Ashtalakshmi Temple

Dedicated primarily to Goddess Lakshmi, the temple is also home to sanctums for Maha Vishnu and the eight forms of Lakshmi—Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, and Vidya Lakshmi—making it a unique destination for devotees seeking blessings for prosperity, knowledge, and well-being.

Built in a modern period under the guidance of Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati of the Kanchi Mutt, the Ashtalakshmi Temple stands out with its striking Dravidian architecture. Its location near Elliot’s Beach adds to its serene atmosphere, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.

The temple is easily accessible from various parts of Chennai. From Chennai Central Railway Station (about 14 km away), visitors can take a taxi or auto to Adyar and proceed to Besant Nagar.

Chennai International Airport is approximately 16. 5 km away, with pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs available for direct travel to the temple. Public transport options include buses to Adyar Depot or Besant Nagar Bus Terminus, followed by a short auto ride.

The temple welcomes devotees daily, with timings from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and extended morning hours till 1:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The best time to visit is early morning, during evening aarti, in the winter months, on weekdays for a less crowded experience, or during the vibrant festival season.

Major festivals celebrated at the temple include Navaratri, Deepavali, Panguni Uthiram, Aadi Fridays, Thai Fridays, Dhanur Masa Pooja, Janmashtami, Karthigai Deepam, Tamil New Year, and English New Year.

Devotees can participate in free darshan and a variety of poojas such as Aarukala Pooja (six daily rituals), Aarti at 7:00 AM and 6:30 PM, Thirumanjanam (holy bath), Archana, Special Friday Pooja, and Vastra Donation. Rituals are conducted in Sanskrit and Tamil.

There is a recommended dress code: men should wear traditional attire or long pants with shirts, and women are advised to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with tops, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.

Limited street parking is available near Beach Road, but it can be congested during weekends and holidays. The temple is mostly on one level, with steps to some shrines. Photography is generally allowed in the outer courtyard but strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum.

Devotees may bring Neivethanam (holy offerings), which are distributed as prasadam. For those planning a longer stay, there are several guesthouses and service apartments in Besant Nagar and Adyar, with luxury hotels like The Leela Palace nearby.

Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Elliot’s Beach, Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple, Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, ISKCON Chennai, and the Theosophical Society.

For more information, darshan bookings, or online sevas, visit the official website at https://ashtalakshmi. org or contact +91 044 2491 6545.