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Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Adyar
Vishnu (Padmanabha) · Adyar, Chennai
॥ ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥
The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Adyar, Chennai, is a much-loved neighbourhood shrine to Vishnu as Padmanabha — the lord from whose navel the lotus of creation springs. A 20th-century temple on the bank of the Adyar river, it follows South Indian Vaishnava tradition and is busiest on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, when devotees pass through its symbolic gate of the heavens.
Vishnu as Padmanabha
Padmanabha means “lotus-naveled” — the form of Vishnu from whose navel rises the lotus on which Brahma sits to begin creation. The deity is worshipped here in the Vaishnava manner, the same tradition made famous at Thiruvananthapuram’s great Padmanabhaswamy temple, brought into a Chennai neighbourhood shrine that serves the families of Adyar and beyond.
A 20th-century temple by the Adyar river
The temple was established in the 20th century and has grown with the surrounding locality into a steady centre of worship. It sits close to the Adyar river in south Chennai, an area known for its leafy streets and institutions, and it draws a daily flow of devotees for morning and evening worship rather than the large pilgrim crowds of the ancient temples.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi at the temple
The temple’s biggest day is Vaikuntha Ekadashi, in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January). On this day Vaishnava temples open a special doorway, the Vaikuntha Dwaram or “gate of heaven”, and devotees pass through it in the belief that doing so on this day brings liberation. Long queues form from before dawn.
Worship and the neighbourhood
Daily pujas follow the Vaishnava calendar, with abhishekam and alankaram for the deity and observances for the goddess Lakshmi. As a community temple, it also marks the festivals of the Vaishnava year and serves as a gathering point for the Adyar neighbourhood, hosting discourses and devotional music through the season.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is in Adyar, south Chennai, well connected by bus and cab from across the city.
- By Metro/rail: the Chennai Metro and suburban network serve the southern neighbourhoods nearby.
- By air: Chennai International Airport is about 12–15 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the deity at the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Adyar?
The deity is Vishnu worshipped as Padmanabha, the “lotus-naveled” form from whose navel rises the lotus bearing Brahma. Worship follows South Indian Vaishnava tradition.
How old is the Adyar Padmanabha temple?
It is a 20th-century temple that has grown alongside the Adyar neighbourhood of Chennai into a regular centre of Vaishnava worship.
What is Vaikuntha Ekadashi?
Vaikuntha Ekadashi, in the month of Margazhi (December–January), is the temple’s main festival. A special “gate of heaven” (Vaikuntha Dwaram) is opened and devotees pass through it seeking liberation; queues form before dawn.
Is this related to the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala?
It shares the same deity and Vaishnava tradition — Vishnu as Padmanabha — as the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, but it is a separate, modern neighbourhood temple in Chennai.
How do I reach the temple?
The temple is in Adyar, south Chennai, reachable by bus and cab from across the city. Chennai International Airport is about 12–15 km away.
When is the temple busiest?
Daily mornings and evenings see steady worship, while Vaikuntha Ekadashi and the major Vaishnava festivals draw the largest crowds.
॥ ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple |
| Primary Deity | Vishnu (Padmanabha) |
| Location | Adyar, Chennai |
| State | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Significance | Vaishnava neighbourhood temple |
| Architecture | South Indian (Dravidian) |
| Period | 20th century |
| Key Festival | Vaikuntha Ekadashi |
| River Nearby | Adyar |
| Nearest Airport | Chennai (~12–15 km) |
| Entry | Free |