Madras Kali Bari
Madras Kali Bari is a Hindu temple, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the notable temples of the Chennai region.
About Madras Kali Bari
Madras Kali Bari is a Hindu temple located in the neighbourhood of West Mambalam in Chennai, India. Dedicated to the goddess Kali, the temple is constructed along the lines of the Dakshineshwar Kali temple in Kolkata by the Bengali community in the city. Within the precincts of the temple is a meditation hall where bhajans are sung daily. Hindu festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja are celebrated with grandeur.
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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. 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 Madras Kali Bari?
Madras Kali Bari is in Chennai, within Chennai city.
What are the timings at Madras Kali Bari?
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 Madras Kali Bari?
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.