Temples In Chennai

India is a country that prides itself on its rich historical heritage and rich culture. India’s versatility is not only reflected in its food, lifestyle, clothing and traditions but is also manifested through its cultural and architectural ostentations. India is dotted with a spate of places of worship, right from the Himalayan ranges in the north to Rameshwaram in the south. These places of worship are greatly influenced by ancient history and the epics clubbed by austere religious practices. There are many historical temples in Chennai that bobbed up during the rule of kingdoms like the Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas and Cheras. Chennai is the home to many classic temples that mirrors a unique blend of the ancient and the new architectural forms. These temples are the illustrations of Tamilnadu’s glorious culture, tradition, architecture, art, literature and ethics. These magnificent structures represent the sanctity and divinity of India. Scroll down this write-up to take a look at some of the most marvelous temples in Chennai.

Famous Temples In Chennai

Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most famous temples in Chennai. Located in Kutchery Road, Mylapore, this ancient temple boasts of Dravidian style of architecture. Believed to be build by the Pallavas in the 7th century CE, this temple enshrines the holy deity of Lord Shiva. The crest of this temple is 37meters tall. One can also find many beautiful bronze idols on the outer lobby of the temple.

Madhya Kailash Temple
Madhya Kailash Temple, situated at the juncture of Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Adyar and Sardar Patel Road, is a recent addition to the strings of temples in Chennai. The construction of this magnificent white structure is believed to emulate Adi Shankaracharya’s cult of Ganapatyam. This temple is presided by the deities of Venkata Ananda Vinayakar, along with an encircled host of deities of Lord Siva, Goddesss Durga Devi, Lord Vishnu and Surya Bhagawan. The specialty of this temple is that on Vinayaka Chathurthi, a beam of sunlight falls on the main deity of Vinayakar. Other attractions of this temple are �Eight bells� which symbolize the seven musical notes of Carnatic music Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da and Ni.

Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Vadapalani Temple is yet another famous temple in Chennai. Lord Muruga resides in the temple as the main deity and is said to be the most revered God in Tamil Nadu. The temple also enshrines beautiful deities of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and many others. Special services are offered to the Lordships all through the year. It is the most visited temples in Chennai.

Sri Chenna Malleeswarar Temple and Sri Kesava Perumal Temple
This Shiva-Vaishnava twin temple is a one-of-its-kind of religious shrine that brings Shaiva Dharma and Vishnu Dharma together under one roof. Situated on Devaraj Mudali Street, this temple is believed to rank among the oldest sanctum sanctorum in Chennai. Built during the 17th Century, this twin temple was previously located near St George Fort Street. However, after its demolition during the British rule, the deities were relocated to the present place. Many visitors from around the country visit the temple. The spanking freshness of jasmine flowers in this temple is sure to mesmerize you when you visit this temple.

Sri Kandaswamy Temple or Kandakottam Sri Muthukumara Swamy Temple
Kandakottam Sri Muthukumara Swamy temple, also popularly known as Sri Kandaswamy temple, is one of the most visited temples in Chennai. Situated at the Rasappa Chetty Street, this ancient temple was established in the year 1670. This temple is dedicated to Thirupporur Kandaswamy and Muthukumara Swamy. The most astonishing thing about this temple is that the Thirtha or water in the temple tank is reportedly to be at the same level as it was during its installation.

Sri Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple is a 500-year-old temple and one of the most eminent structures in Chennai. It is considered equivalent to Kanchi Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchi, where all the 63 Nayanmars are situated. In addition, a massive Peepal/Ashwatha tree, which houses a Shiva Lingamis believed to be one of the major attractions in the temple premise. A unique sculpture, chiseled out of single stone, and bearing the image of five-headed Lord Ganesha on one side, and five-headed image of Lord Muruga on the other, serves as one of the main attractions of Sri Ekambareswarar temple. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is accessible by any local means of transport.

Chinnakadai Sri Mariamman or Renuka Parameswari Temple
Renuka Parameswari Temple, widely known as Chinnakadai Sri Mariamman Temple, is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, famous for its wondrous structure and design. It is situated at NSC Bose Road of Sowcarpet. The specialty of this temple is that the deity is submerged under the ground and only the head portion of the deity is visible. Many people visit this temple to pray for keeping them away from evil spirits. Mariamman Temple has visitors all through the year.

Puri Jagannath Temple
Puri Jagannath temple is one of the most venerated temples in Chennai, noted for its amazing architecture, which is believed to replicate the original Jagannath temple in Puri. This temple, situated on ECR, near Mayajal in the area of Kannathur, on the shores of the sea, carries the same divine feeling, as one would experience in the famous Jagannath temple in Puri.