Famous Religious Places to Visit in Chennai
15 Famous Religious Places to Visit in Chennai
Thousand Lights Mosque Ashtalakshmi Temple Mylapore Sri Parthasarathy Temple Kapaleeswarar Temple Marundeeswarar Temple St Thomas Mount National Shrine Thousand Lights Mosque Parthasarathyswamy Temple Vadapalani Murugan Temple St Andrew's Church (The Kirk) St Mary's Church Armenian Church ISKCON Temple Santhome Cathedral Basilica Anjaneyar TempleSelect Stations To Find Route
Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
The mosque was constructed in the conventional Islamic design with multiple domes and high minarets by the Wallajah family. It is one of the largest mosques in the country and is revered by all Muslim communities alike. The mosque houses the shrine of Imam Hossein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and is therefore of prime significance to the Shia Muslims around the world. Going by a popular narrative it took about 1000 oil lamps to lighten its large assembly hall and this is how the mosque got its name. The walls of the mosque are adorned with the lines from the Holy Quran. The mosque draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, especially during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
AddressRoyapettah, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Chennai
Place TypeReligious Place - Mosques
Best forFriends, Solo, Parents, Youngsters
Entry feeNo Entry Fee
Opening timeThousand Lights Mosque opening and closing timing is 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM
Opening DaysThe 1000 Lights is open every day for visitors
Best MonthJanuary, February, March, April, May, June
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to eight avatars of goddess Lakshmi. It is located along the shorelines of Elliot Beach in Besant Nagar. The grandiose shrine measures 65ft in length and 45 ft in breadth. The most remarkable feature of the shrine is that it is constructed in the shape of om. Eight forms of goddess symbolizing wealth, offspring, success, prosperity, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge are present in nine separate sanctums on four floors. The second floor of the temple has the shrine of Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu.
AddressElliots Beach, Besant Nagar, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersEntry feeNo Entry FeeOpening timeAshtalakshmi Temple opening and closing timing from Monday to Friday in morning is 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM, in evening 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM and From Saturday to Sunday timing is in morning is 07:30 AM – 01:00 PM, in evening 05:30 AM – 08:30 PMOpening DaysThe Temple is open from Tuesday to Monday in a week, Closed on every Friday.Best MonthJanuary, February, March, April
Mylapore, Chennai
Mylapore or the land of peacock scream is a neighbourhood suburb located a few kilometers in the south of Chennai. It is regarded as a cultural hub and is widely acclaimed for its sacrosanct sites and cultural venues. It is the birthplace of the famous Tamil philosopher Valluvar. The primary attractions include a Dravidian architectural marvel Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar temple, Adikesava Perumal Temple, Srinivasar temple, Madhava Perumal temple, Ramkrishna mutt, San Thome Basilica, Luz Church and, madras music academy. Malyapore has been home to several Carnatic vocalists and music organizations. Music sabhas are regularly organized to promote and conserve cultural heritage. It hosts several eateries serving South Indian delights. It is easily accessible and remains well connected with other parts of the city.
AddressElliot's Beach, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFriends, Solo, Parents, YoungstersFees & TimingNo Information.Best MonthMay, June, July, August
Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai
Situated at Tiruvallikeni, Tamil Nadu the temple has its roots attached to the 8th century Pallava dynasty. It is an existent testimony to India's glorious past. It gets its name Parthasarthy from Krishna's role as Arjuna's (Parth) charioteer(saarthy) in Mahabharata. The temple is believed to be the resting place for pilgrims visiting Tirupati specifically during solar and lunar eclipses. The temple has gopurams and mandapas adorned with ornate carvings. The shrine houses the figurines of all five avatars of Lord Vishnu Narashima, Rama, Varadaraja, Ranganatha, and Krishna.
AddressNarayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Married Couples, Solo, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersEntry feeNo Entry FeeOpening timeSri Parthasarathy Temple opening and closing time in morning is 05:30 AM – 12:00 PM and in evening is 04:00PM – 09:00 PMOpening DaysThe Sri Parthasarathy Temple is open every day for visitorsBest MonthSeptember, October, November, December
Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai
Dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Kapaleeswarar and his consort Goddess Parvati is known as Karpagambal (goddess of the wish yielding tree) the temple is a 7th-century exquisite specimen of Dravidian architecture. It is located in Mylapore and according to the legend Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock here. The temple has two gopurams one on the eastern and other on the western side and a sacred water tank. The deities in the shrine are seated on vahana or chariots and the pilgrims consider it a privilege to pull or lift them. Religious rituals are performed six times a day and each ritual has four steps of Abhisheka, Alangaram, Nivethanam, Deepa aradanai.
AddressVinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Married Couples, Solo, Unmarried Couples, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersEntry feeNo Entry FeeOpening timeKapaleeswarar Temple opening and closing time in morning is 05:00 AM – 12:30 PM and in evening is 04:00PM – 08:00 PMOpening DaysThe Kapaleeswarar Temple is open every day for visitorsBest MonthJanuary, February, March, April
Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai
It is a 1300-year-old temple, located in Thiruvanmiyur, with Lord Shiva as the main deity. It leaves the visitors awestruck by its astounding unique architectural style of architecture showing traces from the Chola and The Pallava dynasties. Going by the legend lord Marundeeshwar imparted knowledge about magical medicines to Sage Agastya and since then it is thronged by people with diseases and health issues. The people have a firm belief that the special prasadam acts as a panacea and helps them regain stable health. It has two five-tiered gateway towers (raja gopuram), a huge tank, mandapa with 36 intricately decorated pillars. The shrine has idols of three avatars of shiva Thyagaraja, Marundeeswarar, and Natraja.
AddressLalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Married Couples, Friends, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersEntry feeNo Entry FeeOpening timeMarundeeswarar Temple opening and closing timing in morning is 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM and in evening is 04:00 PM – 08:30 AMOpening DaysThe Marundeeswarar Temple is open every day for visitorsBest MonthMay, June, July, August
St Thomas Mount National Shrine, Chennai
The St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, located in the southern part of Chennai, is an iconic religious site and an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Perched atop a small hill, this temple holds historical and religious significance as it is believed to be the place where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, sought solace and spent time in prayer. This temple is not only a place of spiritual reflection but also a vantage point offering panoramic views of Chennai.
AddressNanganallur Road, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - ChurchesBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Married Couples, Solo, Parents, SiblingsFees & TimingTimings:- St Thomas Mount Church is open daily from 7 A.M to 7 P.M and can be visited with no fee charges.Best MonthJanuary, February March
Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
The Thousand Lights Mosque located in the heart of Chennai is a prominent and historic place of worship for the Muslim community. It is famous for its architectural beauty, religious significance and the spiritual atmosphere it provides to the visitors. The mosque is an iconic landmark that stands as a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of Chennai.
AddressThousand Lights, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - MosquesBest forFamily, Married Couples, Friends, Parents, SiblingsFees & TimingTimings:- The mosque is open every day from 5.30 am to 9 pm. You do not need to pay any entry fee to visit Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai.Best MonthJuly, August, September, October, November, December
Parthasarathyswamy Temple, Chennai
Parthasarathyswami Temple is an iconic Hindu temple located in Triplicane, a historic neighborhood of Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna in the role of Parthasarathy (charioteer of Arjuna in Mahabharata), this temple is a major religious site and architectural masterpiece. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of rich South Indian heritage and spirituality.
AddressGovernment Estate, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Married Couples, Solo, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersFees & TimingTimings:- This temple opens from 5.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm.Best MonthSeptember, October, November, December
Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Chennai
Vadapalani Murugan Temple, located in the Vadapalani neighborhood of Chennai, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. It is one of the most frequently visited temples in Chennai, attracting devotees and tourists alike. The temple is not only a spiritual retreat but also a center of cultural and religious activities. It is particularly famous for its festivals and rituals, making it a vibrant center of worship.
AddressVadapalani, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Married Couples, Friends, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersFees & TimingTimings:- There is no entry fee to visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple. The temple opens early in the morning and remains open throughout the day, allowing devotees to offer their prayers and seek blessings.Best MonthJanuary, February, March, April
St Andrew's Church (The Kirk), Chennai
St. Andrew's Church, commonly known as "The Kirk", is a historic and prominent church located in the center of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established by Scottish Presbyterian missionaries in the 19th century, the church has been a symbol of Christian worship, cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. It is famous for its stunning architecture and its role in the religious life of Chennai.
AddressCentral, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - ChurchesBest forFriends, Solo, Siblings, YoungstersFees & TimingTimings:- This church remains open from 6 am to 9 pm.Best MonthApril, May, June
St Mary's Church, Chennai
St. Mary's Church, located in Fort St. George, Chennai, is one of the oldest Anglican churches in India. It stands as a historical and architectural marvel, serving as a testament to Chennai's colonial past. This church is not only a place of worship but also an important site with deep historical and cultural significance.
AddressCentral, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - ChurchesBest forFamily, Married Couples, Friends, Parents, SiblingsFees & TimingTimings:- This church remains open from 6 am to 9 pm.Best MonthJune, July, August
Armenian Church, Chennai
Located in the bustling Parry's Corner area of Chennai, the Armenian Church is a historical and architectural gem that stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Built by the Armenian community, this church is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city's multicultural past. It combines Armenian and Indian architectural influences, making it a unique and captivating site for visitors.
AddressCentral, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - ChurchesBest forFriends, Solo, Siblings, YoungstersFees & TimingTimings:- This church remains open from 6 am to 9 pm.Best MonthSeptember, October, November
ISKCON Temple, Chennai
ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is a spiritual and cultural site located in Chennai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is a place of devotion, spirituality and cultural enrichment. It is not only a religious place but also an architectural masterpiece that attracts tourists from all walks of life. This temple is a blend of different cultures with modern scientific technology. To attract more people to the ISKCON movement, temple authorities organize lectures and audio-visual programs about Hindu philosophy.
AddressSholinganallur, Chennai, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Married Couples, Solo, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersFees & TimingTimings:- The temple is open from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Entry is free.Best MonthMay, June, July, August
Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Chennai
Santhome Cathedral Basilica, also known as San Thome Basilica, is an important religious and historical site located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and basilica dedicated to Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and is believed to be the final resting place of his remains. The Basilica is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist destination.
AddressMylapore, Chennai, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - ChurchesBest forFamily, Kids, Friends, Married Couples, Solo, Parents, SiblingsFees & TimingTimings:- This church remains open from 5 am to 7 pm.Best MonthDecember, January, February
Anjaneyar Temple, Chennai
Anjaneyar Temple, also known as Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the monkey god Lord Hanuman, who is worshiped here in the form of Anjaneyar. This temple holds important religious and cultural importance and is a popular destination for devotees and tourists.
AddressTambaram, Chennai, ChennaiPlace TypeReligious Place - TempleBest forFamily, Married Couples, Friends, Parents, Siblings, YoungstersFees & TimingTimings:- This temple opens from 5.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm.Best MonthSeptember, October, November, DecemberEXPLORE PLACES IN CHENNAI BY CATEGORY:
