Kandha Kottam

Kandha Kottam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Park Town near Parry's Corner in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Built in the 17th century and later reconstructed in the early 19th century, it is one of the prominent Murugan temples in central Chennai. The temple is known for its Dravidian architecture, black granite idol of Murugan, and association with saint Ramalinga Swamigal who composed works here.

Visitors can expect a compact urban temple complex with a gopuram entrance, pillared mandapams, and a sanctum housing the granite idol of Lord Murugan with consorts Valli and Deivanai. The temple interior features stone sculptures, shrines for Vinayagar and other deities, and a temple tank area. The surroundings are busy commercial streets of George Town and Park Town. Visitors can observe daily pujas, abhishekams, and devotees offering prayers in a traditional South Indian temple setting.

The temple is believed to have been originally constructed in the 1670s by Maari Chettiar and later substantially rebuilt in the early 19th century. The present structure reflects early 1800s reconstruction. Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Vallalar) worshipped here and composed 'Deiva Manimalai' and other hymns at this temple in the 19th century.

Kandha Kottam is an important Murugan temple in Chennai and a significant center for Murugan worship. It is revered by devotees of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) and hosts major Shaivite festivals such as Kanda Shashti, Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram and Vaikasi Visakam, attracting large congregations for special pujas and processions.