Last Updated At: 03-Sep-2024
Chennai is a city known for its unique cultural influences manifested in its multiple architectural marvels. Southern India is very fond of constructing remarkable temples dedicated to different deities. It is, for this reason, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, in particular, is also referred to as the land of temples. Tamilians are believed to be exceptional sculptors. Every corner of the city seems to have a magnificent temple tucked nicely, beckoning tourists to pay respects to the divine. Explore these temples, discover their unique architectural elements, and experience a deep connection with the Ultimate Power. Feel the positive vibes and a sense of peace washing over you as you stand before the Lord, seeking His blessings!
Explore the sacred and architectural grandeur of the famous Shiva temple in Chennai, a pivotal spiritual destination that attracts devotees and tourists alike with its rich history and serene ambiance. Visit the revered Shiva Temple in Chennai, where timeless devotion meets architectural elegance, offering a tranquil retreat for those seeking spiritual solace and cultural enrichment.
Here we bring you a list of 10 famous temples in Chennai that are the epitome of spirituality, culture, architecture, and art. Take a look!
Located in Mylapore, Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple enjoys immense historical and religious significance. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a peacock, thus the area deriving its name Mylai in Tamil. Though it is a Lord Shiva temple, the major attraction of the temple is Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Karpagambal. In the 1500s, the Portuguese destroyed the original temple, and a new one was built in the same place. Built in a unique Dravidian style by Pallavas in the 7th Century CE, the temple has two entrances through a Gopuram. Today, this temple is prominent in the list of most famous temples in Chennai.
Reckoned as one of the oldest temples in Chennai, the Parthasarthy temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. In Mahabharata, the ancient mythological text, Lord Krishna took the responsibility as the charioteer of Arjuna, one of the Pandavas.' During this time, the Lord recited the Bhagwad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu texts today. Parthaswamy Temple was built in the 8th Century but sustained structural damage. The temple is undergoing renovation work at a massive scale, and a few parts of the temple are not accessible to the public. Constructed in a typical Dravidian architectural style, the temple is also a preferred place for solemnising marriages.
One of the biggest and most famous Shiva temples in Chennai, Thyagaraja Temple, is located in Tiruvottiyur. The temple is spread over a vast expanse of 33 acres of land. It has four Gopurams or gateway towers and is peppered with shrines dedicated to different deities. The temple is famous for its chariot pulled by thousands of people yearly. At least ten thousand people pull this chariot, weighing 300 tonnes, out of the temple, carrying the mesmerising idol of Lord Shiva. Watching the chariot pulled by thousands of devotees is a sight to behold.
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Built in the 11th Century, the Marundheeswarar Temple is one of the major religious sites in Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Marundheeswarar, or Lord Shiva, a great healer. This temple is a part of the Trinity sea shore temples. With its two seven-tiered gateway towers, temple building sprawled over the area of one acre and a huge tank, this Chennai temple must be on your wishlist when visiting the city. Cholas built the original temple, but the present masonry structure came up in the 16th Century.
Built in honour of Lord Kartikeya or Lord Muruga, Vadapalani Andavar Temple attracts thousands of devotees every year. Lord Muruga, the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and brother of Lord Ganesha, is worshipped as the God of War. This temple was built by an ardent devotee of Murugan, Annaswami Nayakar, in 1890. The temple witnessed a lot of religious activities and marriage ceremonies. Approximately 7000 couples get married in this temple every year. Spectacular stucco art depicting texts detailing Lord Kartikeya’s life can be seen in the temple. In 1920, the temple was renovated, but its unique architectural style has been beautifully preserved.
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This temple enjoys an interesting history. It is not only Chennai’s famous mandir but also a temple that helps unmarried women find a suitable groom for them. As the story goes, Devi Kamakshi Amman played antics with Lord Shiva and playfully closed his third eye. As soon as Lord Shiva’s third eye was closed, the whole world plunged into darkness. Later, after the matter was resolved, Lord Shiva forgave Goddess Kamakshi after she served severe penance. When Lord Shiva asked for a boon, she asked him to grant her the boon of being his wife. For this reason, unmarried women worship Goddess Kamakshi, praying for a suitable groom. This temple has four impressive gateways sprawled over a vast expanse of five acres of land.
A famous navagraha temple in Chennai, Somangalam Sri Somanaadhesswarar temple, is dedicated to Lord Moon. The temple dates back to 1073 AD. As the story goes, the Moon God lost his divine powers after Dhakshan cursed him. He also lost his 16 forms of art. To overcome the curse and retain his lost powers, Lord Chandra decided to worship Lord Shiva. Severe penance led him to get back his powers and beauty. The highlight of the temple is the beautiful idol of Lord Shiva in Nataraja form. The idol is present as Chathura Thaandava Murthy.
One of the popular Hindu temples in Chennai, Ekambareswarar Temple is known for its opulence, devotion, and religious significance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other smaller shrines within the temple complex are dedicated to Shakthi, Vishnu, Ganesha, Goddess Kamakshi, and Navagrahas or the nine planets. The temple was built by Alanganatha Pillai in 1680 and was considered Allingall’s Pagoda. One of the best and most visited temples in Chennai, it is worth visiting for ardent devotees.
One of the famous Ganesh temples in Chennai, Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, is also a centre of excellence. Known for its religious and historical significance, the temple was built in 1979. Pujas and festivals are organised very frequently on auspicious occasions. Poor are fed in this temple. It has an auditorium where many cultural and musical programs are held.
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Located by Redhill Lake on the Grand Trunk Road, Adeeswar Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Chennai. This road is called the ‘Gateway to the South. This Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Adeeswar or Adi Bhagwan. He was the first Jain God and went by Tirthankar Rishabhdev, the person who started the Jain religion. Adeeswar Temple is believed to have been built in the 1st Century BC and is known for its intricately carved architectural style.
Delve into the divine aura of the famous Shiva Temple in Chennai, a celebrated spiritual site that blends ancient rituals with majestic temple architecture, drawing pilgrims and historians alike.
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Q1. Name the largest temple in Chennai.
A1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest temple in Chennai. It was built in the 7th Century.
Q2. What makes temples in Chennai famous?
A2. Chennai temples are famous for their religious, cultural, historical, and architectural significance. These temples are dedicated to honouring different deities.
Q3. How many famous temples are there in Chennai?
A3. Chennai is dotted with more than three hundred temples dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. These temples are renowned for their religious significance and architectural beauty.
Q4. Why is the Mylapore temple renowned among devotees?
A4. The Mylapore temple, or the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, is one of the oldest temples in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Gopuram of the temple is 120 feet high and is visible from afar.
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