Fifteen Beautiful Temples in and Around Chennai
Chennai is a city located along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal and is the Gateway to the South of India. This city is a prominent cultural centre in the South, carrying the flavour of rich Indian traditions and a historical past, seen in the architectural splendours of its temples, monuments, and churches. The city has a long coastline with sandy beaches and thrives on its fine arts, literature, cultural festivals, ancient temples, and an aura of spirituality that echoes in the temples’ unique South Indian style of architecture. There are many famous temples in Chennai, which are a blend of culture, traditions, and spirituality. Visiting these temples can be a truly unforgettable experience in itself.
1. Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore
The Kapaleeswarar temple is dedicated to Kapaleeswarar, a form of Shiva. Built by the Pallavas in the 7th century, the Portuguese destroyed it and later rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings. The temple is more than a thousand years old. Kapaleeswarar combines two words: Kapalam (Head) and Eswarar(God). Goddess Parvati resides here as Karpagambal.
Legend
Shiva destroyed Creator Brahma’s fifth head and carried the Kapala (Skull) attached to his hand, which he was relieved of later and hence named Kapaleeswarar. Goddess Parvati assumed the form of a peahen after being cursed by Shiva, worshipped him under the Punnai tree, and regained her original form. Hence, the place got its name as Mylapore (Mylai-Peahen).
Architecture
Based on the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has two Gopurams (Temple Towers) as the entrances. The eastern tower is 40 metres high, and a smaller western tower faces the water tank. The temple has decorated pillars and stone carvings. The temple is a testimony to the Vishwakarma Sthapatis. The Shiva Linga is Swayambhu (Self-Manifested). There is a sacred water tank to the west.
Speciality
The sacred Punnai tree in the temple is believed to be the oldest tree in Chennai. The holy water tank is one of the oldest Theppakulams in the city, with a 16-pillared, granite-roofed structure known as the Mandapam at the centre of the tank.
Address:12/1, North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai- 600004.
Timings: 5:00 am morning -12:00 pm noon
4:00 pm evening- 9:30 pm night
Best Time to Visit: March & April
2. Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane
The Parthasarathy temple is over a thousand years old and is classified as one of the 108 Divya Desams (Holy Shrines) dedicated to Vishnu. The Pallavas built the temple in the 8th century, and later by the Vijayanagara rulers in the 15th century.
Legend
According to the epic Mahabharata, Sri Krishna volunteered to be Arjuna’s charioteer and hence got the name Parthasarathy- ‘Partha’ being the other name of Arjuna and ‘Sarathy’ being the charioteer. He received some of the arrows shot by Bheeshma, the great warrior, to protect Arjuna, and he still bears some scars on his face.
Architecture
The temple has Gopurams (Towers), Mandapas (Halls) and intricate carvings. For Vedavalli Thayar, the temple was constructed later in the 19th century. The temple has different structures from different periods, like the small 4-pillared Mandapam in front of the Vijayanagara dynasty and the 32-pillared Mandapam from the 19th century. The temple has a water tank that is said to be the birthplace of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Specialty
The temple is one of the few dedicated to Sri Krishna as Parthasarathy (Charioteer) of Pandava prince Arjuna. It has the five Vishnu manifestations (Avatars)- Narasimha, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Gajendra Varadaraja and Ranganatha. This is the only temple where the 9-foot-tall Perumal has a moustache of a Sarathy conducing Arjuna’s Ratha (Chariot) in the Kurukshetra battlefield.
Address: Car Street, Narsayana Krishna Rajapuram, Triplicane, Chennai-600005
Timings: 5:30 am morning to 12:00 noon
4:00 pm evening to 9:00 pm night
Best Time to Visit: November to February
3. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Ekambareswarar temple, one of the most sacred Shiva temples, is a Pancha Bhoota Shtalam (Five Elements of Nature) representing Earth. The temple is thousands of years old and was reconstructed by the Pallavas around 600 AD. It represents the work of every dynasty that ruled Kanchipuram.
