Seth Cawasji Patell Agiary - Tamil Nadu

The Seth Cawasji Patell Agiary is a prominent Zoroastrian fire temple located in Royapuram, Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu. As one of the few Parsi fire temples in South India, it holds great cultural and religious significance for the local Parsi community. Built over a century ago, it continues to be a symbol of faith, heritage, and the enduring legacy of Parsis in the region.

Temple About:

Seth Cawasji Patell Agiary is a Parsi Fire Temple (Agiary) located in the Royapuram area of Chennai. It is a Zoroastrian place of worship and one of the few functioning fire temples in South India.

Temple Description:

Built in 1910, this Agiary serves the small but historically significant Zoroastrian community of Chennai. The temple maintains sacred rituals involving the consecrated fire, which is tended to by priests known as Mobeds. Non-Zoroastrians are generally not allowed inside the sanctum, in accordance with traditional practices.

Temple Speciality:

It is one of the only two Parsi fire temples in Tamil Nadu.

Houses a sacred fire that has been continuously burning since its establishment.

Reflects the legacy of the early Parsi settlers in Chennai.

Symbol of unity and preservation of Zoroastrian culture in South India.

Temple Address:

Seth Cawasji Patell Agiary, Arathoon Road, Royapuram, Chennai – 600013, Tamil Nadu, India

Location (Longitude & Latitude):

13.1189° N, 80.2914° E

Temple Timings:

Generally open only to Parsis, especially for prayers in the morning and evening.
Common timings: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Temple Sevas:

Daily Atash Behram (sacred fire) maintenance

Navjote (initiation) ceremonies

Gah prayers and Jashan ceremonies (performed by Zoroastrians)

Traveling Facilities:

Well connected by road, rail, and metro services within Chennai.

Auto-rickshaws, cabs (Ola/Uber), and local buses available.

Food Facilities:

Limited near the temple due to its secluded religious environment.
Plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants nearby in Royapuram and George Town.

Stay Facilities:

Budget and mid-range hotels available in Royapuram, Parrys Corner, and Egmore.

Luxury hotels in central Chennai (5–10 km away).

Nearby Railway Station:

Royapuram Railway Station – 1.5 km

Chennai Central Railway Station – 4.5 km

Nearby Airport:

Chennai International Airport (MAA) – Approx. 22 km

Nearby Bus Station:

Royapuram Bus Stand – 1.2 km

Broadway Bus Terminus (Parrys) – 3 km

Bus Routes to Temple:

From Chennai Central: Take buses via North Beach Road or auto-rickshaw.

Bus numbers: 56F, 32A, 6D, 159 – Stop at Royapuram or Arathoon Road.

Train Routes to Temple:

Trains arriving at Chennai Central or Royapuram stations; local EMU trains also stop at Royapuram.

Airways to Temple:

Fly to Chennai International Airport.

Taxi or Metro (till Central, then cab/auto) to Royapuram.

Nearby Cities to Temple:

Pondicherry – 160 km

Vellore – 140 km

Tirupati – 150 km

Bangalore – 330 km

Nearby Visiting Temples & Places:

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane

Santhome Basilica, Santhome

Fort St. George

Government Museum, Egmore

Marina Beach

Preferable Visiting Season:

November to February – Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.

Shopping Famous For:

George Town, Pondy Bazaar, and T. Nagar for textiles, jewelry, and electronics.

Royapuram also known for old Chennai architecture and coastal trade goods.

The Seth Cawasji Patell Agiary stands as a quiet yet profound reminder of Chennai’s multicultural past and religious harmony. For those interested in heritage, architecture, and minority faiths like Zoroastrianism, this temple offers an enriching cultural experience. While entry is reserved for Parsis, the site and its history remain an important chapter in the story of South India’s diverse spiritual fabric.