Chennai has nine churches
Chennai is frequently regarded as Tamil Nadu's entry point. There are thousands of exquisite temples on this land. If we told you that Chennai's churches are well-known and revered, would you trust us? Since the first century AD, the city is not known to have been connected to Christianity. Beautiful cathedrals constructed by colonial powers between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries may be found around the city. Are you trying to locate historic churches? A list of churches in Chennai can be found here. The customs and methods of these churches are peculiar.
Chennai's Most Popular Churches
1. Chennai's St. Thomas Church:
The church known as Santhome Basilica, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, is situated atop the last burial place of his apostle. It is the biggest church in Chennai and a stunning example of religious architecture. In the sixteenth century, Portuguese explorers constructed the church. Although it was converted to a cathedral in 1606, the British had it restored in the 1800s. The interior of Chennai's St. Thomas Church is naturally illuminated and features huge windows. The church is entirely white.
Standouts:
Church Days: Every day open
Mass Timings: Sunday: 6.15 am to 9.30 am 10.30 am to 12 noon; 6. p.m. to 7.15 a.m.
Daily Rasi till: 6.00 am., 11.00 a.m., and 6.00 pm.
Address: 38, Santhome High Road Chennai, Tamil Nadu 6600004
How to reach: Chennai is easily accessible from all major Indian cities by air, rail and road.
Celebrations: Celebrations include the feast of St. Thomas the Patron, which begins on June 24 with the raising of the flag.
Other attractions near the church: Poondi Mada Church, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Ramakrishna Temple.
2. St. Thomas Mount Church in Chennai:
This church was built in memory of Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. People consider this place sacred because it is believed that he used to pray here and preach there. You can see many pictures related to Purana on the walls. They reflect and symbolize the epic journey. This church is a famous landmark in Chennai.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open all days
Mass Timings: 6.30 am and 12.30 pm daily. Sundays 7.30 am to 8.30 am to 12 noon. 12 noon. 6 pm.
Location: Near Footpath, Kathipara Grade Flyover, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600016.
How to reach there: You can reach this place by bus, car, auto or any other mode of transport.
Celebrations: Mary Mother of God and St. Thomas Day events
Other attractions near the church: Rayapeta and Sri Parthasarathy Temple.
3. Armenian Church, George Town:
Built in 1712, this church is one of the oldest churches in India. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a holy place for devotees. They believe that there are many places where the desires of the Armenian Church can be fulfilled. For this miraculous reason many people travel to their divine destination seeking God's blessings. On festive days like Christmas, this place is magical with glittering decorations.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open all days
Mass Timings: Daily - 9.30 am
Location: Paris Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600001, India.
How to reach: The church can be reached in just five minutes from Chennai Beach Railway Station. You can take an electric train, taxi or auto-rickshaw from the bus stop, airport or railway station to reach the church. You can also hire private taxis to go to the church.
Celebrations: When Christmas is over, the church is decorated to the brim and people flock here to enjoy the festivities.
Other attractions near the church: Anderson Church is near Victoria War Memorial, Sri Kalikambal Temple and Ameer Mahal.
4. Shrine of Our Lady of Light (Luge Church), Luz Road:
It is also known as Luz Church by locals. The name is derived from the Portuguese name Nossa Senhora da Luz. It was built by the Portuguese in 1516 and is one of the oldest churches in the city. One of the oldest European monuments in India is its foundation stone markers. Its history is related to the story of the 16th century missionaries who landed safely on the land.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open every day
Mass Timings: Weekdays: 06:30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. Sundays: 06:00 a.m. & 07:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m.
Location: No.156, Laj Church Road, Laj, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
How to reach: The shrine can be reached from any railway station, bus station or airport by taxi, auto rickshaws or local buses.
Celebrations: Every August 15, Our Lady of Light celebrates her feast.
Other attractions near the church: Marina Beach. Kapaleshwar Temple. Santhome Cathedral. Tiruvallur Temple. Alwarpet Anjaneyar Temple. Cottage Art Museum.
5. St. Teresa's Church, Nungambakkam:
This church was built by the British. This church was built in 1970 opposite Ispahani Center. It is located right on Nungambakkam High Road. This church has many unique attractions that make it stand out from other churches in Chennai. The church is especially beautiful during the St. Teresa Festival on the first Sunday of October.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open all days
Mass Timings: Sundays – 6 am, Weekdays – 6.30 am
Location: No, 4. Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.
How to reach there: You can reach this place by metro or by car
Celebrations: The feast of Saint Teresa is celebrated with devotion on the first Sunday of October. Flag raising, novena prayers and mass are just some of the activities that begin.