Legend
The Shiva Linga at this temple was made and worshipped by Goddess Parvati and had a mark on it. Once she closed Shiva’s eyes, the world was filled with darkness. Filled with guilt, the Goddess performed penance by taking birth on Earth as Kamakshi. She made a Shiva Lingam out of the sand and worshipped Shiva as Prithvi Lingam (Lingam made of Earth) under an ancient mango tree. Shiva created a flood at her place of worship. Scared, she embraced the Lingam to prevent it from being washed away. Shiva melted in her devotion, appeared human, and married her.
Architecture
The Raja Gopuram stands 192 feet tall and is an architectural wonder built by the Vijayanagara dynasty. The kings of the Chola dynasty also contributed to the temple’s construction. The 1000-pillared hall is called the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. 1008 Shiva Lingas adorn the inner walls of the temple. Ten musical pillars are in the inner Prakaram (Corridor). The 12 zodiac signs are on the roof of the temple.
Speciality
The Sthala Vriksham (Temple Tree) is over 3500 years old and is significant as Goddess Parvati as Kamakshi worshipped Shiva here. The four branches of this tree represent the four Vedas and yield four different fruits. An architectural brilliance is that in the month of Panguni (March-April), on the 19, 20 and 21, the Sun’s rays directly fall on the Shiva Linga.
Address: Car Street, Periya Kanchipuram- 631502
Timings: 06:00 am morning to 12:30 noon
4:00 pm evening to 8:30 pm night
Best Time to Visit: March and April
4. Sri Vadapazhani Murugan Temple, Vadapazhani
The Vadapazhani temple is dedicated to Muruga, the son of Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is the God of War and the Commander-in-Chief of the celestial forces. The temple was built in the late 19th century with the Rajagopuram and stucco figures.
Legend
The founder, Annaswamy Naicker, travelled far and wide to attain Muruga’s blessing and cure his stomach ailment. One day, a sage appeared in his dreams and asked him to find Muruga in his home. Naicker followed his advice and went home to worship Muruga daily. He offered his tongue at the Tiruthani shrine of Muruga and was immediately cured. On his way back, he found a picture of Muruga and brought it home. He set up a thatched hut and installed the photo as his deity. He attained the power of Arul Vaakku, which means foretelling and healing powers, through Muruga’s blessings.
Architecture
The temple tower carries 108 Bharatanatyam poses and has beautiful sculptures. The premises have many deities, including Ganesha, Shiva, Meenakshi Amman, Kali, Bhairava, Dakshinamurti, and Mahalakshmi. Ganesha appears as Varasiddhi Vinayagar at the left of the temple’s main entrance. There is a shrine for Mars (Mangal), signifying that Muruga is the ruling deity of Mars. There is a shrine of Shanmuga (Muruga) with Valli and Devayanai. There is a spacious hall for marriages and discourses.
Speciality
The temple has a four-idol of Muruga with his footwear, which symbolises shedding arrogance. He stands one foot forward, rushing to help his devotees. There is a golden chariot for Muruga.
Address: Pazhani Andavar Koil Street, Chennai- 600026
Timings: 5:30 am — 12:00 pm
4:00 pm -9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- Any time
5. Kalikambal Temple, George Town
The temple is ancient and dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal, a form of Kali, and her consort Kamateswarar, a form of Shiva. The temple, which has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, was built by the Cholas. Initially close to the sea, the temple was relocated to George Town in 1640.
Legend
The temple has the aura of power of the Goddess Ambal. The main deity is Kalikambal, who is believed to be the Swayama Swaroopa of Adi Shakti (Goddess Parvati) and a Kshipra Prasadini (Swift Granter of Boons). According to legend, the Goddess was initially in a Ugra (Fierce) form and was later replaced by Goddess Kamakshi in a peaceful and serene form. Demi-gods and saints worshipped the Goddess, including Vyasa, Agasyt, Angareesa, Pulasthya, and Varuna.
Architecture
The temple is a beautiful amalgamation of Chola and Dravidian styles with intricate carvings and sculptures — the Rajagopurams of this centuries-old abode tower over other edifices in colourful sculpted tiers. There is an ambience of peace within this temple.
