6 Oldest Temples in Chennai with a Rich Heritage

Ever been to Chennai, the Historically rich and culturally advanced metropolitan city of Tamil Nadu? With its historic sites, iconic buildings, lively streets, and modern skyscrapers, Chennai is a prime illustration of how old and new can co-exist harmoniously. The heritage places in Chennai where history, art, and culture coincide are famous spots of attraction for its natives and tourists alike. With a rich spiritual legacy and many ancient temples dating back centuries, Chennai is one of the top tourist spots in South India for being historically inclined and spiritually devoted.

Remember to stop by these historical temples in Chennai to wet your spiritual and historical needs when you are there.

Oldest HeritageTemples in Chennai

1. Parthasarathy Temple

If you are a devoted believer of lord Vishnu or wish to know more about one of the core deities of Hindu mythology, you should definitely pay a visit to the Parthasarathy Temple in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is the only temple in Tamil Nadu where different avatars of Lord Vishnu, namely Krishna, Varaha, Rama, and Narasimha, are worshipped together.

Parthasarathy Temple contains magnificent sculptures, inscriptions, and murals commemorating various events from the Battle of Kurukshetra. The stoneworks of the temples attract numerous archaeologists and historical enthusiasts to this day. This historical temple in Chennai is only 15 minutes from the Upar Hotel's main branch in T Nagar. Tourists and devotees as one are welcome to stay at the hotel to put down their weary minds and open up their minds to receive the blessings of the lord Vishnu.  

2. Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple

Do you know temples can also be a place to provide aesthetic pleasure and architectural insights?

Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple is the most visited temple in Chennai all year round. Located on the banks of Sri Swami Pushkaarini, it has magnificent architecture and artistically designed walls, pillars, and gopurams. The temple appeals to all its visitor's aesthetic senses, from its location to its entrance.

Upar Hotels T Nagar, situated 1.3 km from the temple, is an excellent place near Chennai temples for its devotees to rest and freshen up before and after their visits.

3. Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple

Chennai even has temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, the famous South Indian Deity of truth and righteousness. Built in 1974 under the supervision of Sri.N.Subramanian Stapathy, the Mahalingapuram Ayyappan temple was the first Ayyappan temple built in Chennai. Many devotees visit the temple on their way to the most popular Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. Visitors flock to this temple every month to receive blessings and purify themselves spiritually.

Situated 2 km from the temples is Upar Hotels Nungambakkam, where weary travellers and devoted believers of Ayyappan gather to rest and reminisce the blessings of their patron Ayyappan.

4. Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple

One of South India's most beautiful temples, Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple, or Vadapalani Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is one of Chennai's major tourist attractions.

Constructed in 1890 and renovated in 1920 with an additional massive monumental entrance tower, Vadapalani Murugan Temple is a place of historical and architectural wonder. With its patron bestowing health and prosperity on newly married couples, it is a sacred place for marriages and other religious ceremonies.

Cine City Kodambakkam and Ashok Nagar branch of Upar Hotels is situated near this historical temple in Chennai, providing its devotees with a place to stay and receive the blessings of Vadapalani Murugan.

5. Kalikambal Temple

Want to visit the same temple where the great Maratha King Shivaji bowed down and worshipped?

Kalikambal Temple is one of the oldest heritage places in Chennai. Dedicated to Kaligambal and Kamateswarar, the temple relocated to its current location in 1640. Furthermore, legend has it that the original worshipping deity was God in his aggressive form, later replaced by her Gentle form or the calm and composed form of Goddess Kamakshi. According to historical records, Shivaji, the great Maratha king, visited this temple to worship in 1667.

Like all our other hotels situated near Chennai temples, the Upar Hotel Nungambakkam is situated half an hour's distance from this historical temple in Chennai.

6. Chennakesava Perumal Temple

Have you ever wondered how the name Chennai came to be?

The Chennakesava Perumal Temple, located in the George Town neighbourhood of Chennai, is one of the city's oldest temples. Dedicated to Chennakesava Perumal, Lord Vishnu's incarnation, it is thought to be the first temple built in the area in the 1700s. The carved pillars and sculptures that honour various gods highlight this temple. The name Chennai is said to come from this temple. This historical temple in Chennai shares its roads with the Upar Hotel Nungambakkam, situated just a small distance of 7 km from the temple.

If you are a tourist or a pilgrim to any of the heritage places in Chennai, it is crucial to visit its historical temples. Nearby temples in Chennai, you can easily spot Upar hotels, where spirituality and modernity co-exist. Tourists and visitors at Upar hotels always recommend visiting nearby temples in Chennai to enjoy its heritage.

Read our other blogs to know everything about hotels, travel, and things to do in Chennai, Bangalore and Goa.