Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple
Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple
Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple or Mahalingapuram Ayyappan - Guruvayurappan Temples is an Ayyappan Temple located at Mahalingapuram in the neighbourhood of Nungambakkam in Chennai district in the state of Tamil Nadu in the peninsular India with the geographical coordinates of 13°03′23.0″N 80°13′54.5″E (i.e., 13.056400°N, 80.231800°E) and at an altitude of about 34 m above the mean sea level. This temple complex contains Ayyappan temple and Guruvayurappan temple adjacent to each other. And is built based on Kerala Architecture. Swamy Ayyappan appears to devotees as in a sitting posture on Srichakra with the symbol of chinmuthra, the height being about 2 ft.
Architecture and layout
The shrines of deities such as Ayyappan, Shiva, Bhagavati, Ganapathy, Subramaniar are some of the important shrines in this temple.
Festivals and worship
Gokulashtami, Makar Sankranti, Chithirai Vishu, 1st day of Tamil month Karthigai are some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple.
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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 10 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
This temple's own festivals: Gokulashtami, Makar Sankranti, Chitrai Vishu, 1st day of Tamil Karthigai month.
- Mandala season — mid-November to mid-January
- Makaravilakku — mid-January
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 Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple?
Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple is in Chennai, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 10 km away.
What are the timings at Mahalingapuram Ayyappan 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 Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: Mandala season, Makaravilakku. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.