The Ashtalakshmi Temple, also known as Ashtalakshmi Kovil, is a renowned Hindu shrine located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight divine forms (Ashtalakshmi), this temple stands as a symbol of divine prosperity, wealth, knowledge, strength, success, food, courage, and progeny.
Nestled near Elliot’s Beach, this architectural marvel allows visitors to view all sanctums without stepping into each one, a unique and rare temple layout. It was constructed in 1976, following the wishes of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt and inaugurated under the guidance of Vedanta Desikan Swami, the 44th pontiff of Ahobila Matha.
Ashtalakshmi Temple – Key Highlights
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Temple Name: Ashtalakshmi Temple
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Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090, Tamil Nadu
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Established In 1976
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Main Deity: Ashta Lakshmi (8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi)
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Managed By: HR & CE Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
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Significance: Temple for the eight aspects of wealth & prosperity
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Temple Structure: Multi-level Hindu architectural style modeled after Varadaraja Perumal Temple
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Time Required: 1–2 Hours
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Booking Modes: Offline & Online
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Best Visiting Day: Fridays and Festival Days
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Official Website: ashtalakshmi.org
Darshan Timings 2025
| Darshan Type | Timings | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 06:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Morning Darshan | 06:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Darshan Break | 12:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Evening Darshan | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Temple Closing | 09:00 PM (10:00 PM Sunday) | Monday to Sunday |
Note: On Fridays, Sundays, and government holidays, morning darshan is extended till 01:00 PM. Timings may change on festivals and special occasions.
Pooja & Aarti Schedule
| Pooja Name | Timing |
|---|---|
| Subrabhadham / Vishwarupa Poojai | 06:30 AM – 07:00 AM |
| Morning Aarti | 07:00 AM |
| Thiruvaradanam Pooja | 08:00 AM – 09:30 AM |
| Uchikkala Pooja | 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Sayaraksha (Evening) Pooja | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM |
| Thiruvaradanam (Night Pooja) | 07:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Night Aarti | 08:00 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 08:45 PM – 09:00 PM |
Seva & Pooja Ticket Prices at Ashtalakshmi Temple
| Seva / Offering | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Archanai Ticket | ₹5 |
| Express Entrance Ticket | ₹100 |
| Special Entrance Ticket | ₹20 |
| Thani Sannadhi Archanai Ticket | ₹25 |
| Single Lakshmi Archanai | ₹25 |
| Perumal Sahasranama Archanai | ₹101 |
| Mahalakshmi Sagaskara Archanai | ₹101 |
| Two-wheeler Pooja | ₹101 |
| Four-wheeler Pooja | ₹201 |
| Thalikai Kattanam (Marital Ritual) | ₹225 |
| Marriage Registration Fee | ₹351 |
| Anjaneya Vadamalai | ₹351 |
| Moolavar Thirumanjanam | ₹501 – ₹1001 |
| Pushpa Alangaram | ₹1501 |
| Nei Deepam Kattalai | ₹351 |
| Special Puja | ₹2001 |
| One-day Annadhana Kattalai | ₹2500 |
| Thirukalyana Urchavam (Divine Wedding) | ₹3001 |
| Sri Suktha Homam | ₹3501 |
| Nithiya Pooja Kattalai | ₹10001 |
| Annathana Kattalai | ₹25001 |
Temple Opening & Closing Hours (Day-wise)
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 06:30 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 06:30 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 06:30 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Thursday | 06:30 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Friday | 06:30 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Saturday | 06:30 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Sunday | 06:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
How to Book Online Darshan or Seva at Ashtalakshmi Temple
You can book Seva services online via the official temple website:
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Visit the official website at https://ashtalakshmi.org
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Navigate to the “Online Booking” or “Services” section.
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Choose your preferred pooja/seva and desired date.
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Complete the registration and payment process.
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Receive your confirmation receipt via email or SMS.
⚠️ Make sure you only use the official website. Do not rely on third-party agents or websites for bookings.
Contact Information
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Temple Address: Arulmigu Mahalakshmi Temple, 1, Mahalakshmi Kovil Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090, Tamil Nadu
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Phone Number: 044-24466777
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Email ID: mahalakshmitemple015@gmail.com
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Official Website: https://ashtalakshmi.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Ashtalakshmi Temple famous for?
The temple is renowned for honoring Goddess Lakshmi in her 8 forms, representing various aspects of wealth and life blessings.
Q: What are the darshan timings of the Ashtalakshmi Temple?
Darshan is available from 06:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM daily, with extended hours on Fridays and holidays.
Q: Is there an entry fee to visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple?
General darshan is free, but special entrance and seva tickets are available at nominal charges.
Q: Can I book poojas online at the Ashtalakshmi Temple?
Yes, online booking for selected sevas and pujas is available via ashtalakshmi.org.
Q: Which festivals are mainly celebrated at this temple?
Major festivals include Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, Navaratri, Deepavali, and Puthandu (Tamil New Year).