Speciality
The main deity is in a sanctum facing west. A drawing chiselled in one of the temple walls depicts the Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji, who offered worship to the Goddess. The temple has a chariot with metal cymbals. The idol of the primary Goddess has Sri Viswarupan (Thirusiran) at her feet.
Address: 212, Thambu Chetty Street, Mannadi, George Town, Chennai — 600001
Timings: 5:00 am -12:00 pm
4:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- November to February
6. Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in all her eight (Ashta) forms on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It was initiated in 1974 and completed in 1976, inspired by the holy shrine of Ashta Lakshmi in the Varadaraja Perumal temple at Kanchipuram. It is a prominent landmark in Chennai.
Legend
According to the Vedas and Puranas, Goddess Lakshmi emerged through Devas and Asuras during Samudra Manthan (the Churning of the Ocean of Milk). She married Vishnu, the Supreme Protector of the Universe. She is the granter of Ashtama Siddhi (eight-fold achievements) and Ashta Aishwarya (eight-fold wealth).
Architecture
The architecture of this temple is unique as it is built at different levels, with the shrines of Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu at level two. The principal deities are at the ground level and on the southern side are flanked by Adi Lakshmi; on the western side is Dhaanyalakshmi, and on the northern side is Dhairyalakshmi. The third tier leads to the shrine of Santana Lakshmi facing South and Vijayalakshmi on the side of the west. Vidyalakshmi faces north, and Gajalakshmi is seated facing east. In the fourth tier is the shrine of Dhanalakshmi. There is a Sannidhi for the Dasavatar of Vishnu. Other shrines include Ganesha, Chakrathaazhwar, Guruvayurappan, Narasimhar, Anjaneyar and Dhanvantri.
Speciality
This is the only temple dedicated to Vishnu’s consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The temple was built in the shape of ‘Aum,’ the first Vedic Mantra, and was called Pranava. The temple is dedicated to Mahavishnu and Ashtalakshmi, and the construction is modelled on the Ashta Vimanas (eight parts) based on an ancient style. The Aarukala Pooja system (6 Poojas /day) is followed here.
Address: X7VC+25R, Beach Road, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai- 600090
Timings:
6:30 am-12:00 pm
4:00 pm-8:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- October to February
7. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mylapore
This temple is dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi. It was constructed in 1952 with the pure devotion of Narasimha Swamy, a great devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba. Sai Baba of Shirdi was a highly spiritual master and enlightened sage or fakir who propagated Sufism in his teachings. This abode of spirituality and calm also serves as the headquarters of the All-India-Sai-Baba-Samaj, which aims to spread the teachings of this Divine Guru.
Legend
According to legend, Sai Baba was an incarnation of Shiva or Dattatreya and had followers of all faiths.
Architecture
The temple was constructed using white marble. There are two beautiful Gopurams, one 37 feet above the Garbagriha and the other 23 feet above the hall. The inner part of the shrine is built of white marble stones, and the walls of the shrine have an arch of gold. A Thiruvachi made of silver has been made for Sai Baba. Sai Baba’s picture under a tamarind tree was worshipped earlier, becoming the Moolasthana. Later, a marble idol of the saint was installed. Other shrines include Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The Samadhi of Sri Narasimha Swamy is on the premises.
Specialty
The temple still has the Jyoti lit by Shirdi Sai Baba himself at Shirdi and is worshipped by devotees and pilgrims during Agni Pooja. This holy fire burns continuously. Devotees are allowed to touch Baba’s feet. People of all religions come to the temple to offer prayers.
Address: 51B, V.C. Garden Street, Alamelu Mangapuram, Mylapre, Chennai- 600004
Timings:
5:00 am — 1:00 pm
4:00 pm -9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- November to February
8. Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Nanganallur
The Vishwaroopa Adhivyadhihara, Sri Bhakta Anjaneya temple, is dedicated to Hanuman. Hanuman, also called Anjaneya (Son of Anjana), is the most devout Bhakt of Sri Rama, Vishnu’s seventh incarnation. The Sri Maruti Bhakta Samajan laid the cornerstone in 1989, and the temple was opened in 1995.
