Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur)
Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur) is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur)
Varadharaja Perumal temple is a Vishnu temple located at Kaladipet in Thiruvottiyur. This temple is located near Thyagaraja Swamy temple, Thiruvottiyur. This temple was historically known as Padmapuram and is estimated to be 500 years old. Perundevi shrine is located left to that of the Lord. The shrines for Navagrahas are installed on a stage designed as lotus petal. Magizham tree is the Thala Virutcham of the temple and Vaikanasam is the pooja.
History
In the early 1700s, Chennai was under the governance of British East India Company and Joseph Collett was the President of Madras(Chennai). Vijayaraghavachariar, a Visnhu devote, was a trusted administrator of Joseph Collett. Vijayaraghavachariar began his daily work only after worshipping Pavalavanna Perumal in Kancheepuram. As he was traveling to Kancheepuram daily, Joseph Collett gave money for the construction of this temple near Madras (Chennai) for the convenience of his trusted agent. Upon the completion of the construction of the temple, the area was named after Joseph Collett as Colletpet, which later changed to Kaladipet. Vijayaraghavachariar continued the Kancheepuram visit.
Why it matters
The Pavalavanna Perumal procession deity of the temple enjoys a special reputation in the temple with a staff in His left hand. The wedding festival is celebrated on the Panguni Uthiram day. He comes to the Mandap with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi before the Mother Perundevi shrine where the festival is celebrated. Throughout the day Perumal grants darshan with Mother. After special Tirumanjanam, He returns to the sanctum sanctorum. During the wedding festival, those facing wedding problems offer unstripped coconut as nivedhana(offering), take it home and do pujas in the faith that their wedding would soon happen.
A 9-day festival in connection with Sri Rama Navami (Lord Sri Rama's birthday) is celebrated in the temple. As this is celebrated after the birth of Sri Rama, this is called Janana Utsav. In this temple, this festival begins 9 days earlier and ends on Navami the birthday of the Lord, hence called Garba Utsav (Utsav when the Lord was in Mother Kausalya's womb). The coronation of Sri Rama is celebrated on this day. Earlier, it was an 18-day Garba and Birth Utsav covering both the periods. Now, the Garba Utsav only is celebrated.
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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 22 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
- Vaikunta Ekadasi — December–January
- Krishna Jayanthi — August–September
- Sri Rama Navami — March–April
- Purattasi Saturdays — September–October
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 Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur)?
Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur) is in Chennai, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 22 km away.
What are the timings at Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur)?
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 Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Thiruvottiyur)?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi, Sri Rama Navami. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.