Adi Kesava Perumal Temple - Mylapore, Chennai

Tamil Nadu is celebrated for its ancient temples and their timeless architecture. In Mylapore, one of Chennai’s most historic neighbourhoods, most visitors head straight to the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple. Yet, close to the Sri Vedanta Desikar Temple, stands a quieter Vaishnava shrine that deserves attention: the Adikesava Perumal Temple.

Adikesava is a revered name of Lord Vishnu, and here He is worshipped alongside Peyalvar, one of the twelve Alwars. Mylapore is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Peyalvar, the saint-poet whose hymns and devotion shaped the Vaishnava tradition in Tamil Nadu. It is this association that makes the temple more than just a neighbourhood shrine; it becomes part of Mylapore’s sacred map.

Though the temple is modest in scale, it has a rajagopuram that faces east. The approach follows the familiar rhythm of a South Indian temple: bali peetham, a flagstaff, and Garuda positioned in line with the main sanctum. Inside, Adikesava Perumal appears in a standing posture with four arms. A separate south-facing shrine is dedicated to a large icon of Peyalvar, underscoring the temple’s close link to the saint.

Mayuravalli, the goddess of the temple, is enshrined in her own shrine within the prakara. The temple also includes smaller shrines for Ramanujar, Chakrathalwar with Narasimha behind him, Andal, Tirumizhisai Alwar, and the Rama–Lakshmana–Sita group with Hanuman. You will also notice small icons of Ganesha and Nagaraja placed on a pillar, subtle details that add to the temple’s intimate charm.

If you are walking through Mylapore, take a few minutes to step into this small yet beautiful temple, regarded among the older shrines of the locality. Just outside the complex lies the temple tank, Chitra Kulam, an important landmark in Mylapore and known as its second-largest tank.

Happy travelling.