Theosophical Society International Headquarters
Theosophical Society International Headquarters
Theosophical Society International Headquarters
4.5
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
A tranquil walk in the Huddleston Gardens of the Theosophical Society of India might be needed after grappling with the city din of Chennai. The Theosophical Society is spread over 260 acres but you can certainly cover the garden, which is home to migratory birds, fruit bats, snakes, jackals, wild cats, mongooses, hares and a variety of spiders. A 450-year-old banyan tree resides in the garden with aerial roots covering 60,000 square meters.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
119 reviews
Excellent
72
Very good
35
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
2
sharpiyu
New Delhi, India57 contributions
Mar 2015 • Business
This is probably one of the best kept secrets in Chennai...I have been traveling there for almost 30 years and only discovered this hidden gem this time...strolling through a nice pristine tropical vegetation interspersed with quaint old buildings and natural habitat of crabs and turtles...wonderful experience...
Written March 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BananaLu
Bangkok, Thailand748 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
When you are tired of the city noise and restlessness go visit those peaceful gardens. The timings are a bit strange and it is not open on Sundays, but it is worth visiting. Enjoy the walk through the various religious shrines (they were closed when I went but the idea to bring together all beliefs in one site is interesting) and spend some time checking out the amazing banyan tree in the center. It is worth going to the bookshop situated at one of the entrances if you want to have a quick idea of what is theosophy (it is basically defined as religion as a whole and not as a separate religion, which is why you will find books on various beliefs and practices). It is a very peaceful and not crowded place (it might be due to the opening times).
Written April 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAMILRAJAN
Mumbai, India214 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
This is a great historical place and surrounded by lush green trees. Both members and non-members can visit. There is also a library for reading. Very quiet and pleasant atmosphere brings serenity.
Written March 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prakhar M
7 contributions
Timings: 08 am - 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm (Sunday closed)
Beautiful and peaceful place for a walk alone or with some special people. You may also visit the library that houses some pretty unique and old collection of books.
Beautiful and peaceful place for a walk alone or with some special people. You may also visit the library that houses some pretty unique and old collection of books.
Written April 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRD32
Cambridge, UK196 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
This venue was hard for me to rate, because it could be a perfect place to wander and absorb the plantings and buildings. However, we felt hounded by the guards who followed us around the gardens - one in particular following by bike with a stick and an aggressive attitude. They refused to allow us access to various paths, though Indians were allowed to walk freely and seemed to be allowed unlimited access. Husband is a bird watcher and he wanted to use his telescope to look across the river, the guards refused to let him use it - even though we assured them that it was not to use as a camera. To top it off we were then asked for a tip from one of the guards, we wondered whether if we had given a tip whether we would have been 'allowed' more access? Anyway, it left a nasty taste and spoilt what could have been a wonderful visit - this does not seem to fit with the society's ethos!
Written December 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krzysztof F
Krakow, Poland217 contributions
Jul 2012 • Business
Since 1882 its International Headquarters (often referred to as 'Adyar') has been located in Adyar, Chennai (formerly Madras), India.
J. Krishnamurti, had this to say about that unique centre:
'It is essential for the individual member and for the Society that Adyar, as a great spiritual center, should be maintained worthy and dignified. The importance of this is so obvious that few can doubt it. Adyar is and always has been a spiritual oasis to which the weary traveller looks for comfort and repose.
Headquarters Hall
Along the walls of the hall are bas-relief symbols and figures: those on the north, east and west represent living religions-Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, and the Baha'i religion. The south wall represents the extinct religions.
The Garden
Is very famous for the Banyan Tree which is believed to be the largest tree all over the world.
There are also, many shrines of various religions, like;
Bharata Samaja Temple
This architecturally beautiful non-sectarian Hindu shrine called the 'Temple of Light' contains no idol, only a flame. Here at sunrise every morning a small band of devoted worshippers gather to perform the 'Bharata Samaj Puja'.
Church of St Michael and All Angels
This is an attractive, well-appointed church where services according to the rites of the Liberal Catholic Church are held on Sunday mornings and other important days.
