Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple located near Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach) tourist place in Chennai, India. The temple is dedicated to Devi Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and her eight primary forms, known as the Ashtalakshmi. The temple is a unique structure that depicts the sanctorums of the eight forms of Lakshmi in a multi-level complex, allowing the devotees to worship all of them without stepping over any of the sanctums.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination in Chennai and attracts lakhs of visitors every year. Visit during Chennai One day Tour By cab
Location of Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple is located on Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090. It is about 3 km from Tiruvanmiyur railway station and 15 km from Chennai International airport. It is easily accessible by public transport such as buses, trains, metro, and auto-rickshaws.
Timing / Entry Fees Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting this temple. However, devotees can offer donations and offerings to the temple as per their wish.
How to Reach Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple can be reached by road from any part of the city. You can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also take a train to Tiruvanmiyur railway station or a metro to Thiruvanmiyur metro station, which are both close to the temple.
Things to Do / Must See Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple offers various things to do and see for tourists and devotees of all ages and interests. You can enjoy a darshan of the main deity and the eight forms of Lakshmi, participate in the daily poojas and aartis, admire the architecture and sculptures, visit the nearby attractions such as Elliot’s Beach, Velankanni Church, Annai Velankanni Shrine, etc.
- Darshan: The main deity of the temple is Devi Lakshmi, who is depicted as sitting on a lotus with four hands holding a lotus, a conch, a pot of nectar, and a discus. She is accompanied by her consort Lord Vishnu on her right side. The temple also has sanctorums for the eight forms of Lakshmi, namely:
- Adi Lakshmi: The primal form of Lakshmi who represents eternal wealth and prosperity.
- Dhana Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who bestows material wealth and abundance.
- Dhanya Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who grants food grains and nourishment.
- Gaja Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who is associated with elephants and grants power and strength.
- Santana Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who blesses with offspring and progeny.
- Veera Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who grants courage and bravery.
- Vijaya Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who grants victory and success.
- Vidya Lakshmi: The form of Lakshmi who grants knowledge and wisdom.
- Poojas and Aartis: The temple conducts daily poojas and aartis for the main deity and the eight forms of Lakshmi. The timings of the poojas are as follows:
- Morning Pooja: 9:30 am
- Noon Pooja: 12:00 pm
- Evening Pooja: 6:00 pm
- Night Pooja: 8:30 pm
- Architecture and Sculptures: The temple has a distinctive architecture that resembles a pyramid with four levels. The main deity is located on the second level while the eight forms of Lakshmi are located on the first, third, and fourth levels. The temple has a white facade with colorful sculptures and paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also has a gopuram (tower) at the entrance with intricate carvings and motifs.
- Nearby Attractions: The temple is located near Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach), which is one of the most popular beaches in Chennai. It offers a scenic view of the Bay of Bengal and a relaxing atmosphere for visitors. The beach also has a lighthouse, a children’s park, a food court, etc. The temple is also close to Velankanni Church, a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. The church is a pilgrimage site for Christians and has a beautiful architecture and interior. The temple is also near Annai Velankanni Shrine, a Hindu shrine dedicated to the same deity as the church. The shrine is a symbol of communal harmony and has a statue of the goddess holding a child in her arms.
Significance of Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple is a place of religious and cultural significance. It is one of the few temples in India that are dedicated to the eight forms of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It showcases the diversity and richness of Hindu culture and tradition. It also provides an opportunity to worship and seek blessings from the goddess who grants all forms of wealth, namely, offspring, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple?
A: The best time to visit Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Q: What are the facilities available at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple?
A: There are basic facilities available at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple such as parking, toilets, drinking water, cafeteria, souvenir shop, etc.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple?
A: Some tips for visiting Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple are:
We are comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk a lot to explore the temple.
Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
Be respectful while viewing the idols and do not touch or damage them.
Do not litter or smoke at the temple premises.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple located near Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach) in Chennai, India. The temple is dedicated to Devi Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and her eight primary forms, known as the Ashtalakshmi. The temple is a unique structure that depicts the sanctorums of the eight forms of Lakshmi in a multi-level complex, allowing the devotees to worship all of them without stepping over any of the sanctums.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination in Chennai and attracts lakhs of visitors every year. It offers various things to do and see such as a darshan of the main deity and the eight forms of Lakshmi, a participation in the daily poojas and aartis, an admiration of the architecture and sculptures, a visit to the nearby attractions such as Elliot’s Beach, Velankanni Church, Annai Velankanni Shrine, etc.
It also has a rich history and heritage that showcases the diversity and richness of Hindu culture and tradition. It is one of the most popular attractions of Chennai and a must-visit destination for religious and cultural lovers.
