Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore, Chennai

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore is one of the most revered Sai Baba temples in South India and an important spiritual destination for devotees visiting Chennai. Located in the historic neighborhood of Mylapore, this sacred shrine is associated with the All India Sai Samaj and is dedicated to Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, whose teachings emphasized love, compassion, faith, patience, equality, and harmony among people of different religions. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple attracts devotees throughout the year, making it a significant destination for those seeking blessings, prayer, meditation, and spiritual inspiration. The shrine is also popularly regarded as the “Shirdi of the South” because of its deep connection with Sai Baba and his teachings.

The history of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore is closely connected with Sri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji, a devoted follower of Sai Baba and the founder of the All India Sai Samaj. Narasimha Swamiji played an important role in spreading the life, teachings, and message of Sai Baba across India. Before the present temple was established, he worshipped a picture of Sai Baba under a tamarind tree. His devotion gradually inspired the establishment of a permanent shrine, and the temple was constructed in 1952. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1953, marking an important milestone in the development of the sacred site.

The All India Sai Samaj, which manages the temple, was established by Narasimha Swamiji in the early 1940s with the objective of spreading the message and teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba. Through his travels, writings, and spiritual activities, Swamiji introduced many devotees to Sai Baba’s philosophy of universal love and religious harmony. The Mylapore temple therefore represents more than a place of worship; it also reflects the continuing effort to share Sai Baba’s message of unity and devotion. The temple’s history makes it particularly meaningful for devotees who wish to understand the development of Sai Baba worship outside Maharashtra.

One of the most distinctive features of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore is the presence of the original portrait of Sai Baba that was worshipped by Narasimha Swamiji. A marble idol of Sai Baba was installed at the temple on February 2, 1987, while the older tradition of worship associated with the portrait was preserved. This combination of the original devotional tradition and the later marble idol gives the shrine a special spiritual character. The temple is also known for allowing devotees to come close to the idol, offer garlands, and experience darshan in an intimate devotional setting. The samadhi of Sri Narasimha Swamiji is located within the temple premises, adding another important spiritual dimension to the shrine.

The spiritual environment of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore reflects Sai Baba’s message that devotion should rise above religious divisions. The temple has historically encouraged an atmosphere of inclusiveness, with devotional activities associated not only with Hindu traditions but also with readings and prayers representing other faiths. This emphasis on harmony is closely connected with Sai Baba’s teaching of seeing the divine in everyone. For many visitors, the temple is therefore a place where prayer, devotion, service, and religious unity come together naturally. Its peaceful surroundings provide an opportunity to sit quietly, participate in prayers, and reflect on the teachings of Sai Baba.

Thursday is considered especially important at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore because Thursday is traditionally associated with Sai Baba. On this day, the temple receives a large number of devotees who come for darshan, bhajans, prayers, and other devotional activities. Annadhanam is also an important part of the temple’s service tradition, with food being distributed to devotees. The temple is particularly lively on Thursdays, while devotees who prefer a comparatively quieter visit may choose other weekdays. Sundays are also significant because special Agni Pooja has traditionally been performed at the temple.

Several important festivals and religious occasions are celebrated at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore. Sri Rama Navami is particularly significant in Sai Baba tradition, while Guru Purnima is observed as an important occasion for expressing reverence toward the Guru. Navaratri is another major celebration at the temple, with devotional programmes continuing through the festival period. Vijayadashami is especially meaningful because it is associated with Sai Baba’s Mahasamadhi. The birth anniversary of Sri Narasimha Swamiji is also observed by devotees. During important celebrations, the temple becomes a gathering place for devotees from Chennai as well as visitors from different parts of India.

The daily worship schedule includes several important aartis through which devotees can participate in the temple’s devotional routine. Kakad Aarti is traditionally performed in the early morning, followed by Madhyan Aarti around noon. Dhoop Aarti is conducted in the evening, while Shej Aarti takes place at night. These aartis provide devotees with different opportunities to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine. Visitors who wish to attend aarti should check the current schedule before travelling because timings may change during festivals, special occasions, or temple events.

Temple Address: 51, Alamelu Manga Puram Road, Saradapuram, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600004. Some older listings refer to the location as Venkatesa Agraharam or give the house number as 51B or 56, but current directory listings identify the temple at Alamelu Manga Puram Road in Mylapore. The temple is situated in a well-connected part of Chennai and can be reached conveniently by local transport. The nearest railway access includes Thirumayilai/Mylapore station, while the Mylapore area is also well served by city buses and roads.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Published sources generally give this schedule for regular darshan, although special occasions may have extended hours. Some sources list slightly different timings, so devotees planning an early-morning visit, evening aarti, or a Thursday visit should confirm the schedule with the temple before travelling. The temple office contact commonly listed for the shrine is 044-2464-0784.

For visitors exploring famous Sai Baba pilgrimage places in India, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore offers a meaningful spiritual experience without requiring a journey to Maharashtra. Its long history, connection with Narasimha Swamiji, association with the All India Sai Samaj, devotional traditions, and emphasis on religious harmony have made it an important Sai Baba shrine in Chennai. The temple’s peaceful setting also makes it suitable for devotees who wish to spend time in prayer and contemplation away from the busy pace of the city.

A visit to Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Mylapore can be especially meaningful for devotees who follow Sai Baba’s teachings of “Shraddha” and “Saburi”—faith and patience. Whether visiting for regular darshan, aarti, a festival, annadhanam, or simply a quiet moment of prayer, devotees can experience the timeless message of Sai Baba through the temple’s atmosphere and traditions. As one of the notable Sai Baba temples in South India, this Mylapore shrine continues to welcome people from different backgrounds and carries forward the ideals of devotion, service, peace, compassion, and unity.