Easy Chennai Divya Desam Route Map for First-Timers
Planning a trip to Chennai’s sacred Divya Desams? This Chennai Divya Desam route map makes it simple. It Darshan to stop Six key Vishnu temples. Follow the steps, add tips, and hit the road worry-free.
For a complete pilgrimage of the Divya Desam temples in and around Chennai, there are six holy abodes that are typically covered. These temples are part of the 108 sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
A common and efficient route is to split these into two clusters: the South/Coastal Route and the North/West Route.
The 6 Divya Desams in and around Chennai
Before we dive into the route, let’s identify the six temples:
- Thiruvallikeni (Parthasarathy Temple) – Heart of Chennai.
- Thiru Neermalai (Neervanna Perumal Temple) – Near Chromepet.
- Thiruvedanthai (Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple) – East Coast Road (ECR).
- Thirukadalmallai (Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple) – Mahabalipuram.
- Thiruvallur (Veeraraghava Swamy Temple) – Tiruvallur.
- Thiru Nindravur (Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple) – Near Avadi.
The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary & Route Map
To cover these temples without rushing, it is best to split the trip into two directions: the Westerns Loop and South/Coastal Loop
- Significance: One of the oldest structures in Chennai, where Lord Krishna is the primary deity (Parthasarathy). It is unique because the deity has a mustache and no weapon, signifying his role as a charioteer.
- Timing: Start early at 6:30 AM.
- Significance: Legend says that Goddess Lakshmi (Ennai Petra Thayar) was so pleased with the location that she decided to stay here. The temple features a massive five-tiered Rajagopuram.
- Timing: Head here by 7:45 AM
- Distance: ~15 km from Thiru Nindravur.
- Significance: One of the most powerful temples for healing. Devotees offer salt and pepper to the Lord to cure ailments. The deity is seen in a reclining posture, resting his hand on Salihotra Rishi.
- Distance: ~37 km from Tiruvallur.
- Significance: Located on a hill, this temple is unique because the Lord appears in four different postures: Standing, Sitting, Reclining, and Walking.
- Note: There are about 200 steps to reach the hilltop shrine.
- Distance: ~55 km from Thiru Neermalai
- Significance: Located in Mahabalipuram, this is the birthplace of Boothathalvar. Unlike other reclining postures, the Lord here lies on the floor without the serpent Adisesha.
- Distance: ~20 km from Mahabalipuram via ECR.
- Significance: Known as the “Wedding Temple,” it is a famous spot for those seeking to get married. The deity is also known as Varaha Murthy.
Chennai Divya Desam Onr Day Trip Schedule
| Time Schedule | Trip Details |
|---|---|
| 5.30 AM | Tour Starts |
| 6.00 AM | Tiruvallikkeni – Parthasarathy Temple |
| 7.45 AM | Thiruninravur – Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple |
| 8.30 AM | Breakfast – Customer Pay |
| 9.30 AM | Thiruvallur – Veeraraghavar Temple |
| 11.15 AM | Thiruneermalai – Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple |
| 1.00 PM | Lunch – Customer Pay |
| 2.00 PM To 3.30 PM | Relax in krishna Butter Ball |
| 4.00 PM | Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram) – Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple |
| 5.30 PM | Thiruvidanthai – Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple |
| 7.00 PM | Drop at Chennai |
One Day Chennai Divya Desam Tour Package Price INR
| Tour Name | Car Type | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Swift Dzire AC Car | ₹6000 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Etios AC Car | ₹6000 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Ertiga AC Car | ₹7000 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Rumion AC Car | ₹7000 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Kia Carens AC Car | ₹7500 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Innova AC Car | ₹7500 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
| Chennai Divya Desam One Day Package | Crysta AC Car | ₹8000 | Fuel, Drive Bata, Toll & Parking |
Travel Tips for Pilgrims
1. Temple Timings (Crucial!): Most temples in Tamil Nadu follow a strict schedule. They are generally open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Avoid traveling during the afternoon (12 PM – 4 PM) as the sanctums will be closed.
2. Transport:
- Private Car: Hiring a taxi for the day is the most comfortable way to cover these distances.
- Public Transport: Thiruvallikeni and Thiru Nindravur are accessible via Chennai Suburban Trains. However, for ECR temples (Thiruvedanthai/Mahabalipuram), a car or bus is necessary.
3. Dress Code: Stick to traditional attire. Men are usually required to wear dhotis or formal trousers (avoid shorts), and women are encouraged to wear sarees or salwar kameez.
4. Best Time to Visit: The months of October to February are ideal due to the pleasant weather. If you can, visit during the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) for a truly divine atmosphere, though it will be crowded.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Temple Name | Location | Primary Deity |
|---|---|---|
| Thiruvallikeni | Triplicane | Parthasarathy (Krishna) |
| Thiru Neermalai | Chromepet | Neervanna Perumal |
| Thiruvedanthai | ECR (near Kovalam) | Nitya Kalyana Perumal |
| Thirukadalmallai | Mahabalipuram | Sthala Sayana Perumal |
| Thiru Nindravur | Near Avadi | Bakthavatsala Perumal |
| Thiruevvul | Tiruvallur | Veeraraghava Swamy |
Conclusion
Visiting the Divya Desams in Chennai is not just a religious ritual but a journey through history, art, and Dravidian architecture. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace or a peek into India’s glorious past, this route map will help you navigate the “Gateway to the South” with ease.
Om Namo Narayana!
