Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple
Shiva (Karaneeswarar) temple · Chennai (Saidapet), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple is a Shiva temple in Saidapet, Chennai, where Shiva is worshipped as Karaneeswarar alongside the goddess Swarnambika, also written Sornambigai (DT Next; Maalaimalar; Dinamalar). Its main annual festival is held in the Tamil month of Chithirai (DT Next; Dinamalar).
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple
According to tradition, the temple is linked to Indra and the celestial cow Kamadhenu: a curse turned Kamadhenu into an earthly cow, and Indra worshipped Shiva at this spot to restore her (DT Next; Maalaimalar).
During the Chithirai festival, the temple re-enacts the story of the child saint Thirugnanasambandar receiving the milk of wisdom from the goddess (Maalaimalar; Dinamalar).
Heritage
History of Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple
The sources do not agree on the temple's age. DT Next says the present structure is at least 300 years old and has had recent modifications (DT Next), Tamil newspapers describe the temple as about 450 years old (Maalaimalar; Dinamalar), and ThePrint reports that it is said to have been built in the 1800s (ThePrint). No inscription or archaeological dating was found in the sources consulted.
Architecture and sacred features
The temple has an entrance gopuram (DT Next; Maalaimalar), which ThePrint describes as intricately carved (ThePrint), and a temple tank (DT Next; Maalaimalar).
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The sources consulted do not give verified opening hours or rules for visitors. Confirm current arrangements with the temple office or the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple
Chithirai Brahmotsavam
The temple's main annual festival, described by DT Next as a ten-day Brahmotsavam in Chithirai (DT Next; Dinamalar). Its rites include the episode of Thirugnanasambandar receiving the milk of wisdom from the goddess (Maalaimalar; Dinamalar).
Location
How to Reach Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple
The temple is in Saidapet, a neighbourhood of Chennai (DT Next; Maalaimalar). The Chennai district administration lists Chennai International Airport, about 7 km from the main city, and the city's two main railway terminals, Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore (Chennai District Administration). These distances are measured from the city, not from the temple (Chennai District Administration).
Location: Chennai (Saidapet), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (about 7 km from the main city, per Chennai District Administration)
More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Karaneeswarar) temples · Temples in Chennai District
Questions
Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Which deity is worshipped at the Karaneeswarar Temple in Saidapet?
Shiva is worshipped as Karaneeswarar, with the goddess Swarnambika, also written Sornambigai (DT Next; Maalaimalar; Dinamalar).
What is the legend of the temple?
According to tradition, Indra worshipped Shiva here to restore the celestial cow Kamadhenu after a curse turned her into an earthly cow (DT Next; Maalaimalar).
How old is the temple?
Sources differ: DT Next says the present structure is at least 300 years old, Tamil newspapers say about 450 years, and ThePrint says it is said to date from the 1800s (DT Next; Maalaimalar; Dinamalar; ThePrint).
When is the main festival?
The main festival is held in the Tamil month of Chithirai (DT Next; Dinamalar). DT Next describes it as a ten-day Brahmotsavam (DT Next).
Is there a temple tank?
Yes, the temple has its own tank (DT Next; Maalaimalar).
Is this the same as the Karaneeswarar temple in Mylapore?
No. This page covers the temple in Saidapet (DT Next; Maalaimalar). A separate Karaneeswarar temple stands on Bazaar Road in Mylapore (Mylapore Times; Maalaimalar).
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- DT Next — Saidapet: The Threshold of Madras (12 June 2022)
- ThePrint — Nawabs to temples & vada curry: Chennai walk traces hidden histories of Saidapet (11 December 2024)
- Maalaimalar — Sornambigai udanurai Karaneeswarar kovil (Tamil, 15 October 2018)
- Dinamalar — Chariot festival at Karaneeswarar temple (Tamil, 27 April 2026)
- Dinamalar — Chennai's Karaneeswarar on the Purushamiruga vahana (24 April 2026)
- Mylapore Times — Chithirai ther at Karaneeswarar temple, Mylapore (April 2015; cited only to distinguish the Mylapore temple)
- Maalaimalar — Vasishta munivar vazhipatta Karaneeswarar kovil, Mylapore (Tamil, May 2021; cited only to distinguish the Mylapore temple)
- Chennai District Administration — How to Reach
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