What to expect
Kandaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan and popularly called Kandha Kottam, this is one of the most important Murugan temples in old Madras. Also known as the Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam, it was established in the 17th century by the Vellala merchant community of George Town. Its annual Skanda Sashti festival draws large crowds.
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Kandaswamy Temple
Place
Practical guide
Plan Kandaswamy Temple
Typetemple
Nearest baseGeorge Town
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseGeorge Town
DistrictChennai
Place typetemple
Time neededAbout an hour.
Dedicated to Lord Murugan and popularly called Kandha Kottam, this is one of the most important Murugan temples in old Madras. Also known as the Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam, it was established in the 17th century by the Vellala merchant community of George Town. Its annual Skanda Sashti festival draws large crowds.
Kandaswamy Temple is planned from George Town, one of the travel bases in Chennai district. Use George Town for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Kandaswamy Temple — at a glance
Timings6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Best timeYear-round; Skanda Sashti (Oct-Nov) for festivities
Entry: Free
Getting there: Kandhakottam is in George Town near Mint Street; nearest stations are Chennai Central and Chennai Beach.
Skanda Sashti (Oct-Nov) is the busiest and most colourful time to visit.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in George Town or nearby in Chennai, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Distance by road
- Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)55 km
- Kanchipuram72 km
- Puducherry150 km
- Vellore135 km
- Tirupati135 km
Road km to Chennai; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Kandaswamy TempleSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Kandaswamy Temple is
Good to know
Kandaswamy Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Kandaswamy Temple?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Kandaswamy Temple?
Entry: Free. Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Kandaswamy Temple?
Base yourself in George Town or nearby in Chennai, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Kandaswamy Temple?
About an hour.
What else is near Kandaswamy Temple?
Nearby you can pair Sowcarpet (330 m), Ekambareswarar Temple (400 m), Chenna Malleeswarar Temple (620 m), Chennakesava Perumal Temple (620 m).
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