Legend
Hanuman was a great Rama Bhakta who appeared in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. As Sri Rama’s close aide, he was instrumental in becoming his Dhoot(messenger), located Sita Devi in the Ashoka Vatika, and was the base for communication between the celestial couple. He also contributed significantly to the Lanka war and acted as Sri Rama’s Vahan (Vehicle) during the battle.
Later in the Mahabharata, he appeared before the Pandava Bheema and revealed his identity to him. Both were sons of Vayu (Wind God) and met when Bheema went in search of the lake where he would collect flowers with a hypnotising fragrance as per Draupadi’s wish. Hanuman assured Bheema of support during the Kurukshetra war and became the emblem on Arjuna’s flag above his chariot.
Architecture
Hanuman’a deity is colossal, with a height of 32 feet and black. It is made of a single piece of granite and towers over other shrines. The temple tower Is 90 feet high, and the sanctum sanctorum connects with the other shrines through corridors. There are shrines for Sri Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana. Smaller shrines adorn the temple’s northeast part for Ganesha and Naga Devta to the left. The abode of Sri Raghavendra faces that of Sri Krishna.
Speciality
The Hanuman idol is next only to the deity at Panchavati in Puducherry. It stands 32 feet tall and is carved from a single granite stone without a breakpoint or streamline.
Address: 2nd Main Road, Ramnagar, Nanganallur, Chennai- 600061
Timings:
5:00 am -12:00 pm
4:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- Any time
9. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Temple, T. Nagar
Popularly called the Balaji temple, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam temple is famous for the presiding deities of Ventakeshwara and Goddess Alamelu Manga. This temple is built along the same lines as the main Tirupati temple. Those who are unable to visit Tirupati can get Darshan at this temple, which opens early at 3:00 am for Suprabhatam, which means to ‘awaken the Lord’, and ends with the Ekanta Seva (putting the Lord to sleep) at night by 8:00 pm.
Legend
The legends refer to numerous scriptures, such as the Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Varaha Purana, Harivamsa Purana, Brahmanda Purana, and Markandeya Purana, among others, which reflect the sanctity and antiquity of the deity, the temple, and the hills surrounding it. According to the Varaha Purana, Varaha manifested himself on the western banks of the Swami Pushkarni (Temple Tank), and Venkateshwara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarni.
Architecture
On entering the temple, the Bali Peetam and Dwaja Sthamba (Flag Staff) can be seen near a Thiru Mamani Mandapam. This entrance hall has the exact dimensions of the Tirupati temple. The Ardha Mandapam and the Garbha Griham (sanctum sanctorum) are also built according to the Aagama Shastras. Below the Mani Mandapam is the Kalyana Mandapam. There are idols of Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana and Anjaneya.
Speciality
The main deity was sculpted out of a single rock in Mahabalipuram. He wears a beautiful crown embedded with precious stones. On his right foot is a small silver idol called Bhoga Sreenivasa or Katuka Bera, loosely bonded to the main idol with a string. The temple is highly famous as it is based on the Tirupati main temple.
Address: №26, Venkatnarayana Road, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai- 600017
Timings: 6:00 am — 9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- November to February
10. ISKCON Temple, Sholinganallur
The ISKCON temple in Chennai is the largest temple built by ISKCON — International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The Hare Krishna group runs it and belongs to the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya (Tradition). The temple is known as the Radha Sri Sri Krishna Mandir in Sholinganallur. Officially inaugurated in 2012, the deities include Radha Krishna, Lalita Vishaka, Jagannath-Baldev-Subhadra and Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.
Architecture
The temple is made of white marble and has detailed carvings and portraits depicting the life of Sri Krishna. The main deity is in his child form. The temple has five levels with a big hall for worship. The ground floor has an auditorium for cultural events, and the basement has a Prasadam hall. Three wooden altars house the deities of Sri Krishna and Radha, along with their friends Lalita and Subhadra, Chaitanya with Nityananda and Jagannath, and Baldev and Subhadra. The temple is inspired by ancient Vedic scriptures and architecture of the Pallava period.
