Ashtalakshmi Temple Chennai: Architecture, Significance, and History
Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple that honours the eight manifestations of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and wealth.
Mahalakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) Mahasaraswati (goddess of knowledge and skill) Mahakali (goddess of power and destruction) Mahalakshmi (goddess of beauty and grace) Maheswari (goddess of fertility and abundance) Maha Gauri (goddess of abundance) purity and wealth) Forgiveness) Mahakumari (goddess of purity and divinity) and Maha Vishnu (goddess of Preservation and Protection). This temple is an example of Dravidian architecture, and the walls and columns were exquisitely adorned with detailed sculptures and carvings. The temple is built in the shape of an eight-wheeled chariot, representing the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. The building is decorated with statues and carvings, including a large statue of Goddess Lakshmi in the middle. The temple has many smaller shrines for other Hindu deities like Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The temple hosts many rituals and workshops annually, including concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. These events showcase the rich heritage of South India and provide a platform for artists and artists to showcase their talents.

Entry/Darshan Time :

6:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.–9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 6:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; no entry fee.

Best time to visit:

January-April

Festivals:

The festivals are celebrated with great vigour at the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Chennai. Navaratri is celebrated for nine nights with special worship and cultural programs. Diwali finds the entire temple beautifully illuminated by lights and flowers, inviting large groups of devotees. Special rituals are observed on Varalakshmi Vratam in dedication to Goddess Lakshmi, praying for prosperity among families. Panguni Uthiram is the day of the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, accompanied by special abhishekams. This is known as the Festival of Lights in Tamil Nadu, when the whole temple is lit up with oil lamps called Karthigai Deepam.

Dress Code:

It is suggested to wear traditional clothes like sarees and kurtis for women and dhotis and shirts for men.

How to reach Ashtalakshmi Temple?

By Air – Chennai International Airport is the closest airport, where you can then hire a cab or other local transportation to visit the temple.

By Train –Chennai Central and Chennai Edmore are the two main train stations; to reach the temple, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi.

By Road - From Chennai, several buses travel to Chengalpattu. You can hire an auto rickshaw or take a local bus to reach the temple.