Shore Temple Mahabalipuram

The most important Shiva temple in Chennai, located in the ancient neighbourhood of Mylapore. The colourful 37-metre gopuram is a Chennai landmark. The temple is associated with the legend of Parvati worshipping Shiva in the form of a peacock (mayil).

One of the most visited Murugan temples in Chennai, built in the 19th century. Lord Murugan (Andavar) is especially revered by the Tamil film industry — actors, directors, and crew visit here before major releases. Receives 50,000+ pilgrims on Skanda Sashti and Kanda Shashti days.

One of the most important goddess temples in the Chennai region, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati as the love-eyed goddess). Located 20 km from Chennai centre, the temple draws massive crowds on Fridays and Navratri. The Goddess Kamakshi here is said to have done penance by sitting in fire (agni) — hence the fire pit in the temple.

The oldest active temple in Chennai, dating to the 8th century CE (Pallava period). Lord Parthasarathy (Krishna as Arjuna's charioteer) is one of the only deities who is depicted with battle scars on his face — a unique form seen nowhere else. One of the 108 Divya Desams.