Tucked along the shores of the Besant Nagar Beach in Chennai, the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple stands as a serene beacon of devotion, elegance, and architectural uniqueness. Dedicated to the eight divine aspects of the goddess Lakshmi, this temple draws devotees seeking prosperity, success, courage, knowledge, and peace. Through its mythic ties, striking design, and seaside setting, the temple offers both spiritual depth and a peaceful refuge in the heart of Chennai.
| Temple Name | Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple |
| Location | Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (near Elliot’s Beach / Bay of Bengal) |
| Deity | Goddess Ashta Lakshmi – the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi |
| Eight Forms Worshipped | 1️⃣ Adi Lakshmi (Primordial), 2️⃣ Dhana Lakshmi (Wealth), 3️⃣ Dhanya Lakshmi (Grain/Food), 4️⃣ Gaja Lakshmi (Animals/Prosperity), 5️⃣ Santana Lakshmi (Progeny), 6️⃣ Veera Lakshmi (Courage), 7️⃣ Vijaya Lakshmi (Victory), 8️⃣ Vidya Lakshmi (Knowledge) |
| Main Deities on Upper Levels | Mahalakshmi with Lord Vishnu |
| Significance | Dedicated to all eight manifestations of Lakshmi representing total prosperity, success, and peace |
| Historical Background | Foundation laid in January 1974; consecration performed on 5 April 1976 with blessings from Kanchi Mahaswami Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal |
| Architecture Style | Omkara Kshetra design – built in the shape of sacred syllable “Om”; follows Ashtanga Vimana (eight-part) style |
| Temple Structure | Multi-tiered (four levels) temple; each level houses specific Lakshmi forms; devotees climb circular stairways to visit each shrine |
| Unique Feature | One of the few temples in India dedicated to all eight forms of Lakshmi under one roof |
| Location Symbolism | Built facing the sea – as Goddess Lakshmi is said to have emerged from the ocean (Samudra Manthan) |
| Major Festivals | Navaratri, Deepavali (Diwali), Aadi Fridays, Thai Fridays, and special Lakshmi Pujas on full-moon days |
| Daily Rituals | Six Pooja schedule (Aarukala pooja) with Vedic chanting and ghee-lit lamps |
| Temple Timings (General) | Morning: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PMEvening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Extended Timings (Fri–Sun) | Morning darshan till 1:00 PM |
| Aarti Timings | Morning Aarti – around 7:00 AMEvening Aarti – around 6:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free (no special or VIP tickets) |
| Dress Code | Traditional / Modest clothing recommended; footwear not allowed inside |
| Best Time to Visit | January–April and August–November (pleasant weather and festival seasons) |
| Spiritual Benefits | Brings blessings for wealth, education, health, family harmony, and victory in life |
| How to Reach | By Road: 13 km from Chennai Central; accessible via ECR Road.By Train: Nearest station – Thiruvanmiyur / Chennai Central.By Air: Chennai International Airport (≈ 18 km). |
| Nearby Attractions | Elliot’s Beach, Velankanni Church, Thiruvanmiyur Marunde |
Origins & Spiritual Significance
According to Hindu tradition, goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean when the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the Milky Ocean (Samudra Manthan). She became the consort of Vishnu, and embodies the eight-fold wealth and accomplishments: offspring, victory, food, knowledge, bravery, courage, prosperity and wealth. (maduraitourism.com)
The “Ashta” in Ashtalakshmi means eight, hence the eight forms or aspects of Lakshmi are enshrined here. The temple thus became a place where devotees aspire to receive the full spectrum of blessings from the goddess. (AstroVed)
The temple was built with the blessings of Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal (of the Kanchi Mutt) and arose on a foundation laid in January 1974, with the consecration taking place on 5 April 1976. (Wikipedia)
Architectural Highlights & Layout
One of the first striking features of the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple is its layout and architecture:
- The temple is built in the shape of the sacred syllable “Om” (Aum) — often referred to as Omkara Kshetra — which is rare for temple design and intended to harmonise spiritual vibration with physical layout. (News Today | First with the news)
- Inspired by the architecture of the Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Uthiramerur, the design follows the ancient Ashtanga Vimana style, meaning eight-part structure, and multiple levels so that devotees can access various shrines without stepping over any sanctum. (sriashtalakshmi.org)
- The temple comprises three main floors: On the second level (one of the upper levels) reside the primary deities of Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu. On the third floor are the shrines for Santhana Lakshmi (children), Vijaya Lakshmi (victory), Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge) and Gaja Lakshmi (animals/elephants). On the first or ground level are shrines for Adhi Lakshmi (primordial), Dhaanya Lakshmi (grains / food), and Dhairya Lakshmi (courage). Dhana Lakshmi (wealth) alone occupies a shrine at the topmost level. (maduraitourism.com)
- The temple’s location facing the Bay of Bengal is symbolic — since Lakshmi emerged from the ocean, the sea becomes part of the sacred landscape. (chennaites.com)
In sum, the design merges oceanic symbolism, Vaishnava theology (Vishnu & Lakshmi), and Vedic mantra form — making the temple both visually and spiritually layered.
Rituals, Festivals & Devotional Life
The daily routine at the temple follows the six-pooja (Aarukala) system in line with Vedic traditions. Ghee-lit lamps, Vedic chants and disciplined pujas sustain the devotional ambience. (AstroVed)
Key festivals and occasions here include:
- Navaratri: Nine nights of special worship, cultural programmes and processions. (tamilnadu tourism)
- Diwali / Deepavali: Illuminations, Lakshmi puja, and Thirukalyanam (divine marriage) ceremonies for Lakshmi and Vishnu. (News Today | First with the news)
- Fridays in the Tamil months of Thai (Jan–Feb) and Aadi (July–Aug) are considered especially powerful for Lakshmi-worship; special poojas are held. (AstroVed)
For devotees seeking blessings of prosperity, knowledge, health, or courage, the temple offers both ritual and symbolism in a coastal serene setting.
Visiting Experience & Practical Tips
Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai – by the beach, making it easy to pair a temple visit with a seaside walk.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (fresh sea breeze) or just before evening. According to Tamil Nadu Tourism, ideal months are January to April. (tamilnadu tourism)
Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended — sarees for women, dhoti/kurta for men — and modest clothing is appreciated. (tamilnadu tourism)
Timings:
- Morning: ~6:30 AM – 12:00 NOON
- Evening: ~4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- On Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays: extended morning until ~1:00 PM. (AstroVed)
Entry Fee: Free for all devotees. (tamilnadu tourism)
Nearby Attractions: Since you’re by the shoreline, you can stroll along Elliot’s Beach, enjoy the sea breeze before or after your darshan, and admire the temple’s façade at sunset.
Pro Tip: On festival days (Navaratri, Diwali) crowds will be heavy. Arriving early gives better access. Evening aarti or sunset by the sea afterwards is peaceful and photogenic.
