Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple
Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple
Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple is a Siva temple in Egmore in Chennai in Tamil Nadu (India). It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar.
History
The temple is believed to have existed at least since the 7th century CE, when Appar sang about it. Thus, the temple comes under the Vaippu Sthalam group of temples sung by Nayanars. Appar calls the place as "Elhu-mur" or "Elhu-oor" or "Ezhumur", literally meaning the "place of seven", which signifies the seven sages, viz. Atri, Brighu, Bharadwaja, Vasishta, Gautama, Kashyapa, and Vishwamitra, all of whom are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here. The name was later anglicized as "Egmore". The temple is believed to have fallen into disrepair.
Architecture and layout
The temple faces east and has Mahamantapa (great hall), Bali peeta, and Nandi mantapa. The presiding deity is known as Ardhanarisvarar (Shiva). His consort is known as Tiripurasundari (Parvathi). Shiva appears in the form of Lingam, mounted on a base known as avudayar of 3.5-feet
circumference. The Ardhanareeswara form belongs to Satyo Jatham, facing west. The Tripurasundari shrine is located to the left of the presiding deity, facing south.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
The temple is inside Chennai, in Chennai. Autos, app cabs and the city's buses reach it easily; leave extra time in evening traffic. Chennai airport (MAA) is about 13 km away. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- Maha Shivaratri — February–March
- Pradosham — twice a month, evening
- Arudra Darshan — December–January
- Karthigai Deepam — November–December
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
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Quick facts
| Deity | — |
| Town | Chennai |
| District | Chennai district |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Chennai Temples |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
Temples near Chennai
More Chennai temples
Frequently asked
Where is Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple?
Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple is in Chennai, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 13 km away.
What are the timings at Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Elumur Ardhanareeswarar Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, Arudra Darshan. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.