Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA).

• By train

  The nearest railway station is Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS).

• By road

  Vadapalani is an important bus terminus on Arcot Road in western Chennai, and the temple is in the same area.

Why devotees come here

Vadapalani Murugan Temple in Vadapalani, Chennai, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Murugan. It stands in the western part of the city and began as a small thatched hut. Devotees believe that people who cannot make the trip to Palani can visit here instead.

Only here is Murugan shown wearing footwear, a symbol of shedding arrogance. The main idol stands, and it resembles the idol at Palani. The belief is strong here that people who cannot undertake the pilgrimage to Palani can visit this temple with their offerings.

The founder, Annaswami Nayakar, built a small thatched hut, placed a painted portrait of Murugan inside and began to worship it there. The temple was built around 1890 on the same site as that thatched hut. It was renovated in the 1920s, when a Rajagopuram was built. His successor, Rathinasamy Chettiyar, asked devotees to call the place Vadapalani Temple.

The eastern tower stands 40.8 metres tall. The temple also has a golden chariot built for Murugan, and the temple tank lies in front of the temple.

Tips for your visit

• Look for the eastern tower, which is decorated with 108 Bharatnatyam dance gestures.
• Explore further in the temple grounds to find the Thala Vriksham, a sacred fig tree where devotees tie small swings in hopes of children.
• Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral Basilica and Egmore Museum are nearby places to see if you have time after darshan.

Questions people ask