The Theosophical Society

Founded by Madam Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott in New York in 1875, the Theosophical Society is a center for discourses and comparative study of various religions and philosophies. Since 1882, the Society has its headquarters at Chennai and is set in an idyllic location on the banks of the Adyar River. The Society which received support from Annie Besant has several shrines of different faiths -a Hindu temple, Church and Buddhist temple located within its premises. The Theosophical Society houses incredible rare collections of books and manuscripts and has a huge banyan tree, with its branches spreading over an area of 40,000 square ft, where discourses are conducted.