Speciality
According to ancient Vedic beliefs, the temple entrance has a unique design on the floor of the Universe. There is a beautiful idol of a cow and calf. A colourful chandelier represents the transformation from materialism to spiritualism. The temple honours the principles of Vastu Shastra.
Address: Bhakti Vedanta Swami Road, Off ECR, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai- 600119
Timings:
7:30 am — 1:00 pm
4:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- November to March
11. Karaneeswarar Temple, Saidapet
The Karneeswarar temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is represented by a Shiva Linga facing east. His consort is Goddess Swarnambikai. The temple is believed to be around 750 years old. It has a rich history and shrines for Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Surya Deva.
Legend
Indra, King of the Devas, with his powers, created an oasis at this spot, consecrated a Shiva Linga, and offered worship to Shiva and was relieved of a curse from Sage Vashishta, who had cursed Kamadhenu for interrupting his ritual, into an ordinary cow. Indra, who had offered the cow to the sage to help him, was relieved when he received the Divine Wish-Fulfilling cow Kamadhenu again. The region received rains and became calm, and because Ishwara (Shiva) was worshipped here, he was called Karneeswarar.
Architecture
The temple has a Rajagopuram on the south side with idols of Bhadragiriyar and Pattinathar at its entrance. There is a shrine for Soundareswarar and Goddess Tripurasundari. The temple has 63 Nayanmars, Dakshinamurti, Thirumal, Sandesar, Goddess Durga and Bhairavi Sannidhis in the inner circle. There are separate shrines for Ganesha and Muruga.
Speciality
The temple has seven-storied Gopurams (Temple Towers) with two Prakarams (Corridors). The temple tank is called Gopathi Saras, and taking a holy dip here on Full Moon days can relieve illness.
Address: №1, Karneeswarar Koil Street, Suriyammapet, Saidapet, Chennai- 600015
Timings:
6:00 am- 11:00 am
4:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- Any time
12. Adeeswar Temple, Red Hills
The Adeeswar temple is a famous Jain temple located in Polal village, 9 kilometres from the city. It is near Red Hills Lake on the Grant Trunk Road. The temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankar Ridshabhadev, also known as the Adi Bhagawan, Adeeswar, Adinath, and Adi Jain. The temple is sometimes called the Polal temple. It was founded as early as the 1st century BC.
Legend
According to legend, Valluvar, believed to have lived in Mylapore towards the end of the 1st century BC, was a firm believer and worshiper of Adi Bhagawan installed in the Polal temple. His legendary creation, the Thirukkural, began with the first verse revering the Adi Bhagwan, worshipped as the first omniscient teacher of Jainism. However, some archaeologists believe the temple originated during the Pallava dynasty between the 4th and 8th century AD by examining some of the inscriptions in the temple.
Architecture
The temple is the colour of Earth and has beautiful carvings of life-sized elephants and a mythical creature. It reflects its traditional Jainism roots and has an aura of great spiritual vibes and peace.
Speciality
The temple is quoted in Tamil literature, has inscriptions highlighting its divinity and sanctity, and has high literary value. It is called the Gateway to the South because it lies on the Grand Trunk Road, which connects Chennai to the rest of the state.
Address: Red Hill Lake, GST Road, Anthony Nagar, Balaji Nagar, Puzhal, Chennai- 600017
Timings:
5:30 am -12:00 pm
5:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- October to February
13. Madhya Kailash Temple, Taramani
The Madhya Kailash temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the presiding deity being Venkata Ananda Vinayakar. It is a sacred shrine that adds to the city’s rich heritage known as Naddukkayilai. It is named thus as it is strategically located between Kasi in the north and Rameshwaram in the South.
Architecture
The Moolavar (Main Deity) has shrines dedicated to Shiva, Surya Deva, Devi, and Vishnu. There are also Sannidhis to Anjaneyar, Swarna Bhairavar, Venugopala Perumal, Sri Sengamala Thayar, Sage Suka Brahma Maharshi and Sage Mrkandeya. Since Vinayaka is in the form of the first syllable ‘Om’, the sacred abode has eight bells that represent the seven notes — Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni, and Sa.
