Ashta Lakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar - Chennai

The Ashta Lakshmi Temple in Chennai holds a special place in the hearts of many. Situated along the vibrant seashore of Besant Nagar, one of the city's liveliest neighborhoods, this temple has garnered fame over the years.

This splendid temple was meticulously constructed in 1976 CE. During the earlier years until the 1990s, it offered a serene setting with ample open space, allowing visitors to relish the gentle sea breeze. However, the temple's evolving landscape, marked by the addition of numerous sub-shrines and the construction of a ceiling over what was once an open expanse, has led to a perceptible congestion that has somewhat diminished its former allure. Despite this transformation, devoted pilgrims continue to flock to the temple daily, even though some of its original charm may seem lost.

The temple's architectural marvel lies in its Ashtanga Vimana, a distinctive style found in a select few temples like Madurai Koodal Azhagar, Uttiramerur, and Tirukoshtiyur. Notably, this temple does not feature a towering gopuram.

Upon entering, one is greeted by the east-facing sanctum, where the divine presences of Maha Vishnu and Maha Lakshmi stand in all their resplendence. While this temple is essentially dedicated to Lord Vishnu, its fame arises from the eight shrines devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, thus earning it the moniker "Ashta Lakshmi temple."

As is customary, Garuda faces the sanctum with unwavering devotion.

Embracing the Ashtanga Viman style, this temple features shrines on the first and second tiers. The ground floor hosts the shrines of Adi Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, and Dairya Lakshmi. Ascending to the first tier, one discovers the shrines of Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi, and Vijaya Lakshmi. Finally, Dhana Lakshmi's shrine crowns the topmost level, just below the sikhara.

The temple is adorned with several additional sub-shrines, including those dedicated to Anjaneya, Guruvayurappan, Kamala Vinayaka, Dhanvantiri, and Chakrathalwar with Yoga Narasimha on his rear.

Happy travelling.