IITM is a secular and diverse space, with places of worship for multiple religions. There are three temples on campus; the Shree Durga Peeli Amman Temple on Delhi Avenue (which is the site of Navratri processions), the Jalakandeswarar Temple near the Adyar Gate (which hosts Mahashivaratri and other festivals, as well as occasional classical artiste performances), and the Vinayagar Temple behind Taramani Guest House (where Ganesh Chaturthi and Saraswati Pooja are celebrated).
There is also a chapel behind the Department of Biotechnology. It conducts Mass and other activities like intercession of prayers, where handwritten, anonymous prayers are distributed among members. Catholic Mass is conducted every Sunday at 8:30 am in the NCC building.
A prayer hall for Islamic students and faculty is located behind the Students Facilities Center (SAC), near the Himalaya Mess. Here, the Friday sermons are conducted in English. The community also regularly organises activities and classes like the recitation of the Quran.