India’s one of the developed metropolitan city is Chennai, with all the modern amenities, yet it holds the tradition and there are plenty of must see temples in Chennai. In fact, Chennai is called the cultural capital of the nation. These temples enfold the Dravidian architectural style and have been mentioned in mythology and ancient poetries.
1. Parthasarathy Temple
The Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane was erected in the 8th century. Many Alwar saints have mentioned this shrine in their text. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and also has shrines for various Avatars of Lord Vishnu like Lord Varaha, Lord Narasimha and Lord Rama
2.Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The Maylapore Kapaaleeshwar temple was built by the Pallava kings, in the 7th century. The dancing Ganapathy or Narthana Vinayaka and Lord Murugan in this temple have been specified in Thirupugazh hymns of Arunagiriar. Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma together granted dharshan to Lord Vishnu, in the dancing pose, on Thai poosam.
3.Navagraha Temple
- Kolapaakkam Agastheeswarar temple – Suriyan Sthalam (sun)
- Somangalam Somanatheswarar temple – Chandran Sthalam (moon)
- Poondhamalli Vaitheeswaran temple – Angaragan Sthalam (Mars)
- Kovur Sundareswarar temple – Budhan Sthalam (mercury)
- Porur Ramanatheswarar temple – Guru sthalam (Jupitar)
- Mangadu Velleeswarar temple – Sukran sthalam (Venus)
- Pozhichalur Agastheeswarar temple – Shani sthalam (Saturn)
- Kundrathur Nageswarar temple – Rahu sthalam
- Gerugambaakkam Neelakantheswarar temple – Kethu sthalam
4. Ashtalakshmi Temple
The Besant Nagar Ashtalakshmi temple incorporates 8 goddesses in 4 floors. In the first phase, the devotees can pray at the shrines of Goddess Dhanyalaxmi, Aadilaxmi and Dharyalaxmi; Goddess Mahalaxmi and Lord Vishnu shrines in the second floor; and the idols of Goddess Vijayalaxmi, Gajalaxmi and Santhanalaxmi are in the third floor.
5.Kaalikaambal temple
Although the temple was built in the 17th century with the aggressive idol of Goddess Kali, it was later renovated with Sandha Swaroopa Kaali, after being ravaged by the Portuguese invasion.
6.Marundheeswarar temple
Marundheeswarar is Lord Shiva and has been known to cure different ailments. With an acre of space, the temple has a serene ambiance and a pleasant atmosphere to bring peace to the devotees. Relaxing in this tranquil air brings stillness.
7.Adheeswarar temple
The Adheeswarar Jain temple is 9 km from Chennai and dedicated to the primary Thirthankar, Rishabadev. It is one among the oldest temples and dates back to the first century BC.
8.Ayyappa temple
The Mahalingapuram Ayyappa temple maintains Kerala tradition and hence all the poojas and rituals are performed as per the Malayala tradition. Evening Pooja is special and filled with deific prayers, chants, heavenly smells, etc.,
9.Vadapalani Murugan temple
With 125 years of history, the Vadapalani Murugan Kovil is famous and fascinates the devotees of Lord Murugan, in his standing position. The sculptures in the towering gopuras depict the Skanda Purana incidents and BaradhaNatya mudhras, in the most artistic way.
10.Madhya Kailash temple
Although there are shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Surya and Lord Vishnu, the chief sanctum is for Adhyandha Prabu, the idol which is the unique combination of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman.
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