Kalikambal Temple, Chennai
Also known as: காளிகாம்பாள் கோயில் (சென்னை) · కాళికాంబాళ్ ఆలయం, చెన్నై · कालिकांबाळ मंदिर, चेन्नई
Tamil Nadu Devi
A well-known Amman temple in Chennai's George Town, tied to the early history of the city and visited by Shivaji in 1677.
- Deity
- Kaligambal (Parvati, also Kamakshi, Kottaiamman, Chennamman), Kamadeswarar (Shiva)
- Tradition
- Devi
- Place
- Parry's Corner (George Town), Chennai
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sthala vriksham
- Mango
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Seawater
- Era
- Moved to the present site in 1640. Construction went on until 1678.
Sthala Puranam
The temple was first near the seashore, on the site of today's Fort St. George. Sages such as Vyasa and Agastya are said to have worshipped there.
Adi Shankara is believed to have replaced a fierce form of the goddess with a calm form.
Speciality
- The Maratha ruler Shivaji visited the temple on 3 October 1677.
- The temple moved to its present site on 1 March 1640, when the East India Company built the fort. Work continued until 1678. A 10-metre tower was built in 1976–1983.
- The main deity faces west. The Viswakarma community manages the temple, under a Madras High Court order.
- The sacred tree is a mango tree. The theertham is seawater, per the source.
Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree)
Mango
Festivals
- Vasantha Urchavam (Aani)
- Thotti Unjal Urchavam (Aadi, nine Fridays)
- Annabishekam (Aippasi full moon)
- Navarathri
- Karthikai Deepam
- Brammothsavam (Vaikasi)
How to reach
By airChennai Airport, about 20 km.
By trainChennai Beach or Chennai Central, 1–2 km. Chennai Metro: Chennai Central or Government Estate area.
By roadOn Thambu Chetty Street, near Parry's Corner. Many buses stop at Parry's.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Fridays and festival days are crowded. The lanes around are narrow, so use public transport.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.