these temples allows one to travel deep into the cultural as well as the religious faith of Tamil Nadu. Important religious events like Panguni Uthiram, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Navratri are celebrated in the temples, where devotees pour in from all parts of Chennai for ritual prayers and processions.

Top 10 Thiruvanmiyur Temples In Tamil Nadu

Here are the temples, with each Thiruvanmiyur temple of Tamil Nadu dedicated to different deities with rich spiritual diversity.

1. Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple

An image of Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple with a decorated chariot and its surroundings.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

The Thiruvanmiyur temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, is the epitome of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai. It is one of the oldest temples in Thiruvanmiyur. This ancient shrine of the Chola dynasty is characterised by the most exquisite architectural designs of the Dravidians, which have ornate pillars, gopurams, and sculptures. The primary deity worshipped at this temple is Marundeeswarar, considered the lord of healing, to whom people pray for cures for various illnesses. The annual festival held here, with a colourful display of faith and traditions, draws large crowds that show this region’s deep spirituality and culture.

Location: 36/1 Mettu Street, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Spiritual healing rituals, traditional pujas, exploring Dravidian architecture
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM

2. Sri Jana Kalyana Vinayagar Aalayam

Sri Jana Kalyana Vinayagar Aalayam temple with colourful pillars and intricate carvings.

Photo: Dushan7k / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sri Jana Kalyana Vinayagar Aalayam is a peaceful Lord Ganesha temple. This epitomises devotion and community spirit in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. It is said to be one of those shrines where blessings are sought, and peace is given in return. The temple is visited mainly during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi to seek the blessings of the divine for having a prosperity-filled life in proper wisdom and good health for all family members. It gives a reflection of a rich community of faithful people and lively celebrations, which indicates their faith in traditions.

Location: 5 LB Road, Kamaraj Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Quiet prayers, darshan of Lord Ganesha, community gatherings
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

3. Pillayar Koil

Pillayar Koil temple with golden dome, striped walls, and antenna tower on a rocky hill.

Photo: Balaji Viswanathan / Wikimedia Commons

Uchi Pillayar Koil, or Rockfort Temple, is a Thiruvanmiyur temple from the 7th century CE and shrines the deity of Lord Ganesha. The temple has three levels at the hilltop; at the base lies Manikka Vinayagar; in the middle, Thayumanaswamy is found; and at the highest level, the Uchi Pillayar, where the principal god resides. The temple comprises 417 steps that lead to the top. The temple’s patron and principal image adorns the sanctum. The hilltop of the temple has an attractive view of the city and a viewpoint for nature enthusiasts. It is one of the best temples in Thiruvanmiyur to visit.

Location: Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Serene environment, daily rituals, darshan of Lord Ganesha
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

4. Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

Entrance gate of Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple with people walking and a sign in Tamil

Photo: rajeshodayanchal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is a small temple devoted to Lord Ganesha that is situated close to Valmiki Nagar in Thiruvanmiyur. Such small temples have exquisite quietness and peace for devotees and local people around the temples. The devotees of this region make their offerings in the temple daily, seeking blessings from Navasakthi Vinayagar. They attract them for blessings on wise speech and prosperity and remove obstacles given by Navasakthi Vinayagar. Simple and elegant temple architecture, with the strength of the community of followers, makes for a warm, embracing atmosphere.

Location: Kottivakkam Kuppam Road, Valmiki Nagar, Journalist Colony, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Morning and evening pujas, community interactions, blessings for prosperity
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

5. Nagathamman Temple

Nagathamman Temple's stone altar, surrounded by plants growing around dark rock inside.

Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

This Thiruvanmiyur temple in Valmiki Nagar is dedicated to Goddess Nagathamman, and the people who live there frequently go there to seek her blessings for family well-being and protection. According to the myth, Nagathamman is said to have been adored by Naga (snakes) along with Devadas. The temple is said to be a parihara sthalam for Rahu and Ketu, two planets that cause evil. Goddess Nagathamman is the main deity of the temple and is found with Goddess Durga and the Navagrahams. Abishegams are done with full devotion, and worshippers are also allowed to pray to Goddess Durga and the Navagrahams along with Goddess Nagathamman.

Location: Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Festival celebrations, darshan of Nagathamman, protective rituals
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

6. Sri Devi Karumariamman Temple

Colourful facade of Sri Devi Karumariamman Temple with intricate statues and yellow gates.

Photo: Visnu92 / Wikimedia Commons

It is located on Old Mahabalipuram Road and is one of the most popular Hindu temples and home to Goddess Karumariamman. The temple boasts of popular festivals and strong faiths from the devotees. People visit the temple to receive the goddess’s blessings so that they can gain power, protection, and prosperity. The local dwellers and the tourists go there to see its culture, which is different due to rituals like firewalking and others. Vibrant celebrations and a deep-rooted faith characterise this temple as an important spiritual and cultural landmark for Thiruvanmiyur.

