Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kamakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Mangadu, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Kamakshi Amman Temple
The Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple is a famous pilgrim destination Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, located in Mangadu, a suburb of Chennai, India. The term Mangadu means "Mango Forests or Mango Groves" and as the term implies this must have been a thickly wooded Mango groove in the past.
Legend
Mangadu is known for the temple of "Tapas Kamakshi" or Goddess Kamakshi performing penance in Fire. This is the place where the goddess performed her penance to marry and re-unite with Lord Shiva. All 32 types of Dharmic rituals were performed here by the goddess.
The background is that when Lord Shiva and Parvati were in Mount Kailash the Goddess playfully closed the eyes of the Lord Shiva and as a result the whole universe fell into eternal darkness. So the Lord ordained her to perform Tapasya.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu”, 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 Mangadu. Autos, app cabs and the city's buses reach it easily; leave extra time in evening traffic. Chennai airport (MAA) is about 8 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.
Booking.com links are affiliate links; prices are the same for you and they help keep this guide free. Day tours: temple & heritage tours from Chennai.
Quick facts
| Deity | — |
| Town | Mangadu |
| 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 Mangadu
More Chennai temples
Frequently asked
Where is Kamakshi Amman Temple?
Kamakshi Amman Temple is in Mangadu, within Chennai city. It is reachable by auto, app cab or city bus; Chennai airport is about 8 km away.
What are the timings at Kamakshi Amman 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 Kamakshi Amman 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.