Adi Kesava Perumal Temple - Chennai

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Tamil Nadu state of South India is popular for its ancient and architecturally beautiful temples. Mylapore locality in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, has a lot of important temples such as Kapaleeswarar temple. There is a lesser known temple named Adikesava Perumal temple located near Vedanta Desikar temple in Mylapore.


Adikesava is another name for Lord Vishnu. Adikesava Perumal and Peyalvar are the presiding deities of this temple. Please note that Mylapore is the birthplace of Peyalvar, one of twelve Alwars, the great devotees of Lord Vishnu and great acharyas of Vaishnavism.


Although the temple of Adikesava Perumal is small, it has a rajagopuram (tower) facing the east direction. Like any other traditional South Indian temples, it also has the bali peeth, flag staff and Garud facing the main shrine. The main shrine has the idol of Adi Kesava Perumal with four arms in the standing posture. There is a shrine facing the south direction dedicated to the large idol of Peyalvar.


The goddess of the temple Mayuravalli is found in a separate shrine in the prakara (corridor surrounding the temple). The temple also has the shrines for Ramanujar, Chakrathalwar and Narasimha on back, Andal, Tirumizhisai Alwar and Ram-Lakshman-Sita with Hanuman. The small images of Ganesha and Nagaraj are found in a pillar.


When you happen to pass by Myalapore ensure that you pay homage to this small beautiful temple which is considered as one of the oldest temples of Mylapore.

 The temple tank is located outside the complex. It is called as Chitra Kulam. It is the second largest tank of Mylapore. Also, it is a very important landmark.


Happy travelling.





Fast Facts:
Site Name: Adi Kesava Perumal Temple
Site Type: Hindu Temple
Location:  Mylapore, Chennai city, Tamil Nadu state, India 
Highlights: A famous Vishnu temple in Chennai; Peyalvar is the main deity in the temple
Nearest Railway Station: Chennai - well connected from the cities/towns all over India
Nearest Airport: Chennai has both national and international airports
How to reach: Easily reachable by road from any part of the city; local train facility is also available in Mylapore
Hotel: Many star hotels, luxury hotels/resorts, and budget hotels are available in Chennai
Restaurants: All options - vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Chinese, South Indian, Gujarati, North Indian, Punjabi,....- you can find everything in Chennai city


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