Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோயில்
A temple to the Rain Goddess about 15 km north of the city, one of the most heavily visited and wealthiest temples in Tamil Nadu.
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess who governs rain and disease, and is one of the most popular folk goddess shrines in Tamil Nadu. Devotees fulfil vows by shaving their heads, walking barefoot, offering salt, and presenting wax models of body parts. The Poochoriyal (flower festival) and chariot festival held in March and April draw hundreds of thousands of worshippers each year. The temple lies beside the highway toward Chennai, about 30 minutes by bus from the Central Bus Stand. On weekends and festival days, queues can last several hours, so consider buying a fast-track ticket. Shoes must be removed, and dress should be modest.
Opening hours
About 05:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
- Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple
- Chinnakadai Street Bazaar
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church
- Chokkanatha Nayak Palace (Rani Mangammal Mahal)
- Tropical Butterfly Conservatory
- Erumbeeswarar Temple