Somanatha Swamy Temple
Somanatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Somanatha Swamy Temple
Somanatha Swamy Temple is a Shaivite temple, located in Kolathur, in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Main Deity (Moolavar) is Somanatheeswarar. Goddess is Amuthambigai. Viruksha is said to be Vilvam tree. Temple tanks are Chandra Theertham and Agni Theertham. This temple was constructed 800 years ago. It was worshipped by Sage Agasthiyar. The place where this temple is constructed, was called in ancient times as 'Thirukulandhai' and then 'Thirukkulathur' and nowadays as 'Kolathur'.
Festivals and worship
This temple is kept open for the devotees for darshan of deities from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. The poojas performed here are:
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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 15 km away. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: This temple is kept open for the devotees for darshan of deities from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. The poojas performed here are: Kaalasandhi pooja from 07.00 a.m. to 07.30 a.m. Saayaraksha pooja from 06.00 p.m. to 06.30 p.m. Hours change on festival days; 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: Shivratri, Amavasya, Pradosham.
- 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 Somanatha Swamy Temple?
Somanatha Swamy Temple is in Chennai, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 15 km away.
What are the timings at Somanatha Swamy Temple?
This temple is kept open for the devotees for darshan of deities from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. The poojas performed here are: Kaalasandhi pooja from 07.00 a.m. to 07.30 a.m. Saayaraksha pooja from 06.00 p.m. to 06.30 p.m. 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 Somanatha Swamy 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.