Sri Kalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple- Chennai

Address

Sri Kalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple- No 212, Thambu Chetty Street, Parrys, Chennai 600001, India. Phone Number: +914425229624 +914425241122

Deity

Kamadeswarar Amman: Sri Kalikambal

Introduction:

• Location: Thambu Chetty Street, Parry’s Corner, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Deities: Dedicated to Shri Kalikambal (a form of Goddess Kamakshi) and Lord Kamadeswarar
• Historical Significance:
  • Originally located near the seashore, the temple was relocated to its current site in 1640 AD.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior, worshiped here incognito on October 3, 1667.
  • Built in 1678, the temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture.
  • Earlier, the temple worshipped a fierce form of the Goddess, but later this was replaced by the calm and benevolent form of Shanta Swaroopa Kamakshi.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple honors Shri Kalikambal (a form of Goddess Kamakshi) and Lord Kamadeswarar, representing two kings (gods) worshipped together.
• Its history is intertwined with the Maratha king Shivaji’s visit, adding to the temple’s prestige.
• Legends recount that the temple was originally closer to the sea before being moved, and it has remained a site of worship for over four centuries.

Beliefs:

• Devotional Practices:
  • Couples seeking children anoint turmeric on the deity for blessings.
  • Devotees light lemon lamps during the Rahu Kaalam period on Tuesdays and Fridays for prosperity.
  • Worshipping Sri Anjaneya on Saturdays brings protection, and praying to Agora Veerapatra Swami on full moon days helps rid devotees of sorcery and evil influences.
  • Unmarried women worship at the temple to seek blessings for marriage.

Special Features:

• Historical Significance of Shivaji’s Visit:
  • On October 3, 1677, Chhatrapati Shivaji visited and worshiped at the temple, known for his devotion to the goddess Bhavani.
  • The temple displays an image of Shivaji on horseback along with a stone inscription marking the historic visit.
• Iconography: The temple features traditional Dravidian architecture, with detailed sculptures of the deities.

Festivals:

• Brahmotsavam:
  • The 10-day festival in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May 15 – June 15) marks the grandest celebration at the temple.
• Vasantotsavam (Spring Festival): Held after Brahmotsavam.
• Navaratri: The Vasanta Navaratri and regular Navaratri festivals feature elaborate decorations, including the Kinnitter (chariot of cymbals), a unique aspect of the temple.
• Margazhi Festival: Celebrated for 10 days in the month of Margazhi (December 15 – January 14), this festival includes processions of Manikkavacakar and Nataraja, culminating in the Arudra Darisanam.
• Maasi Makam Festival: Features a procession of the deity to the seashore.
• Float Festival: In earlier times, this festival involved a procession to the Kachabeswarar temple tank during the month of Capricorn.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Boardway

Nearest Railway Station

Chennai-Central

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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