Other attractions near the church: Kamakshi Amman Temple
6. St. Andrew's Church (The Kirk):
St. Andrew's Church, Egmore was one of the most expensive buildings built during the Raj period. It was consecrated in 1821. It is one of the oldest heritage buildings in Chennai. It is a famous church in Chennai, its main circular structure combines Palladian and Neoclassical architectural styles. A shallow dome over the circular hall is one of the main architectural features.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open all days
Mass Timings: Sunday Mass: 7 a.m. 9 a.m. and 6. p.m.
Location: 37, Poonamallee High Road Egmore Chennai Tamil Nadu - 600008.
How to reach there: It can be reached at a distance of few hundred meters from Egmore railway station.
Celebrations: St Andrews is the best place to visit for Christmas carols.
Other attractions near the church are: Abhirami Mega Mall and Kandakottam Temple.
7. Annai Velankanni Church, Besant Nagar:
Eliot's Velakanni Church in Besant Nagar area is famous and one of the most beautiful architecturally designed churches. This church is also known as "Mecca for Christmas". The church is home to Mother Mary, who is venerated as the Lady of Health. The main shrine of this church is also known as Lady of Health. People often gather at the feet of the Virgin Mary at Christmas to seek her blessings. These towers are visible very close to the skyline. They are beautiful at sunset and look amazing. This church is one of the most famous in Chennai.
Highlights:
Church Days: Church is open all day
Mass Timings: Sundays: 7.30 a.m., 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturdays: 7 a.m. Weekdays: 6 to 7 a.m. 7 a.m. 8 a.m. 12 p.m. 6 pm
Location: 4, Annai Velankanni Road, Odaimanagar, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090.
How to reach there: You can easily reach this place by cab/car/bus from all major points and stations of the city.
Celebrations: The annual feast of Our Lady of Health, the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated between August 29 and September 8.
Other attractions near the church are: Elliot's Beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple and Food Market.
8. St Mary's Church, Chennai:
St. Mary's Church is next in the list of famous churches in Chennai. It was the first Anglican Church built in India by the East India Company in 1679. The walls of the church are 4 feet thick and can withstand explosives. St. Mary's Church Chennai is another magnificent building. Visitors to the church can see a variety of treasures and marvel at the magnificent interior. It is also one of the oldest churches in Chennai.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open every day
Mass Timings: Sunday Mass: Sundays 6.15am and 7.15am, Sundays 8.30am, 6.00pm
Location: Rajaji Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009
How to reach there: You can reach the church by bus, train, flight or taxi.
Celebrations: Christmas celebrations are celebrated here
Other attractions near the church are: Om Sri Skandashram and Adhiparashakti Siddar Peetham.
9. New Life Assembly of God Church in Chennai:
It is also known as New Life Church Chennai. It is one of the Pentecostal churches in Chennai. New Life Assembly of God Church is passionate about glorifying God, making disciples of the teachings of Jesus Christ and seeing families, churches and nations transformed through the power of God's Holy Spirit. This is a must see church in Chennai.
Highlights:
Church Days: Open all days
Mass Timings: Sundays: 7.45 a.m., 8.45 am.
Location: No. 6, Anna Salai, NGR Colony, Little Mount, Saidapet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600015.
How to reach there: This destination can be reached by public transport.
Celebrations: The church meets every weekend to worship God, pray, study scriptures, and share in fellowship in many settings.
Other attractions near the church: Jagannath Temple and Little Mount Shrine
Chennai has a lot to see, especially the churches. CSI Church Chennai list will show you unique architectural features and religious artefacts not found anywhere else in the churches of the world. Leave a comment below and share with us your experience after visiting these Chennai churches. Let us know what you think about each of these churches.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Q1. What are the things to do in church?
Answer: Churches have a lot to do. One can see the significance of each and its unique architecture and learn about the building style, date of construction and inspiration behind it. Despite modern equipment, some churches still have a pipe organ. Some churches have stained glass and historical wall paintings. The dome of Andrew's kirk is large and blue, with a full moon in its center. It is surrounded by stars.
Q2. How do I reach St. Thomas Mount Church Chennai?
Answer You can reach St. Thomas Mount Church using any of the following routes:
Mount St. Thomas by Car:
Google Maps will show you the driving route to Mount St. Thomas. You can drive or take an auto to reach the hill.
Mount St. Thomas by Public Transportation:
Nearest stations to St. Thomas Mount or Guindy Railways (2 km).
You can hire a car from the stations (cost around Rs. 40) and go up the hill where there are more chances to get a car (around Rs. Walking along the walkway is easy and takes between 5-10. minutes to reach the top.
Bus: Nearest bus stop is Mount Bus Station, Kathipara or Jyoti Theatre. All bus stops are within walking distance of Foothill.
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