Famous Temples to Visit in Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. There are attractions to visit and a lot of things to do in Chennai. But among the many historical monuments, beaches, shopping malls, and the skyscrapers, you will find that the heritage temples in Chennai are the ones that add an extra charm to the city. The temples of Chennai are rich in history and are among the marvelous structures you will find anywhere in India and even globally. These temples attract not only devotees but also architectural enthusiasts. Different temples are dedicated to different deities of the Hindu religion and have their own stories to show.

Famous temples in Chennai to visit

Here is a list of the top and the most famous temples in Chennai to visit – 

Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of the most famous temples to visit in Chennai. It is dedicated to one of the forms of Lord Shiva and Parvati – Arulmigu Kapleeshwar and Goddess Karpagambal. The temple was built in the 7th century by the Pallavas and is known for its Dravidian style of architecture that features stone carvings, wood carvings, beautifully decorated pillars, and also a Gopuram at the doorway. The temple allure devotees from all around the world throughout the year, but the major footfalls are seen during festivals like Arubathimooval and Panguni. There is also a huge tank behind the temple where Theppam is celebrated with great zeal every year.   

Location: Mylapore

Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 12 Noon and 5 pm to 9 pm. Monday closed.

Marundeeswarar Temple

Marundeeswarar Temple is one of the best temples to visit in Chennai. It was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Marundeeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the healer of ailment. It is located close to the seashores of Chennai and is spread over one acre of land. Since the temple has a lot of open space, people can relax and spend time around the temple compound. The main temple has two entrances and has five  levels of gopuram over its doors. There are stone carvings on the ceiling, giving the temple a serene ambiance. 

Ekambareswarar Temple

Ekambareswarar Temple is another Hindu temple in Chennai where Lord Shiva is worshipped alongside other Gods like Vishnu, Ganesha, Surya, Shakthi, and Kamakshi. Within the temple complex, there is another big temple that is dedicated to the nine planets, also called Nabagraha. The temple was built back in 1680 by a worker who worked under the British. It receives a number of devotees every year, especially during different Hindu festivals like Aadi, Chithirai, Markazhi, and Panguni.  

Location: Kanchipuram

Opening Hours: 6 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8 pm. The temple is not closed in the afternoon during festivals and special occasions.  

Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to the different forms of Lord Vishnu. It is the only temple in Chennai where many forms of Lord Vishnu – Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, and Varaha worshipped within one temple complex. The temple has a separate entrance for temples of Rama and Narasimha. The temple is known for its ancient sculptures, inscriptions on the walls, and the murals that give details of the events of the battle of Kurukshetra. 

Location: Triplicane

Opening Hours: 5:50 am to 9 pm 

Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple

Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is the main attraction in Chennai. The temple was originally built by Annaswami Nayakar, a true devotee of Murugun, back in 1890. The temple underwent a huge renovation in 1920 when the huge rajagopuram was built at the entrance of the temple. It is considered to be a sacred place, and a number of marriages and other religious ceremonies are held inside the temple. Since the deity is in the standing posture, it is believed to provide health and prosperity to married couples.  Location: Vadapalani

Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 9 pm 

Kandhakottam

Kandhakottam is one of the best must visit temples in Chennai that is dedicated to Lord Murugan and was built in the 1670s. The temple is spread over 8 acres of land and has a large tank, called ‘saravanapoigai,’ inside the complex. According to legends, the temple was built by two devotees of Thiruporur who came to Chennai as traders. Lord Murugan is the ‘Warrior God,’ and there are special pujas performed on Thursdays apart from the regular ones done daily. 

Location: Chetty Street

Opening Hours: 6 am to 9:45 pm. Closed in the afternoon from 12:30 am to 4 pm. 

Kalikambal Temple

Kalikambal Temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple was originally built near the seashore but was relocated to its current place in 1640 AD. The original deity inside the temple was that of the most fierce form, but it was later replaced by a calmer and Shanta Swaroopa form Goddess Kamakshi. It is believed that the great Maratha king Shivaji visited the temple in 1667. The temple hosts special pujas during Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is also completely filled with devotees during the auspicious days of Navratri. 

Location: Old George Town

Opening Hours: 6 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 9 pm

Why Hire IndusGO's Service for The Trip?

 If you want to understand the Tamilian culture of the people of Chennai and learn about the mythological stories, you should visit the different famous temples of Chennai. Even if you are in Chennai for a few hours, there are many temples to visit near Chennai airport.

But, all of the temples are located in different areas of Chennai, and it can be difficult for you to visit all of them within a few days, especially if you are using public transportation. You will not have to bear the tantrums of the local taxi drivers or auto drivers or pay higher prices than what you need to. Hiring a traditional taxi in Chennai to go from one place to another can also be quite expensive too. 

The most convenient and affordable way to travel in Chennai is by hiring IndusGO rental cars in chennai. You can plan your day the way you want to and take breaks in between without having to wait for others or losing time looking for transportation. You can travel to multiple destinations with just one booking, and the car will be at your disposal throughout your trip. You can cover more places within one day when you hire a rental car.

Our IndusGO rental cars allow you to have a comfortable trip and enjoy it to the fullest.