Chennai Divya Desam temples in Focus: How Many Divya Desams in the City?
Six (6) Divya Desams are situated within the Chennai metropolitan area and its immediate surroundings.
Chennai, the vibrant capital city of Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Among its many notable attractions, the city is home to six revered Divya Desams, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These temples are an integral part of the city’s spiritual landscape, attracting devotees and tourists alike. In this section, we will delve into the significance and beauty of these six Divya Desams in Chennai.
- Location: Thiruvallikkeni, Chennai‑Tamil Nadu (near the Chennai‑Bangalore Highway).
- Presiding Deity: Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy (the charioteer of Arjuna).
- Divya Prabandham Reference: Mentioned in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alvar.
- Key Highlights:
- Ancient rock‑cut sanctum dating back to the 7th century CE.
- Spectacular annual Utsavam (festival) celebrated during Masi (≈ February–March).
- Location: Thirunindravur, western outskirts of Chennai (NH‑48 corridor).
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu as Bhakthavatsala (the compassionate protector).
- Divya Prabandham Reference: Cited by Nammalvar and Thirumangai Alvar.
- Key Highlights:
- Famous for its Srichakra shrine and an exquisitely carved Vimana (tower).
- Hosts the vibrant Vaikunta Ekadasi night procession.
- Location: Tiruvallur, about 35 km northwest of Chennai, on the Chennai‑Bangalore arterial road.
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu as Veeraraghava (the heroic form of Ranganatha).
- Divya Prabandham Reference: Featured in the hymns of Thirumangai Alvar.
- Key Highlights:
- One of the earliest Chola‑Pandya style temples, with a towering Gopuram (gateway).
- Renowned for its Thiruvonam festival, drawing thousands of devotees.
- Location: Thiruneermalai, on the Coimbatore‑Chennai highway, close to the Western Ghats.
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu as Neervanna (the “pure‑white” deity).
- Divya Prabandham Reference: Celebrated by Nammalvar and Thirumangai Alvar.
- Key Highlights:
- Set atop a granite hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Famous for the Nerari Pooja (water‑sacred rite) performed during the monsoon season.
- Location: Kadalmalai (also known as Mahabalipuram), on the Bay of Bengal coast, roughly 60 km south of Chennai.
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu as Sthalasayana (the reclining form on a stone slab).
- Divya Prabandham Reference: Appears in the verses of Thirumangai Alvar.
- Key Highlights:
- A rock‑cut shrine integrated into the famous Shore Temple complex—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The temple’s Ranganathaswamy icon is believed to bless pilgrims with a safe sea voyage.
- Location: Thiruvedanthai, on the way Mahabalipuram East Coast Road
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu as Nitya Kalyana (the eternally auspicious deity).
- Divya Prabandham Reference: Recorded by Nammalvar and Thirumangai Alvar.
- Key Highlights:
- Known for the Nitya Kalyana ceremony performed daily at 4 a.m. and 6 p.m., symbolizing continuous divine marriage.
- Surrounded by a tranquil pond (theertham) believed to possess healing properties.
The 108 Divya Desams constitute the most sacred Vishnu shrines revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil Vaishnavite canon. Every pilgrim who visits the Chennai region encounters at least one of these six holy sites, each embodying a unique facet of divine grace, mythology, and architectural brilliance.
- Spiritual Enrichment: Reciting the Alvar hymns while present at a Divya Desam deepens the devotee’s connection to the divine.
- Cultural Heritage: These temples preserve Tamil‑Saiva‑Vishnu art, stone‑carving, and epigraphic records spanning over a millennium.
- Community Experience: Festivals such as Utsavam, Ekadasi, and Thiruvonam create vibrant gatherings that reinforce local traditions and social cohesion.
- 5.30 AM : Tour Starts
- 6.00 AM : Visit to Tiruvallikkeni – Parthasarathy Temple
- 7.45 AM : Visit to Thiruninravur – Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple
- 8.30 AM : Breakfast – Customer Pay
- 9.30 AM : Thiruvallur – Veeraraghavar Temple –
- 11.15 AM : Thiruneermalai – Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple
- 1.00 PM : Lunch – Customer Pay
- 2.00 PM To 3.30 PM : Relax in krishna Butter Ball
- 4.00 PM : Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram) – Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple
- 5.30 PM : Thiruvidanthai – Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple
- 7.00 PM : Drop at Chennai
- Swift Dzire AC Car Rs.6000/-
- Etios AC Car Rs.6000/-
- Ertiga AC Car Rs.7500/-
- Innova AC Car Rs.7500/-
- Crysta AC Car Rs.8500/-
Cost Includes: Fuel, Driver bata, Tollgate and Parking
The six Divya Desams in Chennai are not only significant spiritual centers but also showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. These temples have been mentioned in ancient scriptures and have been revered by devotees for centuries. Each temple has its unique architecture, history, and legends, making them a fascinating destination for tourists and devotees alike.
Chennai’s six Divya Desams are a testament to the city’s spiritual significance and cultural richness. These temples offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant history and traditions, making them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the spiritual and cultural heritage of Chennai. Whether you are a devotee, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the six Divya Desams in Chennai are sure to leave you with a lasting impression of the city’s beauty and spirituality.
Q1. Are these six the only Divya Desams in the Chennai metropolitan area?
Yes. The Chennai region hosts six of the 108 Divya Desams. The remaining 102 are spread across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and other states.
Q2. Can non‑Hindus visit these temples?
Absolutely. While the inner sanctum is reserved for worshippers, the temple premises, architecture, and cultural exhibitions are open to all visitors, respecting dress code and decorum.
Q3. Is there a recommended order for a pilgrimage tour?
A common circuit starts with Thiruvallikkeni, proceeds to Thirunindravur, then Tiruvallur, followed by Thiruneermalai, Thiru Kadalmalai, and finally Thiruvedanthai. This route follows a logical geographic progression and minimizes travel time.
Q4. Are there guided tours available?
Rajamanickam Tours and Travels Operator offer “Divya Desam Pilgrimage Packages” that include a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and meals.
Q5. What is the significance of the term “Divya Desam”?
Divya means “divine” and Desam means “place.” These are the 108 Vishnu temples praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham for their sanctity, miracles, and connections to the Alvars (Tamil saint‑poets).
Whether you are a devout pilgrim, a cultural enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authentic heritage, exploring Chennai’s six Divya Desams offers a profound encounter with ancient devotion, timeless architecture, and living tradition.
Plan your journey today – connect with the divine, breathe the sanctified air of these hallowed grounds, and become part of a lineage that spans over a thousand years.
“May the blessings of the Divya Desams illuminate your path and fill your heart with eternal bliss.”