Arulmigu Kalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple - chennai

Temple History

Kalikambal Temple is one of Chennai`s oldest and most revered Hindu temples, dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal, a benevolent form of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kamadeswarar. The temple was originally situated near the present-day Fort St. George along the Chennai coastline. During the establishment of Fort St. George by the British East India Company in the 17th century, the temple was relocated to its present location on Thambu Chetty Street in George Town. Construction of the new temple began in 1640 and was completed in 1678.

Historical records state that the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited the temple on 3 October 1677 to seek the blessings of Goddess Kalikambal before continuing his military campaign in South India. A commemorative plaque inside the temple marks this significant visit. It is also believed that the presiding deity was originally worshipped in a fierce form, which was later transformed into a peaceful manifestation by Adi Shankaracharya, making the temple an important centre of Shakti worship. Over the centuries, the temple has continued to attract devotees, saints, scholars, and spiritual seekers from across the country.

Temple Location

Kalikambal Temple is located on Thambu Chetty Street in Parry`s Corner (George Town), one of the oldest and busiest commercial areas in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The temple lies close to several prominent landmarks, including Fort St. George, Rajaji Salai, Broadway Bus Terminus, and the Madras High Court, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists alike.

The temple is approximately 2 km from Chennai Beach Railway Station, 3 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, and around 4 km from Egmore Railway Station. The nearest metro station is High Court Metro Station, located about 700 metres from the temple, from where visitors can reach the temple within a few minutes by walk or auto-rickshaw.

Frequent Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses operate to Parry`s Corner and Broadway from various parts of Chennai, including T. Nagar, Tambaram, Adyar, Guindy, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Velachery, Avadi, and Ambattur. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cab services are also readily available, making the temple convenient to visit throughout the year.

Temple Address:
Arulmigu Kalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple,
212, Thambu Chetty Street,
Parry`s Corner (George Town),
Chennai - 600001,
Tamil Nadu, India.

Festivals Celebrated

The temple celebrates numerous religious festivals throughout the year with great devotion and traditional rituals. Vasantha Urchavam is observed during the Tamil month of Aani, while the Thotti Unjal Urchavam is celebrated on nine consecutive Fridays during Aadi. The temple also conducts the sacred Annabishekam during the full moon day of Aippasi.

Other important festivals include Aadi Pooram, Aadi Krithigai, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navaratri, Skakanda Sashti, Karthigai Deepam, Margazhi Dhanur Pooja, Arudra Darshan, Thai Fridays, Masi Theerthavari, Panguni Vasantha Navaratri, Chithirai Pournami, and the grand Vaikasi Brahmotsavam. During these occasions, the temple is beautifully decorated, special abhishekams and deeparadhanai are performed, and thousands of devotees gather to seek the blessings of Goddess Kalikambal and Lord Kamadeswarar.