Chennai, being one of the biggest cultural centers in South India, has a lot more to offer when it comes to architecture. With buildings dating back to 7 th and 8th centuries, the temple architecture of Chennai stands unique with respect to culture, grace, and elegance. Here are the top 5 must-visit temples in Chennai where you can witness craftwork at its finest.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Located in the prime area of Mylapore, Kapaleeshwarar temple was rebuilt in 16 th Century by the Vijayanagar Kings after it suffered demolition by the Portuguese. With the structure following Dravidian Architecture, the temple has inscriptions dating back to 12th Century CE. The presiding deity, Shiva, is worshipped in the form of Linga. It’s beauty and the visitors’ sheer admiration has been recorded to be nothing but filled with awe.
Location: Mylapore
Parthasarathy Temple
Parthasarathy Temple is the oldest temple in the city, located at Triplicane. Built in 8 th Century CE by the Pallavas, this Hindu Vaishnavite temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.The temple has separate entrances for the Krishna and Narasimha temples and the towers and pillars have elaborate cravings in Tamil and Telugu and have inscriptions from the Chola period when the temple was extensively built. The Chola Empire known for its valour, art and architecture had also been a patronage of beauty and it is all pervasive right here.
Location: Triplicane, Chennai
Ashtalakshmi Temple
The significance of this temple is its structure being in the shape of ‘Aum,’ the vedic mantra, hence the temple is also known as Aumkarakshetra. The construction follows the model of Ashtanga Vimana style, which is one of the ancient styles of construction. The eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi is represented in four levels and hence is regarded as an architectural marvel.
Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai
Vadapalani Andavar Temple
Built in 1890, this temple was initially a simple thatched shed and was later renovated in the 1920s with the installation of a Rajagopuram. This temple gained popularity over the years through its legend of being able to cure diseases. Here stands another historic testimony of the city’s brilliant medical and healing facilities that has come a long way today.The holy tree is the fig tree and the presiding deity is Lord Murugan.
Location: Vadapalani, Chennai
Arulmigu Ekambareswarar Temple
Unpopular to the people outside of Chennai, this temple dates back to more than thousand years and is one of the three temples that were popular before the arrival of the British. The temple tree is 300 years old and stand as witness to history and legacy. There are numerous idols and shrines present in this temple and one could just soak in the spirit and elegance of it in all its entirety.
Location: Sowcarpet
