Dedicated to Arulmigu Kapleeshwar- form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Karpagambal- form of Parvati, Kapaleeswarar is one of the most popular Shiva temple in Chennai. Built by Pallavas in the 7th century, the marvelous architecture resembles Dravidian style, featuring wood carvings, stone carvings, decorated pillars and Gopuram at the doorway.
There are 6 daily puja services in the temple such as Kala Santhi (morning), Uchchikala (Mid-day) Sayamkala (Evening) and Ardhajama (late Night), which allure devotees throughout the year. But maximum footfall is seen during major festivals like Panguni and Arubathimooval. Moreover, there is a huge tank, right behind the temple, where theppam or float festival is celebrated every year. This is one of the best.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Closed on Monday
Address: 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India
Built In: 7th century CE
Built By: Pallavas
2. Marundheeswarar Temple
One of the most revered temples in Chennai, Marundheeswarar is believed to be built in the 11th century. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Marundheeswarar- a healer of all ailments. According to mythological tales, Rishi Valmiki worshipped Lord Rama, under the holy Vanni tree, which is seen in the 1-acre sprawling temple ground. Marundheeswarar Temple is counted as one of the Trinity sea shore temples in Tamil Nadu; the other two being Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore and Thyagarajaswamy temple in Thiruvottiyur. This is one of the best Chennai temples that must be on your list.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: 8, W Tank St, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Built In: 7th century
Built By: Chola Dynasty
3. Ekambareswarar Temple
This temple a very popular temple on the list of Hindu temples in Chennai. In Ekambareswarar Temple, the Lord Shiva is worshipped with full grandeur and devotion, along with other Gods like Ganesha, Vishnu, Shakthi, Surya and Goddess Kamakshi. Along with these, there is a separate temple, within the same complex, dedicated to Nabagraha-the nine planets. This temple was built in 1680 by Alanganatha Pillai- a worker under the British Raj and was counted as Allingall’s Pagoda in the city maps till 18th century. This is one of the most visited and best temples in Chennai, particularly during festivals of Chithirai, Aadi, Markazhi and Panguni.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Address: Ekambaranathar Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
Built In: NA
Built By: Chola Kings
4. Parthasarathy Temple
One of the most prominent Vishnu temples in Chennai, Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. In fact, it is the only temple in Chennai, where different avatars of Lord Vishnu, namely, Krishna, Varaha, Rama and Narasimha are worshipped, under one roof. The temple has separate entrances for Rama and Narsimha. Parthasarathy Temple has spectacular sculptures, inscriptions and murals dedicated to different events of battle of Kurukshetra.
Opening Hours: 5:50 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Built In: 8th century
Built By: Pallavas
5. Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple
Sri Vadapalani Andavar temple, also known as Vadapalani Murugan Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and considered as one of the major attractions of Chennai. Built by Annaswami Nayakar, a devotee of Murugan in 1890, this temple was renovated in 1920 by building a huge rajagopuram at the entranceway. Sri Vadapalani Andavar temple is considered as a sacred place for marriages and other religious ceremonies and it is believed that the moolavar in standing posture blesses the newly married couple with health and prosperity. It is one of the most beautiful temples in south india.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Palani Andavar koil street, Vadapalani, Chennai – 600026
Built In: Late 19th century
Buily By: Annaswami Nayakar
6. Kandhakottam
Another beautiful Chennai temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan is Kandha Kottam. Resting over sprawling 8 acres of land, this temple also has’ saravanapoigai’- a huge tank, right behind. Legend says that this temple was founded by two hard working and devout traders of Thiruporur. Here, Lord Murugan is worshipped as a ‘warrior God’. Along with daily pujas and rituals, there is a special weekly puja organised every Thursday, where Jothi Darshanam is shown and Arutperunjothi Agaval is sung by the priests.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:45 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Address: 38, 52, Nyniappa St, Rattan Bazaar, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Built In: 1915
Built By: Maari Chettiar
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