The Buddhist Shrine
Situated in the coconut grove by the Adyar River, not far from the Headquarters building, is the Buddhist shrine. It was built in 1925 under the direction of Mr C. Jinarajadasa, and enshrines a gray sandstone image of the Lord Buddha from Eastern India. This statue, given by Annie Besant, shows the Buddha as the Teacher of Dharma, turning the Wheel of the Law. Around his head is an inscription in Tibetan characters: 'He taught the cause of all things as also the means of cessation'.
Directly facing the temple is a lily tank and beyond it a magnificent Bodhi tree (ficus religiosa), grown from a sapling descended from the original tree under which the Lord Gautama attained Enlightenment. Nearby stood an ancient Buddhist gong, which used to be struck in the old days at six o'clock morning and evening.
Zoroastrian Temple
Not far from the Hindu temple is the Zoroastrian shrine. The figures are Assyrian in origin: the animal-men indicate the Self in the world of form; the kneeling horses at the capitals of the columns signify the mind obedient to the Self; and the winged figure over the entrance is symbolic of the Highest Self, its three-faced nature being represented by the radianting wings and tail.
J. Krishnamurti, had this to say about that unique centre:
'It is essential for the individual member and for the Society that Adyar, as a great spiritual center, should be maintained worthy and dignified. The importance of this is so obvious that few can doubt it. Adyar is and always has been a spiritual oasis to which the weary traveller looks for comfort and repose.
Headquarters Hall
Along the walls of the hall are bas-relief symbols and figures: those on the north, east and west represent living religions-Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, and the Baha'i religion. The south wall represents the extinct religions.
The Garden
Is very famous for the Banyan Tree which is believed to be the largest tree all over the world.
There are also, many shrines of various religions, like;
Bharata Samaja Temple
This architecturally beautiful non-sectarian Hindu shrine called the 'Temple of Light' contains no idol, only a flame. Here at sunrise every morning a small band of devoted worshippers gather to perform the 'Bharata Samaj Puja'.
Church of St Michael and All Angels
This is an attractive, well-appointed church where services according to the rites of the Liberal Catholic Church are held on Sunday mornings and other important days.
The Buddhist Shrine
Situated in the coconut grove by the Adyar River, not far from the Headquarters building, is the Buddhist shrine. It was built in 1925 under the direction of Mr C. Jinarajadasa, and enshrines a gray sandstone image of the Lord Buddha from Eastern India. This statue, given by Annie Besant, shows the Buddha as the Teacher of Dharma, turning the Wheel of the Law. Around his head is an inscription in Tibetan characters: 'He taught the cause of all things as also the means of cessation'.
Directly facing the temple is a lily tank and beyond it a magnificent Bodhi tree (ficus religiosa), grown from a sapling descended from the original tree under which the Lord Gautama attained Enlightenment. Nearby stood an ancient Buddhist gong, which used to be struck in the old days at six o'clock morning and evening.
Zoroastrian Temple
Not far from the Hindu temple is the Zoroastrian shrine. The figures are Assyrian in origin: the animal-men indicate the Self in the world of form; the kneeling horses at the capitals of the columns signify the mind obedient to the Self; and the winged figure over the entrance is symbolic of the Highest Self, its three-faced nature being represented by the radianting wings and tail.
Written June 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
writingale
chennai873 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
Born and broguth up in Chennai, yet I knew about this place only recently. Very tranquil gardens located in Adyar. You can see many rare vegatation here. Best to go in early morning and evening. There is a small souvenir shop too.
Written February 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaqarsh Aiyyar
Chennai (Madras), India2,430 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
If you are either a Chennaiate or a visitor to this city, you can't afford to miss a walk along the Huddleston gardens of Theosophical Society. It is a semi-forest and a semi-garden located at the heart of Adyar along the banks of the Adayar river. The rich flora of this forest is a treat to eyes. The singing birds will keep you reminding that you are in a forest. I loved watching a lot of sparrows, parakeets, cuckoo, woodpecker and many other unknown birds in the region. The Banyan tree is the chief attraction albeit many temples and a library are worth visiting. The Society is open for visitors between 8.30 and 10 in the morning and between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. Theosophical society is a bridge between the man and the nature and it is simply heavenly.
