Sai Baba Temple, Mylapore: A Spiritual Oasis
Experience serenity at Chennai's Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore, a beacon of interfaith harmony and spiritual solace since 1952.
Nestled in the bustling Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, the Sai Baba Temple stands as a spiritual landmark dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi. Established in 1952 by Sri Narasimha Swamiji, a devoted follower of Sai Baba, the temple is the headquarters of the All India Sai Samaj. Often called the 'Shirdi of the South', it attracts devotees from all religions seeking peace and blessings. The temple's history is rooted in Sri Narasimha Swamiji's devotion, who initially worshipped a picture of Sai Baba under a tamarind tree at the current location. Over time, his efforts led to the construction of the temple, which became a center for spreading Sai Baba's teachings. In 1987, a beautiful white marble statue of Sai Baba was installed, adding to the temple's sanctity. Devotees are allowed to touch the statue, offer garlands, and take photographs, a unique practice compared to other Sai Baba temples. The temple promotes religious harmony, with the Quran and the Bible being read at specific times. The temple complex includes shrines for Dwarakamayi, Gurusthan, and the Samadhi of Sri Narasimha Swamiji. The atmosphere is serene, with the sound of bhajans enhancing the spiritual experience. The temple offers Annadanam (food donation) and Prasadam (blessed food) to devotees. Visiting the temple is a deeply immersive experience, especially on Thursdays, which are considered special. However, weekdays offer a quieter visit. Despite being located on a busy street, the temple provides a tranquil escape for prayer and meditation.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a less crowded and more peaceful experience.
- Thursdays are special, but expect larger crowds due to special rituals.
- Be mindful of accessibility challenges for elderly or disabled visitors in certain areas.
- Photography is allowed, a unique feature compared to other Sai Baba temples.
A brief summary to Sai Baba Temple Mylapore
- 27M7+4VF, Venkatesa Agraharam Rd, Chennai, Kapaleeswarar Nagar, Venkatesa Agraharam, Mylapore, Tamil Nadu, 600028, IN
- Monday 6 am-1 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-1 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-1 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-1 pm
- Saturday 6 am-1 pm
- Sunday 6 am-1 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
Mylapore is well-connected by Chennai's public transport network. From Chennai Central Railway Station or Chennai Airport, take a local train (MRTS or EMU) or a bus to Mylapore. Several bus routes connect Mylapore to other parts of the city. From the Mylapore bus stand or railway station, the temple is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride away. Bus fares range from ₹8-₹26. Train fares from Chennai Central to Tirumailai (Mylapore) range from ₹27-₹700.
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Taxi
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available in Chennai. From Chennai Central Railway Station, a taxi to Mylapore costs approximately ₹162-₹277. From Chennai Airport to Mylapore, taxi fares range from ₹188-₹330. Auto-rickshaws are a cheaper alternative, with fares around ₹204-₹308 from the airport to Mylapore. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are also popular.
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Walking
If you are already in the Mylapore area, walking to the Sai Baba Temple is a viable option. The temple is located on Venkatesa Agraharam Road, near Kapaleeswarar Temple. From the Kapaleeswarar Temple, it is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Be mindful of traffic as the area is typically busy.
