Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai: A Divine Journey Through Eight Forms of Prosperity

 

Location

• Area: Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Coordinates: 12.9926°N, 80.2704°E
• Landmark: Situated near Elliot’s Beach, offering a serene coastal backdrop

Primary Deities and Subshrines

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight divine manifestations, collectively known as Ashtalakshmi, each representing a unique form of prosperity:

Lakshmi Form	Blessing Symbolized	Shrine Level
Adi Lakshmi	Primal mother goddess	Ground floor
Dhana Lakshmi	Wealth	Fourth floor
Dhairya Lakshmi	Courage	Ground floor
Gaja Lakshmi	Royal power & elephants	Third floor
Santana Lakshmi	Progeny	Third floor
Vijaya Lakshmi	Victory	Third floor
Vidya Lakshmi	Knowledge	Third floor
Veera Lakshmi	Valor	Third floor

Additional Shrines:

• Vishnu (consort of Lakshmi) – Second level
• Dashavatara (Ten avatars of Vishnu)
• Guruvayoorappan (Krishna)
• Ganesha, Hanuman, Dhanvantri (God of medicine)

Temple Significance

• Spiritual Purpose: Offers a rare opportunity to worship all eight forms of Lakshmi in one complex, promoting holistic prosperity—wealth, courage, progeny, knowledge, and victory
• Architectural Design: Multi-tiered layout ensures devotees can visit all shrines without stepping over any sanctum
• Historical Origin: Built in 1976 under the guidance of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt; inspired by the Sundara Varadaraja Perumal temple in Uthiramerur
• Renovation: In 2012, the temple underwent major restoration including a gold-plated 5.5-foot kalasam atop the sanctum

Historical Background

• Established: 1976
• Initiated by: Devotees under the guidance of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham
• Inspiration: Modeled after the Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur, known for its layered sanctum design
• Purpose: To offer devotees a unified space to worship all eight forms of Lakshmi, promoting holistic well-being

Architectural Highlights

• Design Style: Blend of Dravidian architecture with modern structural planning
• Multi-tiered Layout:
• Four levels of sanctums, arranged vertically to avoid crossing over any deity
• Allows circumambulation without violating sanctity
• Main Gopuram: Ornate entrance tower with traditional carvings
• Sanctum Arrangement:
• Ground floor: Adi Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi
• Upper floors: Other Lakshmi forms, Vishnu, Dashavatara, and auxiliary deities
• Renovations:
• In 2012, a 5.5-foot gold-plated kalasam was installed atop the sanctum
• Enhanced flooring, lighting, and structural reinforcements added

Daily Rituals

• Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deities with Vedic chants
• Archana & Abhishekam: Regular offerings of flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and sacred water to each form of Lakshmi
• Deepa Aradhana: Lamp worship performed at each shrine, especially during twilight
• Sahasranama Archana: Chanting of 1000 names of Lakshmi, often done on Fridays
• Special Fridays: Considered auspicious for Lakshmi worship; devotees offer silk sarees, coins, and lotus flowers

Major Festivals Celebrated

Festival Name	Month (Tamil/English)	Significance
Varalakshmi Vratham	Aadi / July–August	Women observe fast and offer prayers for family prosperity
Navaratri	Purattasi / Sep–Oct	Nine-day celebration of feminine divinity; special alankarams for each Lakshmi form
Deepavali	Aippasi / Oct–Nov	Festival of lights; invokes Dhana Lakshmi for wealth
Lakshmi Jayanti	Margazhi / Dec–Jan	Birth celebration of Goddess Lakshmi
Thai Pongal	Thai / Jan	Gratitude to nature and prosperity deities
Vaikunta Ekadasi	Margazhi / Dec–Jan	Vishnu-centric festival; temple opens ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’

Beliefs and Devotee Sentiments

• Holistic Prosperity: Worshipping all eight forms is believed to bring balance—wealth, courage, knowledge, progeny, and victory
• Santana Lakshmi: Couples pray here for children and family well-being
• Dhana Lakshmi: Business owners and professionals seek financial blessings
• Vidya Lakshmi: Students and scholars offer prayers for academic success
• Oceanfront Energy: The temple’s coastal location is said to amplify spiritual vibrations and serenity

Temple Hours

Day	Opening Hours
Monday–Sunday	6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
	4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: Timings may extend during festivals like Navaratri and Varalakshmi Vratham.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Located in Besant Nagar, easily accessible via auto, cab, or bus from major Chennai hubs like Adyar, T. Nagar, and Mylapore
• Nearest bus stop: Besant Nagar Bus Depot
• By Train:
• Nearest suburban station: Thiruvanmiyur (approx. 4 km)
• Chennai Central and Egmore stations are ~13–15 km away
• By Air:
• Chennai International Airport is ~17 km from the temple
• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs available

Tips

• Footwear: Must be removed before entering; racks available near entrance
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or post-sunset for peaceful darshan and sea breeze
• Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; permitted in outer corridors
• Offerings: Lotus flowers, kumkum, coins, and sarees are popular; temple counters sell puja kits