Kalikambal Temple
Kalikambal Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
Tucked into the bazaar lanes of George Town, this Kamakshi temple is woven into Chennai's founding story — the Maratha king Shivaji is recorded to have worshipped here in 1677. It remains the merchant heart of old Madras at prayer.
About Kalikambal Temple
The Kālikāmbal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shri Kāligāmbāl (Kāmākshi) and Lord Kamadeswarar, located in Parry's corner (Old: George Town) locality of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is located in Thambu Chetty Street, a prominent financial street at Georgetown, running parallel to Rajaji Salai.
History
The temple was originally located closer to the sea shore at the site of the present-day Fort St. George. When the British East India Company built the fort, the temple was relocated to the current site on 1 March 1640 CE and the construction continued until 1678. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the 17th century Maratha warrior-king and the founder of Maratha Empire, had paid a visit in this temple on 3 October 1677. It is believed that a fierce form of Goddess was held in worship earlier and that this form was replaced with the shanta swaroopa (calm posture) form of Goddess Kamakshi by Adi Shankara.
In the 1980s, a new 10-metre-high tower (rajagopuram) was added to the existing structure. Construction of the tower began on 22 January 1976 and was completed on 21 January 1983. Another major expansion was made in 2014.
Architecture and layout
The main deity is faced towards the west. Legend has it that the deity was worshiped by demi-gods and saints, including Vyasa, Agastya, Aangeerasa, Pulasthya, and Varuna. The idol of the main goddess has Thirusiran or Sri Vishwarupan at its feet. The procession deity (urchavar) is called Periyanayaki, an idol in standing posture on a chariot, with idols of Mahalakshmi and Saraswati on either side.
Other shrines in the temple include Shiddi Vinayakar (Ganesh), Shiddi-Bhuddi Vinayakar (Ganesh), Agora Veerabadhra, Mahakali, Vadakathirkama Murugan, Virat Vishwa Parabrahma, Gayatri, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, and Pratyangira.
Festivals and worship
Vasantha Urchavam is held in the Tamil month of Aani. Thotti Unjal Urchavam is held in Aadi for 9 consecutive Fridays. Annabishekam is held in the full-moon day of the Tamil month of Aippasi. Other important festivities at the temple include Aadi Pooram, Aadi Krithikai, Ganesh Chathurthi, Navarathri, Skanda Shashti, Mondays of the Tamil month of Karthikai, Karthikai Deepam, Dhanur Pooja in the Tamil month of Maargali, Manikkavasakar celebrations, Aarudhra, Fridays of the Tamil month of Thai, Theerthavaari at the seashore during the Tamil month of Maasi, Vasantha Navarathri in the Tamil month of Panguni, Chithra Pournami in the Tamil month of Chitthirai, Brammothsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Kalikambal Temple”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
The temple is inside Chennai, in Chennai. Autos, app cabs and the city's buses reach it easily; leave extra time in evening traffic. Chennai airport (MAA) is about 17 km away. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- Navaratri — September–October
- Aadi Fridays and Aadi Pooram — July–August
- Thai Fridays — January–February
- Panguni Uthiram — March–April
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
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Quick facts
| Deity | — |
| Town | Chennai |
| District | Chennai district |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Chennai Temples |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
Temples near Chennai
More Chennai temples
Frequently asked
Where is Kalikambal Temple?
Kalikambal Temple is in Chennai, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 17 km away.
What are the timings at Kalikambal Temple?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Kalikambal Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: Navaratri, Aadi Fridays and Aadi Pooram, Thai Fridays. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.