Location: Old Mahabalipuram Main Road, PTK Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Colourful festivities, rituals for prosperity, serene atmosphere
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

7. Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Kasi Viswanathar Temple entrance with intricate carvings, people, and vehicles in front.

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

The Kasi Viswanathar Temple at SR Nagar has Lord Shiva as its residence and is considered a sacred place in Hinduism. This mini-Kashi can be a silent place with the blessings of the Lord for worshipers. Many people throng this temple with a belief in a feeling of serenity and enlightenment, banishing their obstacles with its architecture and Lord Shiva’s divine power. These annual festivals and ceremonies in this Thiruvanmiyur temple work with great devotion and enthusiasm and reflect the deep, abiding faith and local cultural traditions of the locality. It is one of the popular temples in Thiruvanmiyur among tourists.

Location: SR Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Sacred prayers, Lord Shiva darshan, spiritual calm
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

8. Sri Siddhi Vinayagar Temple

Sri Siddhi Vinayagar Temple entrance with intricate sculptures and detailed carvings.

Photo: ScribblingGeek / Wikimedia Commons

Situated in Thiruvalluvar Nagar, this holy shrine is constructed in honour of Lord Ganesha, who is considered the God to be prayed to before starting any work to get rid of all obstacles and challenges. The shrine also provides a calming environment for pilgrims who wish to pray and collect blessings. Besides this, there are a few attractions in Thiruvanmiyur to add to your temple visit, like Thiruvanmiyur Beach. Very close to this, Muttukadu Boat House is located where you can engage in boating and amusement activities. Also, VGP Golden Beach is another theme park with exciting games and water rides for all its visitors.

Location: Main Road, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Quiet darshan, daily prayers, supportive community
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM

9. Sri Karumari Amman Alayam

Sri Karumari Amman Alayam temple with ornate sculptures and yellow pillars at dusk.

Photo: Ankit Bhattacharjee / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Sri Karumari Amman Alayam, situated in Thiruvanmiyur, is a historical Thiruvanmiyur temple dedicated to the goddess Karumari Amman, also called Parvati, who gives the blessing of protection to her devotees. In the main sanctum of the temple is the beautiful idol of Karumari Amman in bright-coloured traditional clothing, representing elegance and strength. The design of the temple’s interior, which includes the karuvelam (a type of round roof), exhibits the typical South Indian architectural styles characterised by detailed carved stone works and a gopuram at the entrance of the building. Many people come here for the rituals carried out at the temple, including the Friday poojas and monthly Ammavasai (New Moon) ceremonies, to receive blessings for health, prosperity, and family peace.

Location: 62/1093, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Blessings for family well-being, vibrant pujas, sense of community
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

10. Hare Krishna Temple

Shri Hare Krishna Temple in Chennai with white domes and golden finials, cars in front.

Photo: Rasnaboy / Wikimedia Commons

Hare Krishna Movement Chennai is the affiliate of ISKCON temple in Thiruvanmiyur, which is considered an oasis of peace for any soul searching and any love towards culture. It’s normally known as Hare Krishna Temple and is famous for its calm ambience, lively bhajans, and prasad, which are free to visitors. Temple teachings, based on the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic texts, draw in devotees and tourists to the premises, which give a glimpse of the rich spiritual traditions of India. Cultural programs in the temple, such as yoga, meditation, and Vedic studies, are offered as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development.

Location: Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top Experiences: Bhajans, spiritual discourses, prasadam
Timings: 4:30 AM – 1 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

In a very peaceful coastal neighbourhood, all Thiruvanmiyur temples are a place of spiritualism and ancient traditions blended with community devotion into a harmonious and fulfilling experience. For pious Hindus and curious tourists, the Thiruvanmiyur temples are a better way to experience the spiritual heart of Chennai. So, include Thiruvanmiyur in your exploration of Tamil Nadu with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Sankar 1995 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

While some have ramps or sitting areas, others lack these basics due to very old construction. If assistance is needed, it's best to call the temple's management.
A few local tour operators conduct temple walks in Thiruvanmiyur and the surrounding locales. They guide visitors through the history and relevance of each temple.
Temple photography policies differ from one temple to another. But photography is allowed outside the temple and banned inside in most of the temples.
The ceremony happens in the early morning after 6 AM and in the evening after 4 PM.
Yes, there is minimal parking available near most of the temples. It is sensible to reach early during busy hours and festival times.

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