East coast road is perhaps the highly happening place for the youth of Chennai. This stretch starting from Besant Nagar to Puducherry is commonly thought to be a place for fun and frolic. It always rings a bell among the party goers and not to forget our drive- in theatre and one of Asia’s largest Cineplex.

But a drive in this stretch with open options will prove our notions wrong and show us the divine side of this famous stretch. Ignorance is bliss! But surprising is the fact that the temples of the stretch garner only half as much attention as the other hangouts.

Each temple has its significance and the ambience is serene, away from the hustle bustle of the city. Let us start from the first temple…

Injambakkam Shri Shridi Saibaba temple

The darshan of Sai baba and the satisfaction rendered here is just the same as the Baba temple in Shridi. Though Baba is the presiding idol, there are places for other gods also. This temple has more than one idol and is definitely a place for all devotees seeking peace. The road next to Prathana theatre will lead you into this land of Sai Baba.

The next temple stop on the stretch is Jaganath Puri temple. The temple is situated at Kannathur. I heard people exclaim with happiness seeing a replica of the original temple located at Puri, Orissa. Very close to sea shore is this place on a little raise set up taking devotees a step closer to divinity!

The Prathyankara Devi temple is in the connecting stretch between the Old Mahabalipuran and ECR. And not to forget the ISKCON temple near the Delhi Dhaba complex. This temple needs no explanation. International Society for Krishna Consciousness! A clean temple premise with no resemblance to any South Indian Temple!

The last temple of the stretch is The Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple. The presiding deity dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and is in Tiruvidanthai. And people who have problems in getting married flock this place for appeasements.

So the next time don’t miss these temples on your drive in the East Coast Road.!!