Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil
Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil
Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Ayyappa in Chennai, India. It is located at Raja Annamalaipuram, a coastal neighbourhood of Chennai.
History
The temple was built by noted industrialist M. A. M. Ramaswamy Chettiar, son of Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar of the Chettinad Royal Family, who upon taking a pilgrimage to Sabarimala envisioned building a similar temple in 1973. The temple was established in 1981 and constructed and congregated in 1982 on the land donated to the temple by Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar. The Ayyappa idol, made of Panchaloha (five precious metals representing the five elements of nature), was made by Sri Bhattanachariar, a sculptor from Nagercoil.
On 27 March 2024, fourth Kumbabishegam was performed with three new additional sanctums. (Vinayagar, Navagraham and Anjaneyar)
Architecture and layout
The temple is built as an exact replica of the original Ayyappan Temple at Sabarimala in Kerala. The temple was constructed in three floors presumably to lend the feeling of being atop a hill similar to the Sabarimala hill. The architecture follows the Kerala style and tradition with 18 steps to the main shrine and the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is known as Vada Sabari or North Sabarimala. Methods of worship is similar to the Sabarimala temple, whereby devotees observe all fasting, carry Irumudi (the sacred twin baggage) and sing bhajans as they do for a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
The temple has a golden and a silver chariots taken on procession during festival days.
Festivals and worship
The festivals at the temple begin from Karthikai first day (in November) with Mandala Pujas and Brahmotsavam.
The poojas (religious practices) in the temple are performed per the rules in Sabarimala, the difference being that the Sabarimala temple is open only on specific days in a year, while Rajah Annamalaipuram temple is open to devotees throughout the year.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil, Chennai”, 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 11 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
- 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 Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil?
Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil is in Chennai, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 11 km away.
What are the timings at Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil?
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 Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil?
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.