Famous Temples Located Near By Chennai

Chennai, the capital city of Tamilnadu, is a rapidly changing metropolitan city in India and a true envoy of global spurt in communication and technology, yet it includes several classical temples, which reduce the tensions of stressful city life. Some of them are 1000 years old that they have a special place in mythology, sculptural grandeur and festivals that they draw in 1000s of pilgrims.

Kanchipuram

By travelling 75 km from Chennai, pilgrims can reach Kanchipuram, which has been one of the key pilgrimage sites of India. The trend-setting sculptures and their unique style made Kanchipuram temples to be a benchmark of Indian architecture. Within 5 acres of space, the famous Kanchipuram Kamakshi temple was built by the Chola artisans during the 14^th century. Similar to the Madurai Meenakshi temple, Kanchi Kamakshi temple too has 4 different entrances. Apart from Goddess Kamakshi, the temple has plenty of sanctums for other gods and goddesses.

Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram also includes other famous temples like Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar temple, Kailasanathar temple, etc.,

Thillai Natarajar Temple

Chitambaram Thillai Natarajar Temple is one among the ancient Shiva temple and one should travel 5 hours from Chennai to reach this temple. With over 2 millennium histories, it has been magnetizing people with its divinity, architecture, festivals and sculpture. The annual dance festival named Natyanjali on Maha Shivaratri is an absolutely mesmerizing event.

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

The art and architecture reflects the early Chola, Pallava, Vijayanagara, Chera and Pandiya royals. Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer, has been represented in bronze sculpture.

Arunachala Temple

Thiruvannamalai Arunachala Temple is 195 km away from Chennai and is celebrated as one of the supreme Shiva Temples. Around the period of 16^th and 17^th centuries, it was erected by Vijayanagara kings. This 25 acre wide temple is majestic with 4 massive gopurams on 4 sides of the temple.

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

During the Karthigai Deepam festival and every full moon day, 1000s of pilgrims from different parts of the state visit this temple.

Vaitheeswaran Temple

Travel around 5-6 hours from Chennai and reach Vaitheeswaran Temple near Chidambaram. The Shiva Lingas in this temple had been worshipped by Lord Rama, Surya, Angaraga (planet Mars), Skanda and Jatayu. Pilgrims are delighted by the sanctums of Lord MuthukumaraSwamy, Nataraja, Angaraga, Durga, Somaskanda, Dakshinamoorthi, Jatayu, Dhanvantari and Surya.

Vaitheeswaran Kovil

The Dhanvantri and ThaiyalNayaki shrines are celebrated for curing diseases and ailments, including pimples, scars and boils. The temple offers special oil to be applied on the body to cure diseases. Further, it is also known for Naadi Josiyam, the astrology that uses palm leaves for reference.

Thiruvidandhai Temple

Just 40 km away from Chennai, amidst the lush groves and high trees, the scenic suburban Thiruvidandhai village is located. The tranquility of the temple is heavenly as it is located close to the Bay of Bengal shore.

Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidanthai

The east facing Lord Perumal idol in the standing form sanctifies the pilgrims. With over 2000 years of history, it is celebrated as one among the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavites.

Tiruttani

Tirutani is one of the holiest towns and is celebrated as one of the Arupadai veedugal (Battle grounds) of Lord Murugan. Instead of his regular weapon the Vel, Lord Muruga holds Vajra Hastam in this shrine, which is 86 km away from Chennai.

Subramaniaswami Temple, Tiruthanigai

There are 5 ponds, spread around the temple and has an elephant image facing east to denote Airavatam, the elephant which was given as a dowry while Lord Muruga married Devayani, the daughter of Indira. After defeating and destroying Soorapadman, Subramanya stayed here and embellished with plenty of ornaments.