Tamil Nadu is home to several revered shrines of Lord Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Sastha, where the devotion and rituals reflect the same sanctity as those found in Sabarimala, Kerala. Many of these temples feature Kerala-style architecture, sacred 18 steps, and gold-plated flagstaffs, symbolizing purity, devotion, and divine discipline. Let us explore five such prominent and divine Ayyappan temples in Tamil Nadu — from Chennai to Coimbatore and beyond — known for their architecture, traditions, and spiritual significance.
1. Sri Ayyappan Temple, Anna Nagar, Chennai
The Sri Ayyappa Seva Samajam Temple in Anna Nagar is one of Chennai’s most visited Ayyappan temples. Popularly known as “North Sabarimala,” this temple is a hub for Ayyappa devotees throughout the year. Constructed in the late 1970s under the guidance of traditional Kerala architects, it beautifully replicates the Sabarimala style with its gold-covered flagpost and sloping copper-roofed mandapam.
The temple was consecrated in 1984 by Sabarimala’s chief priests and stands as a leading center of Ayyappa worship in Chennai. The sanctum houses a Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa facing west, flanked by shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Subramanya, Durga, and Anjaneya. The main hall, capable of accommodating around 1,000 devotees, adds to its grandeur.
Timings:
Morning: 05:00 am – 11:00 am
Evening: 04:45 pm – 09:00 pm
Festivals:
The temple’s annual festival during December, Mandalakalam pujas (November–December), and the grand Arrattu Procession to Marina Beach are the highlights. Other celebrations include Pradhishta Dinam, Panguni Uthiram, Navaratri, Skanda Shasti, Rama Navami, and Vinayaka Chaturthi.
2. Sree Ayyappan Temple, Siddhapudur, Coimbatore
Known as the “Second Sabarimala,” the Sree Ayyappan Temple in Siddhapudur, Coimbatore, is a major spiritual landmark. The temple’s 18 holy steps (Pathinettampadi) made of Panchaloha and its Kerala-style sanctum reflect authentic Ayyappa traditions. The main deity, Manikandan, sits in a yogic posture, surrounded by shrines for Ganapathy, Bhagavathi, Shiva, Guruvayurappan, and Murugan.
Built in stages since 1942, the temple was consecrated in 1969, and its golden flagstaff was installed in 1972. Managed by the local Ayyappa Sabha, the temple continues to serve as a spiritual haven for devotees observing vratham before their Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Timings:
Morning: 05:00 am – 10:30 am
Evening: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Festivals:
Major festivals include Mandala Pooja, Makara Sankranti, Pradosham, Ekadashi, Karthikai Deepam, and Maha Shivaratri. During the Mandala Kalam, the temple becomes vibrant with special abhishekams and bhajans.
3. Sri Ayyappan Temple, Tiruchirappalli (Cantonment)
Located in Trichy’s Cantonment area, this temple combines serenity and spiritual grandeur. Designed in the Kerala architectural style, it features a striking 50-foot-tall idol of Lord Ayyappa — a landmark in the city. The temple complex includes a large meditation hall, lush gardens, and shrines for Ganapathy, Bhagavathi Amman, and Navagrahas.
Established in the 1970s by a devoted group of Ayyappa bhaktas, the temple upholds Sabarimala’s spiritual discipline. Devotees undertake the 41-day vratham, carry irumudi, and ascend the sacred 18 steps for darshan. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained premises make it one of Trichy’s most beloved spiritual spots.
Timings:
Morning: 05:00 am – 11:00 am
Evening: 05:00 pm – 08:30 pm
Festivals:
The Mandalam festival (November–December) and Makara Vilakku (January 14) are celebrated grandly, mirroring the spirit of Sabarimala. Karthikai Deepam and Vishu are also observed with lamp lighting and abhishekams.
4. Sri Dharmasastha Iyyappa Swamy Temple, Dhoodi (Shoolagiri)
Hidden in the serene village of Dhoodi near Shoolagiri in Krishnagiri district, this temple is a true gem for Ayyappa devotees. The west-facing entrance arch features stunning sculptures of Ayyappa with Ganapathy and Murugan, and devotees climb 18 Panchaloha steps to reach the sanctum — reserved only for those carrying the sacred Irumudi.
The temple’s design merges Kerala and South Indian architectural elements, with gold-roofed towers, a tall Dwajasthambam, and colourful murals depicting deities. Inside, shrines to Manja Matha Devi, Murugan, Ganapathy, Anjaneya, Sage Agastya, and the Navagrahas create a divine aura.
Timings:
Morning: 06:00 am – 10:30 am
Evening: 05:00 pm – 07:30 pm
Festivals:
Mandala Puja and Makara Vilakku are the main festivals here. The temple also conducts unique Moolamandira Homams on Amavasya days for relief from planetary afflictions, along with Navagraha Shanti rituals and Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations.
5. Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil, Chennai
The Rajah Annamalaipuram (RA Puram) Ayyappan Temple is one of Chennai’s grandest Ayyappan shrines and an exact replica of the Sabarimala temple. Built in 1981–82 by industrialist M.A.M. Ramaswamy of the Chettinad family, the temple is fondly known as “North Sabarimala.” Unlike Sabarimala, this temple remains open throughout the year and follows the same puja rituals and schedule.
The sanctum is approached via 18 golden steps, and the temple’s magnificent 40-foot gold-plated Dwajasthambam, copper-roofed mandapam, and granite-wood structure display exquisite Kerala artistry. The Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa was sculpted in Nagercoil and installed after being carried through a grand procession across Tamil Nadu.
Timings:
Morning: 06:00 am – 10:30 am
Evening: 05:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Festivals:
The temple celebrates the 41-day Mandala Puja season starting in November, followed by Karthikai Deepam, Brahmotsavam, and Makara Sankranti with the lighting of the Makara Jyothi and grand Annadanam. Vishu, Ugadi, and Vinayaka Chaturthi are also marked with special rituals and pujas.
These Ayyappan temples across Tamil Nadu embody devotion, discipline, and the Sabarimala spirit within the state. Whether visited during Mandalakalam or on any auspicious day, these sacred abodes fill the hearts of pilgrims with peace, faith, and a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
