Ashtalakshmi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Chennai. It is located at Besant Nagar, very close to Elliot’s Beach. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight forms, called Ashta Lakshmi. These eight forms bless devotees with wealth, education, courage, food, children, victory, knowledge, and prosperity. The temple was built in the year 1976 and follows South Indian temple architecture.
The temple has a unique structure with 4 main levels and 8 separate shrines for each form of Goddess Lakshmi. Every shrine is placed in a specific direction. The main deity faces east. The temple is around 200 meters from the seashore, which makes the surroundings peaceful.
Every day, thousands of devotees visit the temple. On weekends and festival days, the crowd can go above 10,000 people per day. The temple opens early morning and closes at night with short breaks. Darshan is usually free, but special poojas have fixed charges. The temple is well maintained and easy to reach from all parts of Chennai.
Govindavadi Temple Karnataka – Darshan, Timings, History, Sevas & Festivals
Temple Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Ashtalakshmi Temple |
| Location | Besant Nagar, Chennai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Built Year | 1976 |
| Main Deity | Goddess Lakshmi |
| Number of Forms | 8 |
| Distance from Beach | 200 meters |
| Architecture Style | Dravidian |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Famous For | Ashta Lakshmi Darshan |
Dress Code for Devotees
A. Dress Code for Men
- Wear dhoti or long pants
- Shirt or T-shirt must cover shoulders
- Avoid shorts and lungi
- Simple and clean clothes preferred
- Footwear not allowed inside temple
B. Dress Code for Women
- Saree, salwar kameez, or long dress
- Avoid sleeveless and short dresses
- Dupatta is recommended
- Clothes should cover knees
- Traditional wear is best
C. Dress Code for Kids
- Simple traditional or decent clothes
- Avoid short skirts or shorts
- Comfortable cotton wear preferred
- Clean and neat clothing
- Follow same rules as adults
Sevas and Darshans Available
Ashtalakshmi Temple offers different sevas and poojas for devotees. These sevas are done daily and on special days. Special archana is the most common seva. Devotees can perform archana for individual forms of Lakshmi or for all eight forms together. On Fridays and festival days, special poojas are conducted with flowers and lamps.
Abhishekam is done on important days like Fridays, full moon days, and festival dates. The temple also allows devotees to book kumkum archana and sahasranama archana. Seva tickets are available at the temple counter. Prices are affordable and range between ₹50 to ₹500.
During Navratri and Varalakshmi Vratham, special darshans are arranged. Waiting time can go up to 60 minutes on peak days. On normal days, darshan takes around 10 to 20 minutes.
Seva and Darshan Table
| Seva | Price (₹) | Timings | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archana | 50 | 6:30 AM – 12 PM | Personal prayer with name |
| Kumkum Archana | 100 | 8 AM – 11 AM | Special prayer for women |
| Sahasranama | 200 | 9 AM – 11 AM | 1000 names chanting |
| Abhishekam | 500 | 7 AM – 9 AM | Holy bath to deity |
Temple Timings Table
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| All Days | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
History of Ashtalakshmi Temple
The idea of Ashtalakshmi Temple came from ancient scriptures that describe eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. The temple was constructed in 1976 by a group of devoted people from Chennai. The land near Besant Nagar beach was chosen for its calm and spiritual environment.
The temple architecture is inspired by ancient South Indian temples but built in a modern way. Unlike single-sanctum temples, this temple has 8 shrines placed on different levels. Each shrine represents a form of Lakshmi like Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, and Vidya Lakshmi.
Over the years, the temple became very popular among locals and tourists. By the year 2000, it was one of the most visited temples in Chennai. Today, the temple stands as a symbol of devotion, faith, and prosperity.
How to Reach Ashtalakshmi Temple
The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air. It is located about 13 km from Chennai Central Railway Station. You can take a taxi or bus to reach Besant Nagar. Bus numbers 21G, 29C, and 47 regularly go to Besant Nagar bus stop, which is just 500 meters from the temple.
From Chennai Egmore Station, the distance is around 12 km. Auto-rickshaws and cabs are easily available. Chennai International Airport is about 15 km away. Travel time from airport is nearly 45 minutes by car.
If you are using metro, the nearest metro station is Thirumayilai, around 6 km away. From there, take a bus or auto. Parking space is limited, so public transport is recommended.
Vrathams, Festivals, and Celebrations
Varalakshmi Vratham is the most important ritual celebrated here. It usually falls in July or August. During this time, more than 20,000 devotees visit the temple in a single day. Navratri is celebrated for 9 days with special decorations and poojas.
Diwali, Pongal, and Fridays in Tamil month Aadi are also special. On full moon days, special lamps are lit. The temple remains open longer during major festivals.
Important Festival Dates Table
| Festival | Month | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Varalakshmi Vratham | July–August | Lakshmi special worship |
| Navratri | Sept–Oct | 9 days celebration |
| Diwali | Oct–Nov | Festival of lights |
| Pongal | January | Harvest festival |
Key Guidelines for Visitors
Visitors should maintain silence inside the temple. Mobile phones must be kept on silent mode. Photography inside sanctum is not allowed. Footwear must be removed outside the temple.
Follow queue system for darshan. Senior citizens may request special assistance. Do not touch idols or temple walls. Avoid carrying large bags. Food items are not allowed inside.
Cleanliness is very important. Use dustbins provided. Respect temple staff and volunteers. Donations are optional but welcomed. Follow dress code strictly. These guidelines help maintain peace and safety for all devotees.
Contact Details of the Temple
Ashtalakshmi Temple is managed by a trust based in Chennai. The temple office works from 9 AM to 6 PM. For seva booking and festival information, devotees can contact the temple office directly.
Address: Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090
Phone: +91-44-2491-0740
Distance from Central Station: 13 km
Nearest Bus Stop: Besant Nagar
Nearest Landmark: Elliot’s Beach
FAQs About Ashtalakshmi Temple
- Is entry free? Yes, darshan is free.
- What is the best time to visit? Early morning is best.
- Are special poojas available? Yes, with fixed prices.
- Is photography allowed? No, inside temple is not allowed.
- Is parking available? Limited parking only.
- How far is beach? Around 200 meters.
- Can kids enter? Yes, with proper dress.
- Is temple crowded on Fridays? Yes, very crowded.
- Are donations accepted? Yes, optional.
- Is the temple open daily? Yes, all days.