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Kalikambal Temple in Chennai is glorious with its historic significance, its tradition of festivals and the visit of thousands of devotees throughout the year. One of the most visited temples in the metropolis, this temple enshrines Kalikambal and Kamateswarar and a host of other deities. It is said that the original location of this temple was closer to the sea shore and later, it was relocated to its present location during the period of British rule in India. The fierce form of the Goddess was held in worship earlier and this form was replaced with the benign form of Kamakshi.
Features of Kalikambal Temple in Chennai
- The history of the temple goes back to a few hundred years.
- The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is said to have visited the Kalikambal shrine during his tour of the southern region of the Indian subcontinent.
- The entrance to the temple is through a modern Rajagopuram built and in the early 1980s.
- An inner mandapam leads to the east facing shrine to the festival image of Kalikambal, Utsava Periya Nayaki.
- A flag staff is situated directly across from the sanctum in the western section of the outer prakaram which also features shrines to Ganesha and Subramanyar.
- There is a cluster of shrines to Vinayakar, Veerabhadrar and Kali facing south in the northwestern corner of the outer prakaram.
- There are a few other shrines in the northern portion of the prakaram where the yagasalai is situated.
- The Kinnitter or the Chariot lined with metal cymbals is unique to this temple and the Kinnitter procession in the month of Vaikasi attracts huge number of devotees from all over the country.
- This temple has emerged as a famous religious site over the last two decades. Large crowds flock to the neighborhood on Fridays and during special celebrations.
- This temple boasts of a rich tradition of festivals which are celebrated amidst pomp and grandeur even today.
- The Navaratri and the Vasanta Navaratri festivals are other occasions here which draw huge crowd.
How to Reach Kalikambal Temple in Chennai
By Air
The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located at Tirusulam at a distance of 20 km from the city.
By Rail
Chennai is also well connected to all the major cities in India through a wide network of railways. The rail service connects to all the main cities of the neighboring state and the country. By Road
The excellent road network of Chennai makes it easily accessible from other important cities of Tamil Nadu and the neighboring states.
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