Kalikambal Temple

Kalikambal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal (a form of Kamakshi) and Lord Kamateswarar, located on Thambu Chetty Street in George Town (Parry's Corner), Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Originally near the seashore, it was relocated in the 1640s and the present structure was built in 1678. Known for its Dravidian architecture, the temple is historically associated with Maratha ruler Shivaji's visit in 1677 and remains an important religious site in central Chennai.

Visitors can expect a compact, active Dravidian-style temple in the busy commercial area of George Town. The complex houses the sanctums of Goddess Kalikambal and Lord Kamateswarar, with gopuram, pillared halls, and decorated shrines. The surroundings are crowded streets with shops selling flowers and offerings. Visitors can observe daily pujas, view traditional architecture and sculptures, and experience a devotional atmosphere, especially during morning and evening prayer times.

The original Kalikambal Temple was located near the seashore where Fort St. George was later built. When the British East India Company established the fort in the 1640s, the temple was relocated to its present site on Thambu Chetty Street. The current structure was built in 1678 by the Vishwakarma community. The temple is noted for the visit of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1677, who is recorded to have worshipped here.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal, considered a fierce yet benevolent form of Goddess Kamakshi/Parvati, and Lord Kamateswarar (Shiva). It is an important Shakti shrine for devotees in Chennai and a center for daily worship and annual festivals such as Navratri. The temple reflects Tamil devotional traditions and Dravidian temple culture in an urban setting.