Chennai, Tamil Nadu · temple
At a glance: Ashtalakshmi Temple, officially listed as Mahalakshmi Temple, stands in the coastal Besant Nagar neighbourhood. Its distinctive feature is the arrangement of Lakshmi shrines across several levels. Visit for worship and the temple’s architectural organisation, with time to check the permitted route and stair access.
Listed vegetarian options. Shown distances are approximate straight-line distances; road routes may be longer.
Vegetarian dining on Second Avenue, Besant Nagar, with Indian starters, curries, rice and broader cuisine choices.
Ragada Patties · ₹365
Est. for two ₹1,245 · Hygiene not assessed
0.7 km away (straight line)
The Adyar branch of Cream Centre, with channa, breads, paneer dishes and a wider vegetarian menu.
Channa (370g) · ₹550
Est. for two ₹1,500 · Hygiene not assessed
1.5 km away (straight line)
Pan-Indian vegetarian dishes, South Indian rice preparations and desserts in Gandhi Nagar, Adyar.
Paneer Tikka · ₹375
Est. for two ₹1,195 · Hygiene not assessed
2.7 km away (straight line)
Ashtalakshmi Temple, officially listed as Mahalakshmi Temple, stands in the coastal Besant Nagar neighbourhood. Its distinctive feature is the arrangement of Lakshmi shrines across several levels. Visit for worship and the temple’s architectural organisation, with time to check the permitted route and stair access.
The temple brings together the eight forms associated with Ashtalakshmi, alongside Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu. HRCE identifies its worship tradition and the Ashtanga Vimanam arrangement. Follow the shrine names along the permitted devotional route.
The official description places Adilakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi and Dhairyalakshmi at the lower level. It names Gajalakshmi, Santhanalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi and Vidyalakshmi on the first floor, with Dhanalakshmi on the second. These specific names make a useful checklist when following the route permitted that day.
Visiting upper shrines involves a different physical experience from staying at ground level. Ask staff about current stairs, assistance and any restricted sections before committing to the full route. Confirm step-free access or assistance directly; coastal proximity does not establish it.
Published darshan windows are 06:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:00. Friday, Sunday and government-holiday mornings extend to 13:00. The official page explicitly allows changes for festivals and special occasions, so confirm the relevant day before arranging a closely timed arrival.
The postal address is 1, Mahalakshmi Kovil Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090. Use the named temple map point and follow current entry directions. Elliot’s Beach is a separate public shoreline outing; its open-air access does not determine temple admission or worship hours.
Ask the authorised counter about any particular offering, service and applicable charge. The reviewed official pages did not establish one universal admission tariff. Follow the current instructions on footwear, dress, bags and photography, especially when moving through narrow circulation or waiting near a shrine.
Allow around seventy-five minutes, adding time for queues and your chosen shrine route. Carry only manageable belongings and keep hands available on stairs. Make a comfortable ground-level plan if the upper route is unsuitable, and avoid rushing other worshippers to complete a sightseeing checklist.
Visiting Hours
Entry Fee: No universal admission tariff was established from the current temple pages reviewed. Confirm any chosen worship service, offering or event charge directly.
Verified: October 2026
Address
1, Mahalakshmi Kovil Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600090
How to Reach: Use 1, Mahalakshmi Kovil Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090. Follow the named main temple map point and the current entrance instructions.
Yes. HRCE lists the Besant Nagar site as Mahalakshmi Temple, commonly known as Ashtalakshmi Temple.
Yes. The official description places several shrines on the first floor and Dhanalakshmi on the second; confirm current stair and assistance arrangements.
Their morning session, and government-holiday mornings, extends to 13:00. Ordinary mornings end at 12:00; festivals may change the schedule.
No. The temple and Elliot’s Beach have separate purposes and access arrangements.