Best Temples in and Around Nanganallur, Chennai: A Spiritual Guide

Nanganallur, located in South Chennai, is one of the city`s well-known spiritual destinations. Often called a temple town, this neighbourhood is home to several famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Rajarajeshwari and other deities.

From the famous 32-foot Anjaneyar statue to traditional Krishna temples and peaceful Shiva shrines, Nanganallur offers devotees and visitors an opportunity to experience Chennai`s religious traditions and cultural heritage.

If you are planning a spiritual outing with family or looking for famous temples near Chennai Airport, here are some of the best temples to visit in and around Nanganallur.

1. Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple

The Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is one of the most popular spiritual attractions in South Chennai. Officially known as Arulmigu Adivyadhihara Bhaktha Anjaneyar Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

The temple is particularly famous for its magnificent 32-foot-tall Hanuman idol carved from a single granite stone. Devotees visit throughout the year to offer prayers and seek blessings for courage, strength and well-being.

The temple attracts large numbers of visitors on Tuesdays, Saturdays and special occasions such as Hanuman Jayanti.

Location: Ram Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Timings: Generally 5:00 AM–12:00 PM and 4:30 PM–9:00 PM. Timings may vary on festival days.

Best for: Hanuman devotees, families and visitors exploring famous temples in Chennai.

2. Sri Utthara Guruvayoorappan Temple

The Sri Utthara Guruvayoorappan Temple is another important religious destination in Nanganallur. Dedicated to Lord Krishna as Guruvayoorappan, the temple is known for its traditional worship practices and devotional atmosphere.

The temple attracts devotees who appreciate Kerala-style temple traditions and seek a peaceful environment for prayer.

Visitors can include this temple in a spiritual tour alongside the nearby Anjaneyar Temple.

Location: Second Main Road, Ram Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Lord Krishna devotees and families interested in traditional temple worship.

3. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Navaneetha Krishnan Temple

The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Navaneetha Krishnan Temple is a popular Vaishnavite temple located in the MMTC Colony area.

The temple is associated with Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and Lord Krishna. The Navaneetha Krishnan form depicts Krishna holding butter, reflecting the familiar childhood stories of the deity.

Its devotional atmosphere makes it a worthwhile stop for people exploring the religious landmarks of Nananganallur.

Location: B.V. Nagar, MMTC Colony, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Krishna devotees and visitors interested in Vaishnavite traditions.

4. Arthanareeswarar Temple

The Arthanareeswarar Temple is a well-known Shiva temple in Nanganallur.

The presiding deity, Arthanareeswarar, represents the combined form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This form symbolises the complementary nature of masculine and feminine principles in Hindu philosophy.

Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and participate in regular worship and special observances.

Location: Fourth Main Road, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Lord Shiva devotees and visitors interested in Hindu religious symbolism.

5. Sri Lakshmi Hayavadhana Perumal Temple

The Sri Lakshmi Hayavadhana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Hayagriva, a form of Lord Vishnu traditionally associated with knowledge and learning.

Students and families interested in prayers connected with education often visit Hayagriva temples. The shrine provides another opportunity to explore the diverse religious traditions found in Nanganallur.

Location: Kannan Nagar, Second Main Road, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Students, families and devotees of Lord Vishnu.

6. Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Temple

The Dharmalingeshwarar Temple is a Shiva temple situated in the residential neighbourhood of Nanganallur.

Dedicated to Lord Dharmalingeshwarar, the temple is a suitable destination for devotees seeking a traditional place of worship away from some of the busier pilgrimage spots.

Visitors can include it in a local temple tour covering the Shiva and Vishnu shrines in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Location: Voltas Colony Road, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Lord Shiva devotees and those exploring neighbourhood temples.

7. Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple

The Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple is an important spiritual destination dedicated to Goddess Sri Rajarajeshwari.

Goddess Rajarajeshwari is worshipped as a manifestation of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition. The temple and its associated spiritual centre attract devotees interested in Goddess worship and traditional spiritual practices.

Visitors looking for a peaceful devotional experience can add this temple to their Nanganallur itinerary.

Location: Thillaiganga Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Goddess devotees and people interested in Shakti worship.

8. Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam

The Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam is a religious centre dedicated to Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal, widely revered as Mahaperiyava.

The shrine attracts devotees who wish to pay their respects to the revered Kanchi seer. Special observances and religious programmes are conducted on designated occasions.

It is a useful addition for visitors interested in the spiritual heritage and religious traditions of Tamil Nadu.

Location: Vigneshwar Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai.

Best for: Devotees of Mahaperiyava and visitors interested in Tamil Nadu`s spiritual heritage.

Best Time to Visit Temples in Nanganallur

Early mornings and evenings are generally convenient times to visit temples in Nanganallur. These periods allow visitors to plan their worship around regular temple schedules.

Festival days can be particularly special, although crowds may be larger.

Some important occasions to consider include:

Hanuman Jayanti: An important occasion for devotees visiting Anjaneyar temples.

Krishna Jayanthi: Celebrated at Krishna temples with special prayers and devotional activities.

Maha Shivaratri: An important festival for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Navaratri: A significant period for Goddess worship, including prayers dedicated to Rajarajeshwari.

Vaikunta Ekadasi: An important observance at many Vaishnavite temples.

Festival schedules and special pooja timings differ by temple, so check with the relevant temple before travelling.

How to Reach Nanganallur Temples

Nanganallur is located in South Chennai and is accessible from several parts of the city.

By train: Palavanthangal Railway Station is a useful rail access point for the neighbourhood. Depending on the temple, visitors may need to take an auto-rickshaw or local transport from the station.

By road: Visitors can reach Nanganallur using local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws or private vehicles.

From Chennai Airport: Nanganallur is located near Chennai International Airport, making its temples convenient to include in a short South Chennai visit. Travel time depends on the starting point and traffic conditions.

Tips for Visiting Nanganallur Temples

1. Check temple opening hours before starting your journey.

2. Wear modest clothing susuitable for religious places.

3. Follow each temple`s rules regarding photography and mobile phone use.

4. Expect larger crowds during festivals and special poojas.

5. Carry cash if you plan to make offerings or use services that do not accept digital payments.

6. Respect temple customs and instructions from temple staff.

Conclusion

Nanganallur is an excellent destination for people interested in spirituality, religious traditions and cultural exploration in Chennai. From the towering Hanuman idol at Anjaneyar Temple to the peaceful shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Goddess Rajarajeshwari, the neighbourhood offers a variety of places to visit.

Whether you are planning a family temple tour, a weekend spiritual outing or a visit near Chennai Airport, these temples provide a meaningful way to explore the religious heritage of South Chennai.