Religious/ Spiritual

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Location

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a highly revered shrine situated in Besant Nagar, on the shores of Bay of Bengal. The architecture of the temple is unique, with the deities installed in four levels. It looks different than the other South Indian temples as it a modern construction, less than 25 years old. The temple enshrines Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Lord Vishnu as the principal deities. The temple has separate shrine for the Ashtalakshmi forms of Goddess Lakshmi. Ashtalakshmi Temple has a shrine for the Dasavathars (the 10 incarnations) of Lord Vishnu.

Armenian Church

Location

The Armenian Church in Chennai was built in 1772 on the site of the Armenian cemetery. This is a marvel of architectural beauty. This church has a magnificent bell tower having 6 bells, claimed to be the largest in Chennai. This tower attracts many and is a must place to visit in Chennai.

Built in 1792 to serve the thriving Armenian trading community in Madras (now Chennai), the Armenian Church was also the place from where the first Armenian journal in the world was published in 1794!

image Credit:

Annai Velankani Church

Location

Annai Velankanni Shrine is situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal, at the Elliot's beach, in Chennai. This beautiful shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Annai Velankani. The church is the replica of the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Velankani. People belonging to all faith and religion gather here for worship. This church attracts lots and lots of people and it is believed that one will get the same blessings in this shrine of Virgin Mary as he gets in Velankani.

Ananthaa Padmanabha Swaamy Temple

Location

This is a contemporary temple built in 1962 on land donated by His Highness Chitra Thirunal. Anantha Padmanabha, name derived from the words Padma (lotus) and nabha (navel), is depicted to be offering worship to Lord Shiva in the form of Linga. This temple is built on the same model as that of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Trivandrum. The inner chamber houses the statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Anantha Padmanabha as placed in Trivandrum.

Soami Bagh

Location

Soami Bagh, also known as Dayal Bagh, is the headquarters of the Radhasoami religious sect. This sacred place blessed with the Dayal Bagh Temple is a prime religious attraction about 15 km away from Agra and it draws huge flock of devotees everyday all through the year. Set amidst picturesque landscape the temple is a great attraction to many tourists.

Nagina Masjid

Location

Nagina Masjid is an architectural beauty in Agra Fort. It is popularly known as the Jewel Mosque and is located nearby another eye catching Masjid known as Moti Masjid. This mosque is constructed with pure white attractive marble and encloses the prayer chamber exquisitely designed.

Jama Masjid

Location

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Agra. It was built in 1648 and is popularly known as Jami Masjid. This mosque is credited with the name of Princess Jahanara Begum, the lovely daughter of Shah Jahan. The mosque is noted for the absence of minarets and also for the exquisite tomb.

The Masjid is placed on an elevated podium and has five marvelous entrances with arched structures. Three elegant sandstone domes add the attraction to the Masjid, all covered with imposing marbles. The walls are adorned with sacred inscriptions and colored tiles. The central courtyard of the Jami Masjid is a huge area serving thousands of devotees to offer prayers and meditation for many centuries.

Dayal Bagh Temple

Location

In Dayal Bagh, 10 km north of Agra. The white marble Samadhi of the Radah Soami religion is currently under construction. It was started in 1904 and is nor expected to be completed until sometime next century. You can see Pietra Dura inlaid marblework actually being worked on. Dayal Bagh is 2km north of Agra and can be reached by bus or cycle. In Dayal Bagh, 10 km north of Agra. The white marble Samadhi of the Radah Soami religion is currently under construction. It was started in 1904 and is nor expected to be completed until sometime next century.