The Ashtalakshmi temple is situated in Elliot's beach in Besant Nagar, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The temple was built in the year 1976 on the wishes of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal.

     The temple's architecture is unique, with the deities installed in four levels. The shrine of Mahaalakshmi & Mahaavishnu (the principal deities) is in level two. Here one can see the imposing, bigger than life vigrahams facing the eastern horizon overlooking the sea.

     Walking up the stairs to the third tier, the path leads to the shrine of Santaana Lakshmi (bestower of offspring) facing south. Next we get the darshan of Vijayalakshmi (bestower of success in all ventures, vijaya - success), on the western side on the 3rd tier. Vidyaalakshmi (associated with learning & wisdom) sits facing the northern side & the shrine of Gajalaskhmi (bestower of all round prosperity) is located facing the eastern side on the 3rd tier.

     A flight of few steps above leads one to the 4th tier, where the only shrine of Dhanalakshmi (Goddess of wealth) is located facing eastward.

     The principal deities, at the ground level on the southern flank of the gopuram is the shrine for Aadhi Lakshmi. On the western flank is the shrine for Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of food grains). Dhairiya Lakshmi's (the Goddess of courage & strength) shrine is situated on the northern flank.

     There is a sannadhi for the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, to the left of which is the Madapalli. There are shrines for Tumbikai Aazhwar (Ganesha), Guruvaayurappan, Chakrathaazhwar & Narasimhar (on either side of the same idol), Aanjaneyar & Dhanvantri.


     The annual temple fair is celebrated in March April.

Timing: Morning: 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Evening 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m

Location: Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai.

Phone : +91-4424911763

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