Holy Places

Chennai, like the state of which it is capital, features some illustrious worshipping places. The city is furnished with some elegant temples, churches and mosques. The temples in general, are real attractions whose pulse is greatly felt by the tourists and the pilgrims from all over the India. Built in typical Dravidian style and featuring great architectural feats, the temples often form priorities for the tourists. The churches and mosques are better known for their historical importance. One can say, to a sound approximation, that Chennai is amongst the holiest places in South India.

The temples of Chennai bear impressions of some great dynasties, legends and architecture. Most of the temples we are talking about are those that have been built by the Chola rulers. These monumental temples have great legends associated with them and as such are revered by the pious Hindu followers. The churches on the other hand depict the story of Indian occupation by foreign power. The churches housed in the city also reflect the Gothic architecture and the European building style of 17th and 18th century. The importance of mosques is primarily associated with the Nawab family that was holding the power towards the end of the middle era of Indian history. The holy places contained in the city include Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, ISKCON Temple, Vadapalani Temple, Kandaswamy Temple, Marundeeswarar Temple, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Big Mosque, Thousand Lights Mosque, Armenian Church, Santhome Cathedral, Luz Church, St.Andrew's Church, Christ the King Church, Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha, etc.