| The Ashtalakshmi Temple is a 16 km drive out of Chennai and is situated on the periphery of the serene Elliot s Beach. It is a magnificent temple dedicated to the Ashta or Eight Manifestations of Goddess Mahalakshmi (the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity). The Ashtalakshmi temple is a highly revered shrine situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The architecture of the temple is unique and features a blend of ancient Dravidian architecture and the contemporary style of temple building. The temple complex consists of a series of five tiers with some prolific and beautiful stone carvings. The images of its principal deities, Mahavishnu and his consort Mahalakshmi are located on the second tier. The first tiers have the images of Aadhilaksmi, Dhaanyalakshmi and Dhairyalakshmi. A flight of stairs takes you from the first to the second tier where you will find beautiful shrines dedicated to the deities of Santaanalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi and Gajalakshmi. A fourth tier takes you to the sole shrine of Dhanalakshmi facing east. The entire temple is artistically painted with a plethora of colour. The lovely sands of the beach and the beautiful blue sea form a picturesque backdrop to the magnificent temple. The temple comes alive with the prayers of thousands of devotees who throng to it bearing flowers and fruit during the festivals of Dussehra, Diwali and Pongal. The temple draws devotees to it for its simple majesty and serenity. | 
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