Written July 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramdoss AS
Madurai, India5,868 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
Hi Everybody,
i Often visit Gardens of Theosophical society, last time I visited on 2nd May 2012. This Garden is spread across 250 acres at Adyar chennai. Once you enter into this campus the ambiance is so peace and pleasant that the outside peace and calmness occupies your mind
Inside the campus a book shop, library , balavatsky bungalow cottages for visitors are there. The big banyan tree spread across 1 acre is located inside this campus.A sikh temple, a church a hindu temple are all located inside this campus,I have watched parrot , humming bird sucking honey on the flowers and many birds. It is very astonishing to enjoy bird watching at congested and busy chennai city.
There is a lotus pond people used to capture photo near it. The visitor time is 8.30-10 am and 2-4 pm sundays closed You can become a walking club member there and enjoy walking at morning and evening
with regards,
Alen_10
i Often visit Gardens of Theosophical society, last time I visited on 2nd May 2012. This Garden is spread across 250 acres at Adyar chennai. Once you enter into this campus the ambiance is so peace and pleasant that the outside peace and calmness occupies your mind
Inside the campus a book shop, library , balavatsky bungalow cottages for visitors are there. The big banyan tree spread across 1 acre is located inside this campus.A sikh temple, a church a hindu temple are all located inside this campus,I have watched parrot , humming bird sucking honey on the flowers and many birds. It is very astonishing to enjoy bird watching at congested and busy chennai city.
There is a lotus pond people used to capture photo near it. The visitor time is 8.30-10 am and 2-4 pm sundays closed You can become a walking club member there and enjoy walking at morning and evening
with regards,
Alen_10
Written May 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgguillemaud
New Delhi, India40 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
These gardens are extremely peaceful, and that is a great thing in Chennai!
The plants, especially the banyan trees, are breathtaking and if you walk a little bit off the beaten tracks you will end up finding wonderful surprises. The whole garden is very well maintained and yet wild enough for you to find plants and small animals you would not expect to see in a city. The whole place has a very special atmosphere and it is quite exciting to visit the gardens and imagine what life was like a few centuries ago.
There is also a library with a hidden treasure in it: you must absolutely ask to visit the "display room" and there you'll find unique books from all over the word, sometimes from the 15th century, on display: old Tibetan prayer books, Hindu mythology vedas engraved on palm leaves, illustrations donated by the ancient rulers of Java, books brought by European visitors... This is the opportunity to discover books you've never seen in your life.
The plants, especially the banyan trees, are breathtaking and if you walk a little bit off the beaten tracks you will end up finding wonderful surprises. The whole garden is very well maintained and yet wild enough for you to find plants and small animals you would not expect to see in a city. The whole place has a very special atmosphere and it is quite exciting to visit the gardens and imagine what life was like a few centuries ago.
There is also a library with a hidden treasure in it: you must absolutely ask to visit the "display room" and there you'll find unique books from all over the word, sometimes from the 15th century, on display: old Tibetan prayer books, Hindu mythology vedas engraved on palm leaves, illustrations donated by the ancient rulers of Java, books brought by European visitors... This is the opportunity to discover books you've never seen in your life.
Written August 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is dslr camera's allowed? Can we take our dog also for a photo shoot?
Written January 2, 2021
Is professional photography allowed inside in the present? Any charges? Or spl permission required ?
Written October 21, 2018
I don't know what you mean by professional photography, but we tool many photographs and no one told us not to. We did this inside garden and inside some buildings on the property.
Written October 24, 2018
I'm not sure, but believe it may not be within their acceptability as they do not allow cars there. You should call them. It would be nice bike ride area though.
Written August 23, 2018
Is professional photography allowed inside? If not are there any formalities to get permission?
Written October 3, 2017
Hi,
I have no clue. I stayed in the Society premises for 3 days as part of Yoga camp, and I could not move out of the group to make any enquiry.
You may explore the possibility. For certain, you will find this place worthy of your time and effort.
Good Luck.
Written October 4, 2017
mithun18plus
Chennai (Madras), India
Do you have any camera located inside adyar theosophical society??
like hidden cam like that???
inside the park any camera??
Written July 18, 2017
mithun18plus
Chennai (Madras), India
anything to watch over??? thank you in advance
Written July 18, 2017
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