Ashtalakshmi Kovil, Hindu temple in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India.
Ashtalakshmi Kovil is an eight-story Hindu temple on Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India. Separate shrines on each floor are linked by decorated staircases that show traditional Tamil temple design.
The temple was built between 1974 and 1976 and stands among the newer religious structures in Chennai. It was raised to gather all eight forms of the goddess under one roof.
Each floor honors a different form of the goddess, from wealth and knowledge to offspring. Devotees climb from level to level, offering prayers at each shrine for different aspects of life.
The temple opens daily in the morning and late afternoon, with ceremonies held during these times. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and remove shoes before entering.
The sound of waves from the Bay of Bengal mixes with temple bells as visitors climb through the eight floors. This closeness to the sea makes it one of the few coastal temples in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
