Karaneeswarar Temple
Karaneeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Mylapore, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Karaneeswarar Temple
The Karaneeswarar Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple in the neighbourhood of Mylapore in Chennai, India. The temple is dedicated to Shiva as Karaneeswarar. There are also shrines to Sarvamangala Vinayaka (Ganesha), Dandapani (Kartikeya), Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Legend
According to legend, a young Brahmin in Mylapore worshipped a lingam, a symbol of Shiva. Through his penance, he discovered that Shiva was responsible for the creation, protection, and destruction of the universe. Subsequently, the lingam became the main deity of this temple, came to be known as Karaneeswarar
(literally "one who causes"). While there is no concrete proof, it is widely believed that this temple may date back to the 12th century CE.
Architecture and layout
The main deities of the temples are Karaneeswara (Shiva) and his consort Porkodi Amman (Parvati). The temple is located at Bazaar road in the middle stretch of the popular Kutcheri road in Mylapore. It is about half a kilometer from the famous Kapaleeswarar temple. Karaneeswara means "the Lord who is the cause" in Sanskrit. Shiva is believed to be the primordial cause of the universe which is his very form. He is also the Lord who can teach us the causality behind all events.
The main deities are found in two separate shrines. The temple has a small tower and as per the tradition followed in all old South Indian temples, this temple also has bali peeth, flag staff and Nandi idol facing the main shrine. The entrance of the main shrine has the idols of Shiva's son Ganesha and Dhandayudhapani (a form of Subramanya).
Festivals and worship
Devotees believe the temple visit can cure any ailment or disease. Karaneeswarar is also said to grant material boons. The worship of Karaneeswarar and his consort is said to grant a happy family life and amicability amongst family members.
An offering of a mixture—of coconut oil, sesame oil (gingelly) and castor oil in equal parts—to light oil lamps in multiples of six, is prescribed in this temple. Another important ritual is the Pradakshina (circumbulation).
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Karaneeswarar Temple, Mylapore”, 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 Mylapore. Autos, app cabs and the city's buses reach it easily; leave extra time in evening traffic. 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 | Mylapore |
| 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 Mylapore
More Chennai temples
Frequently asked
Where is Karaneeswarar Temple?
Karaneeswarar Temple is in Mylapore, within Chennai city.
What are the timings at Karaneeswarar 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 Karaneeswarar 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.