Thyagaraja Temple Chennai Entry Fee
- No entry fee
Thyagaraja Temple Chennai Phone
099620 89290
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 55 reviews
Thyagaraja Temple Chennai Address: Sannathi St, Tiruvottiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600019, India
Thyagaraja Temple Chennai Tour Packages
Thyagaraja Temple Chennai Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
Thyagaraja Temple, also called Vadivudai Amman Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Adhipuriswarar). This temple is in the Tiruvottiyur area of Chennai, and it is like the Thyagaraja temple in Tiruvarur.
Although the presiding deity is Adhipuriswarar, the temple is closely associated with the Thyagaraja cult. Sundarar, a Tamil saint from the 8th century, is believed to have brought the cult from the Tiruvarur temple. The temple is also revered by Saiva nayanars (Tamil saints from the 7th century), and it’s classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Devotees come to Thyagaraja Swamy Temple to seek welfare of their children. Many also believe that entering the temple itself will cure one’s illnesses.
Legends of Thyagaraja Temple
Several legends are associated with Sri Thyagaraja Temple Tiruvottiyur.
One legend is that Lord Shiva took the form of a huge fire to make flood water recede. Thus, this place came to be known as Thiru Otriyur (“votra” or “vatra” means receding water in Tamil). Also, it’s said that he stayed here as a Swayambu lingam under a Makizha tree. And it was the first Swayambu lingam that appeared on the earth after that devastating flood. Hence, the lord here is called Adhipuriswarar (Adhi meaning first, in Tamil).
Another popular belief is related to Lord Vishnu and the sacred Veda. It’s said that once two demons stole the Veda, chopped it and hid it in the sea. Lord Vishnu fought the demons after worshiping Lord Shiva here, who then put the Veda back in order.
Many other legends about different Shiva devotees and saints are popular. You can hear them upon visiting the temple.
History of Thyagaraja Temple
Thyagaraja Temple history dates back to the 7th century, to the period of the Pallava kings. The temple was built by them. Later, it was renovated and rebuilt during the rule of Cholas, in the 11th century. During the Vijayanagara period of the 15th century, it was further renovated and expanded.
The temple was the centre of learning. The mandapams served as venues for various religious courses. Symposiums were also held from time to time.
Image Gallery of Thyagaraja Temple Chennai
Things to do at Thyagaraja Temple
You can take blessings from Lord Shiva in this temple. It has two shrines for the lord – one for Sri Adhipuriswarar and the other for Sri Otreeswarar. In the main sanctum, he is present as a Swayambu lingam as an ant-hill. Lord Vishnu is on his right and Lord Brahma is on the left.
Thyagaraja Swamy Temple has many other shrines, including those of Goddess Parvathy (as Vadivudai Amman and Vattaparai Amman), Kuzhanthai Eswarar and Nagalingam. Shrines of Lord Murugan, Lord Ganapati and Goddess Durga are also here in the temple, among others.
Apart from the daily rituals, you can also be a part of the festivals in Thyagaraja Swamy Temple Tiruvottiyur. The most important one is the 10-day Brahmotsavam festival which is celebrated in February/March.
Thyagaraja Temple Tiruvottiyur Timings and Entry Fee
Thyagaraja Temple is open every day, from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM. And it is best to visit Thyagaraja Temple between November and February. These are the winter months and the weather in Chennai is pleasant during that time.
The entry is free for all.
How to reach Thyagaraja Temple Chennai?
Thyagaraja Temple in Tiruvottiyur is in the northern part of Chennai and it’s easily accessible from most parts of the city. It’s about 10 km away from Chennai Central railway station, 30 km from Chennai airport and about 25 km from Koyambedu Bus Terminal.
And here are the different ways to reach the temple –
By train – Tiruvottiyur railway station is about 2 km away from Thyagaraja Temple. From there, you can hire a taxi/auto to the temple.
By bus – Public buses are also available to the temple. Theradi bus stop is less than a km away. You can walk the distance or get a taxi/auto.
By taxi/cab – Booking a taxi from top car rental companies in Chennai is the best way to go to Thyagaraja Temple Tiruvottiyur. You can visit the temple, spend as much time as you want, and take blessings from all the gods and goddesses.
Book a Chennai tour package with us and explore the popular sightseeing places of Chennai in the best way possible. At Chennai Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, you can customise your holiday package the way you like, that too at pocket friendly prices. Please fill the Contact Us form to know more.
