Temple of Historic significance

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Kalikambal Temple

 

Of the numerous temples that line the southern meteropolis of Chennai, the

Kalikambal temple in the heart of old Madras, in George Town stands out for its

historic significance and its tradition of festivals, and it attracts thousands

of devotees throughout the year. This temple has been visited by the great

Maratha ruler Shivaji, and its visibility has grown steadily in the last two

decades.

 

This temple enshrines Kalikambal (Kamakshi) and Kamateswarar and a host of

parivara devatas. The history of the temple goes back to a few hundred years.

 

The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is said to have visited the Kalikambal shrine in

Chennai, during his tour of the southern region of the Indian subcontinent.

 

It is said that the original location of this temple was closer to the sea shore

and that it was relocated to its present location during the period of British

rule in India.

 

It is also believed that a firece ugra form of the Goddess was held in worship

earlier, and that this form was replaced with the Shanta Swaroopa form of

Kamakshi, along with a Meru in the recent past.

 

This temple has a rich tradition of festivals, which are celebrated in splendor

even today in the limited space that is available in the neighborhood.

 

The Kinnitter - a chariot lined with metal cymbals is unique to this temple, and

the kinnitter procession in the month of Vaikasi attracts large crowds. The

Navaratri and the Vasanta Navaratri festivals are also of a unique nature here.

 

This temple has grown in popularity exponentially over the last two decades.

Unprecedented crowds throng the neighborhood on Fridays and during special

celebrationsand the last two decades have seen major construction activities

within the temple complex.

 

source;templenet