5000 Years Old Shiva Temple in Chennai

While pinpointing a Shiva temple in Chennai that is definitively 5000 years old is challenging, here are some of the city’s most ancient and historically significant Shiva temples:

1)- Kapaleeswarar Temple: Located in Mylapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Karpagambal. While the current structure is believed to have been built during the Pallava dynasty around the 7th century CE, mentions in the Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmar saints suggest its ancient origins. The temple is known for its Dravidian-style architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant festivals. You can visit from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

2)- Marundeeswarar Temple: Situated in Thiruvanmiyur, adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the verses of Nayanar saints Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar during the 7th century CE. The Chola kings extensively expanded the temple during the 11th century CE. People with diseases have worshipped at the Marundeeswarar temple seeking healing. The temple has two seven-tiered gateway towers and a huge tank, covering approximately 1 acre. Six daily rituals are performed here from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals are celebrated.

3)- Ekambareswarar Temple: Located in George Town, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the five segments of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element Earth. Believed to be over 1300 years old, it was built during the Pallava dynasty and renovated by the Chola and Vijayanagara rulers. Maha Shivaratri is a major festival here3. You can visit from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

4)- Thyagaraja Temple: Situated in Tiruvottiyur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Thyagaraja in this region. It is believed to have been originally constructed by the Chola dynasty in the 9th century AD, with later contributions from the Pallava and Vijayanagara eras. You can visit from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

5)- Dhenupureeswarar Temple: Located in Madambakkam, this Shiva temple was built between 956 and 973 CE during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka Chola II. The main sanctum has an apsidal shape, resembling the back of a sleeping elephant. The temple was consolidated with stones during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, and well-preserved Chola sculptures and carved pillar bases are present. The Archaeological Survey of India has conserved and restored the temple, recognizing it as a monument of national importance.