Chennai is a city decorated with plenty of ethnic beauties and cultural theories inked on its walls.  While many flock to the city to savor its religious elements, many of the nomads are cricket enthusiasts. With enticing architecture, the city also delves into the essence of a true cricket lover. Chennai's keenness for the sport is no secret. The home ground of Murali Vijay and Ravichandran Ashwin, MA Chidambaram Stadium is one of the most popular attractions. The stadium has hosted many a match and the India vs Pakistan test match back in 1999 still remains the most iconic of them all. India vs Pakistan, this fixture is enough to turn the nation delirious. Sad that our team lost but the crowd was generous enough to applaud the winning side.

Bustling streets, a facade of old monuments, and beaches are no doubt part of the capital city of Tamilnadu, but the city has a lot more than this.  Dotted with numerous temples and majestic shrines, enticing visitors to this beautiful city. The temples in Chennai are crafted beautifully in Dravidian architectural style voicing the glory of India’s past.  As you chance upon the many temples, you are bound to unveil a few of the myths and legendary stories associated with them.

Stunning temples with a spec of Indian heritage, adds to the charm of this city. It’s no wonder, Chennai is deemed the cultural capital of India.  Though the temples are specifically built to pay homage to a particular diety,  you need not be a monotheist to enter the temples. They are, designed in marvelous styles that lure the attention of both the common people and the religious devotees.  So, as you gear up to support the Chennai super Kings at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, spare some time to head out onto the streets and a catch glimpse of the exuberant temples in Chennai.

Chennai is ever so welcoming and that’s all down to the wonderful people of Chennai.

All set to unbox some mysteries??

Temples In Chennai

Kapaleeswarar Temple

Built in the form of traditional style and architecture,  the Kapleeshwar Temple is devoted to Arulmigu Kapleeshwar. The diety is in the form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Karpagambal is the form of Parvati. The history of the temple dates back to the time of Pallavas in the 7th century and is an abode of wooden carvings, stone sculptures, beautifully decorated pillars, Dravidian style architecture and an alluring Gopuram adjacent to the doorway.  Deemed as one of the ancient temples in Chennai, the Kapaleeswarar Temple is a place you ought not miss visiting while in the city.

Timings:

Monday closed

Tue-Sat: 5:30 am to 12 Noon; 5 pm to 9 pm

Parthasarathy Temple

Lord Vishnu hails in this beautiful temple in Chennai.  Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Parthasarathy Temple is one of the most popular temples in Chennai and the fact that it unveils all incarnations of Lord Vishnu is a big reason for it’s popularity.  You can find Lord Krishna, Lord Varaha, Lord Rama and Lord Narasimha thriving under the same shade. But separate entrances have been established for Lord Rama and Lord Narasimha. The History of the temple spans back to the eighth century and the mysterious facts associated with the temple find its place in the Alvar Saints text. As you enter the temple, the scene of the magnificent sculptures,  murals and inscriptions will no doubt cast a long lasting impression.  So when are you visiting the city for the next match?

Timings:

5:50 am to 9 pm

Ekambareswarar Temple

If you are in the city and miss visiting the Ekambareswarar Temple, trust me it's a huge loss of an authentic and a mesmerising sight.  The spectacular Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in Chennai.  Where people worship Lord Shiva with exorbitant enthusiasm and devotion,  you will also find idols of Ganesha, Surya, Vishnu, Shakthi, and Goddess Kamakshi. In addition to the above, the complex also has a temple dedicated to the Nabagraha aka nine planets.  The temple is flocked with tourists and locals during the festival of Aadi, Chithirai, Panguni, and Markazhi.  So,  if you are in the city during one of these festivals, do not miss stepping foot into the temple. 

Timings:

6 am to 1:30 pm

4:30 pm to 8 pm

Marundheeswarar Temple

A temple that has been at the forefront of discussion from a long time,  Marundheeswarar Temples’ origin goes back to the 11th century and is seen as one of the most revered Chennai temples.  Here, the idol of Lord Shiva is regarded as the healer and can cure multiple ailments, as per the Hindu mythology. Rishi Valmiki under the Vanni tree had worshipped Lord Rama.  You can stroll across the ground that covers an area of 1 acre. So, as you wait for your match to start pre-dusk,  how about stepping out and visiting this marvelous temple in Chennai.

Timings:

9 am to 8 pm

Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple

The holy temple of Lord Murugan aka Vadapalani Murugan Temple or the Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple is another beautiful temple in Chennai.  Visitors  love to take in this splendid temple which is also a place where marriages take place.  In addition to the above,  the temple also boasts of other religious ceremonies and it is believed that the statue of Murugan in the standing posture showers blessings on all that visit the temple, especially the married couples. Still wondering why?  Plan a visit to this beautiful temple and find out! 

Timings: 5:30 am to 9 pm

Kalikambal Temple

Situated adjacent to the seashore, the Kalikambal Temple is devoted to Kaligambal and Kamateswarar.  In the past the diety worshipped in the temple was a fierce idol of God but then it was soon replaced by a clam and Shanta Swaroop form of Goddess Kamakshi. Crafted in wonderful architectures and alluring designs, the Kalikambal Temple in Chennai is another must visit.

Timings:

6 am to 12 noon

5 pm to 9 pm

So,  the city is a buzz as it plays host to the Chennai Super Kings.  Pack your bags and fly off to this authentic city. Enthrall yourself in the spirit of IPL and sneak a peek at some of the most beautiful temples in the city!!!

Hail Chennai!!!!!