Originally, the deity was worshipped in a small village near the seashore, where fishermen revered her daily with sendhuram abhishekam (sandal-orange powder). This earned her the name Chennamman and the village itself became known as Chennamman Kuppam, a name believed to have eventually evolved into Chennai. In 1640, during the construction of Fort St. George by the British, the temple came within the fort town (Kottai), giving the goddess the name Kottaiamman. The present temple structure was completed in 1678 using stones brought from Tiruvannamalai.
Earlier, the goddess was worshipped in her fierce form (Ugra Swaroopam), but after relocation, she was enshrined in her benevolent form (Shanta Swaroopam) as Goddess Kamakshi.
The temple is closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler. Historical accounts suggest that Shivaji, during his campaigns in and around Kanchipuram and Chennai, revered Goddess Kalikambal and even secretly worshipped here on October 3, 1667. A painting inside the temple depicts Shivaji offering prayers to the goddess. Though debated, this legend has strengthened the faith of devotees who continue to believe in the goddess’s divine protection.
It is also said that the revered poet Subramania Bharathiyar prayed here while working at Sudesamithran magazine, with his verse “Yathumahi Ninral Kali” believed to be dedicated to this very temple. Even today, political leaders, public figures, and common devotees frequently visit the shrine to seek blessings.
The temple welcomes devotees with a striking Rajagopuram adorned with intricate carvings, built in 1983. One unique architectural feature here is that the sanctums of Goddess Kalikambal and Lord Kamateswarar are placed back-to-back, a rare configuration in this temple design.
Deities enshrined include:
- Sri Kalikambal (Ambal) and Lord Kamateswarar
- Sri Vinayagar
- Sri Subramanyar with Valli and Devasena
- Sri Arunachaleswarar
- Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi
- Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Gayatri Devi, Sri Durga Devi, Sri Dakshayani
- Sri Bhairavar, Natarajar with Sivakami, and many more.
What are the festivals and poojais that are famous in the temple?
- Daily Rituals: Morning Sandi (6–7:30 am), Uchikala Pooja (12 noon), Sayaraksha (5:30–6 pm), Artha Jama Pooja (9 pm).
- Special abhishekams are performed every morning at 5:15 am.
- Annual Kodai Abhishekam (May 1): Conducted to invoke rains and prosperity across the land.
- Navarathri & Pournami: Special Chandi Homam is performed for universal welfare.
- Amavasai (New Moon): Dedicated poojais for Lord Viswakarma.
- Tuesdays & Fridays (Rahu Kalam): Devotees light unique lemon lamps as an offering to Ambal.
Brahmotsavam (Vaigasi – May/June): A grand 12-day annual festival with colorful processions featuring the goddess on various vahanams (lion, Kamadhenu, Rishabha, Simham, etc.). The ninth-day procession with Goddess Kamakshi on the beautifully decorated chariot (Kinnitter) is a major highlight.
The kumkumam and turmeric prasadam from abhishekam are believed to cure ailments and bless childless couples. A sacred red-and-black thread (mudikayiru) is given to protect devotees from illness and evil influences. Lemon garlands offered to the goddess are believed to serve as a spiritual shield (kavacham) for devotees. The temple also provides consecrated Sri Chakra dollars and thayathus for protection against negative energies.
How to reach to the temple?
Metro: Mannadi Metro Station (walkable distance).
Railway: Chennai Fort Railway Station (take an auto or cab).
Bus/Taxi: Well connected by Chennai city transport services.
Source / Image Credit : Temples Of India, Tamilnadu Tourism, aanmeegam