Vengeeswarar Temple
Vengeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Vengeeswarar Temple
The Vengeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the neighbourhood of Vadapalani in Chennai, India. Though the sthalam (complex) dates back to vedic age, the temple structure is over 1000 years old and is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, known as Lord Vengeeswarar and the goddess is called Saanthanayaki Ambal. The entrance to this temple is crowned with a big rajagopuram (chief tower) adorned with several stucco images. Other deities in the temple include Ganapathi, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Bairavar, Lord Subramanya, and Goddess Gajalakshmi.
Festivals and worship
Pradhosha pooja is one of the most important among the rituals performed to Lord Shiva. Pradhosham is observed in the evening of the trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. during each Shukla Paksha (the 15-day period between a new moon and a full moon) and Krishna Paksha (the 15-day period between a full moon and a new moon), thus occurring once in every fifteen days. Pradhosha time is said to be specially meant for praying Lord Shiva. Praying during that time is believed to free the believers from their sins and gives 'moksha' (heaven) finally (hence the name Pradhosham).
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Vengeeswarar Temple”, 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. 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 | 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 Vengeeswarar Temple?
Vengeeswarar Temple is in Chennai, within Chennai city.
What are the timings at Vengeeswarar 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 Vengeeswarar 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.