Lord Chitragupta is worshipped in almost every Kayastha home, yet temples built only for him are not common. That makes each Chitragupta temple a special place of pilgrimage for the samaj. Whether you are planning a family trip or simply want to know where these temples are, here are the best-known ones.
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Chitragupta Swamy temple at Kanchipuram is believed to be the oldest Chitragupta temple in South India, dating from the Chola period (around the 9th century). It is a living temple with daily worship. The biggest celebration here is on Chitra Pournami, the full moon of the month of Chaitra, when devotees come from across Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk and its many great temples, so a visit easily becomes a day-long family trip.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
In the holy city of Ujjain stands Shri Chitragupta Prakatya Tirth, a shrine connected in tradition with accounts in the Padma and Skanda Puranas. Ujjain is already on the pilgrimage list of most families because of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, so it is easy to include this temple in the same visit.
Falaknuma, Hyderabad
The Chitragupta Devalayam near Falaknuma in old Hyderabad is an old temple built by Kayastha families who served the rulers of the Deccan for generations. It is a reminder of how far Kayastha administrators travelled and how they carried their faith with them. The temple is especially busy on Chitragupta Puja.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Among the famous Chandela-era temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one known as the Chitragupta temple. Interestingly, its main image is of Surya dev, yet the temple is known by Chitragupta’s name. For history-loving families it is a wonderful place to show children the art of medieval India.
Ayodhya and Patna
Devotees also visit old Chitragupta temples in Ayodhya and in Patna City, both cities with large Kayastha populations. Many other towns in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have smaller Chitragupta mandirs built by local Kayastha sabhas, often the centre of the community’s Chitragupta Puja celebrations.
Tips for planning a visit
- Pick the right day. Kartik Shukla Dwitiya (Chitragupta Puja) and, in the South, Chitra Pournami are the most special days — and the most crowded. For a quiet darshan, go on a normal weekday.
- Check timings locally. Temple timings and rules change; call ahead or ask local families before you travel.
- Carry the essentials. Many families carry a new pen to offer, along with flowers and sweets.
- Dress modestly and follow the temple’s rules about photography.
- Combine your trip. Kanchipuram, Ujjain and Khajuraho all have other famous temples and heritage sites nearby.
Find the samaj wherever you travel
When you visit a new city, the local Kayastha sabha is often the best guide to its Chitragupta temple and its celebrations. On Kayastha Setu you can use the family directory to find Kayastha families in that city, and the panchang to check the tithi before you go. To learn more about Lord Chitragupta himself, read our Kayastha community guide or the Kayastha Gyan section in the app.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the oldest Chitragupta temple?
The Chitragupta Swamy temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is believed to be the oldest in South India, from the Chola period.
Is the Chitragupta temple at Khajuraho dedicated to Chitragupta?
It is known as the Chitragupta temple, but its main image is of Surya dev.
When are Chitragupta temples most crowded?
On Chitragupta Puja (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya), and in Tamil Nadu on Chitra Pournami, the full moon of Chaitra.
About Kayastha Setu: Kayastha Setu (kayasthasetu.com) is the community app of the Kayastha samaj — family directory, Kayastha matrimony, jobs, blood donors, SOS, daily panchang, live aarti and Kaya AI in Hindi and English. Read our guide to the Kayastha community or download the app.