Speciality
The temple has a famous and unique deity, Adyantha Prabhu, part Ganesha and part Anjaneya. The right side is Ganesha, and the left side is Hanuman. On Vinayaka Chaturthi day, the Sun rays fall directly on the main deity, Ananda Vinayakar, which is considered auspicious by the devotees. The temple is well known for Pitru Pooja, which is held daily. It is an important ritual when priests make offerings to Ananda Vinayaka’s idol.
Address: Sardar Patel Road, Sriram Nagar, Taramani, Chennai- 600113
Timings:
5:30 am -12:00 pm
4:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- November to February
14. Navagraha Temple, Kumbakonam
The Sooriyanar Temple in Kumbakonam is the only one dedicated to the Graha-Surya Deva. The Navagraha temples are a group of temples built around the period of the Chola dynasty near Kumbakonam. Each of these temples is the abode of one of the Navagrahas, but most are dedicated to Shiva. The Sooriyanar temple is mainly for the deity of the Sun God and the other planets.
Legend
According to legend, Sage Kalava was undergoing a curse of leprosy, and he prayed to the Navagrahas, who, taking pity on him and pleased with his devotion, granted him relief. Creator Brahma Deva was furious as he felt the planet had no powers to grant boons to humans, and he cursed the Navagrahas, too. The planets were sent down to Vellurukku Vanam (white flower forest), where they prayed to Shiva, who was impressed with their devotion and relieved them from the curse. He asked them to grace the devotees from the sacred spot.
Architecture
The temple adheres to the Dravidian style of architecture and was built during the time of the Chola dynasty and, later, followed by the Vijayanagara dynastyThe temple is an architectural splendour that holds the pride of antiquity and spiritual glory. The west-facing temple has a five-tiered Gopuram (Temple Tower) and a gateway tower. Surya Deva is the principal deity with his two consorts- Usha Devi and Pratyusha Devi. In the sanctum, other shrines are dedicated to Kasi Vishwanath, Goddess Visalakshi, and Guru Bhagwan. A magnificent granite wall surrounds all the shrines.
Speciality
This is the only temple where a Graha (Surya Deva) is the primary deity. It has separate sanctums for every Graha (planet), and devotees receive multiple blessings from the Navagrahas in one place.
Address: Thanjavur, D.T. P.O. Thirumangalagudi, Tamil Nadu- 612102
Timings:
7:00 am — 12:30 pm
4:00 pm — 8:30 pm
Best Months to Visit- Mid-January to Mid-February
15. Chennakesava Perumal Temple, George Town
One of the oldest temples in the city, this temple was built within the first year of the inception of Madras. It was the first temple built in the town and is dedicated to Kesava Perumal, a manifestation of Vishnu. The original temple was in the 17th century AD and was demolished by the British East India Company. Still, due to public outcry, they donated money to Manali Muthukrishna Mudaliar, who rebuilt the temple in 1762. The presiding deity is Chenna Kesava Perumal, and his consort is Chenkamala Valli Thayar.
Legend
According to legend, Brahma, the Creator, performed rigorous penance seeking Vishnu’s blessings. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu appeared before him at this spot, which is a testimony to the Divine encounter and holds immense significance, especially for Vaishnavites.
Architecture
The temple has a four-pillar Mandapam and an entrance arch. The three-tier Rajagopuram with Dwarapalakas are after the Mandapam. The outer Prakaram (Corridor) has Sannadhis for the Alwars, Sengamala Valli Thayar, Andal and Kothanda Ramar. The east-facing sanctum has the smaller idols of Chenna Kesava Perumal in standing posture and with his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. This temple shares the temple tank and chariot with the Sri Chenna Maleeswarar temple, which is adjacent to it. The flagstaff, Bali Peetam and Garuda are found in the courtyard. Beautiful mural paintings adorn the Maha Mandapam.
Speciality
The majestic idol of Chenna Kesava Perumal has been carved from a single stone and is a breathtaking representation of a standing posture.
Address:37 QJ+967, Devaraja Mudali Street, Rattan Bazar, George Town, Chennai- 600003
Timings: 5:00 am — 12:00 pm
4:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Best Months to Visit- November to February
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