Vadapalani Āṇḍavar Temple, Chennai
Chennai's Palani, where the city comes to marry
⭐ Why it is famous
The city's busiest Murugan temple, begun as a thatched shrine around a picture of Palani Āṇḍavar, and today one of Tamil Nadu's most sought-after wedding venues — hundreds of marriages are solemnised here each auspicious month.
📜 Pilgrimage history
The 19th-century shrine of the devotee Annaswami Nayakar grew into a full temple with a 40-metre rājagopura consecrated in the 20th century, and is now administered by the state endowments department.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 05:00 – 12:00 and 16:00 – 21:00
- Continuous on Tuesdays, Fridays and Kārtikai days
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan and ₹50 special-entry queue
- Wedding halls booked months in advance through the temple office
- Pañcāmṛta and vibhūti prasādam counters at the exit
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Vadapalani Āṇḍavar Temple, Chennai, Chennai, ChennaiChennai Egmore (MS) — 8 km
Chennai bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Chennai International (MAA) — 12 km
In Vadapalani, on the Chennai Metro blue line (Vadapalani station); buses from all city termini.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Hotels throughout Chennai, ₹1,200–₹8,000
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,800 | ₹4,000 | ₹9,500 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Marina beach
- Kapaleeshwarar temple tank
- Government Museum, Egmore
📅 Best time to visit
All year; Thai Pūsam, Pankuni Uttiram and Kārtikai Deepam