Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvottiyur

The Thyagaraja Temple is a Hindu place of worship in Chennai district, India, covering roughly 4000 square meters (about 1 acre). The entrance is topped by a seven-story tower, and inside the courtyard stand several smaller shrines along with a rectangular water tank.

The site was founded in the 7th century under Pallava rulers, who built several religious structures in this area. In the 11th century, Chola kings added new halls and shrines, expanding the grounds toward the north and west.

The deity worshiped here is known as Thyagaraja, referring to the sacrifice he is believed to have made to save an elephant. Worshipers often arrive early in the morning to participate in ritual ablutions and offer flowers and coconuts before the shrines.

The site opens twice each day: mornings from 6 to noon and afternoons from 4 to 8:30 PM. The nearest railway stop at Tiruvottiyur is only a short walk away, making it easy to reach by public transport.

The main deity Aadhipureeswarar appears as a mound of clay covered with a metal armor. On full moon days, priests remove this armor so visitors can see the form underneath.