Kolavizhi Amman Temple - Chennai

Kolavizhi Amman Temple, also known locally as the Bhadra Kali Temple, stands near the Sanskrit College area in Mylapore and is regarded as one of Chennai’s important shrines of the Mother Goddess.

This was originally a village temple, and that character is still visible in the way the space feels open, functional, and rooted in local devotion. The sanctum is unusual because it enshrines two goddesses: a towering Bhadra Kali and Kolavizhi Amman. Kali is shown seated, with eight arms, an imposing presence that immediately sets the tone of the shrine.

Kolavizhi Amman is worshipped as the guardian deity of old Mylapore village and is also referred to as Mayurapuri Grama Devta. Even today, the temple’s identity feels closely tied to that protective role, less of a grand “monument” and more of a living village-style sanctuary within the city.

The number of sub-shrines is currently limited, though the temple campus is surprisingly spacious. It is easy to see how more shrines could be added over time; something commonly seen in village temples as they expand gradually and begin to resemble larger, mainstream temple complexes.

Within the premises, you will find sub-shrines for Naga devtas, Hanuman, and Ganesh. The Sapta Matrikas appear in an interesting form here: seven bricks symbolically represent them, and there is also a newer sub-shrine dedicated to the group. Notably, Indrani is replaced by Nagendri in this set, an arrangement I have noticed in a few other Chennai temples as well.

In the ardha mandapa, icons of Ganesh and Murugan are placed, keeping the worship space active and accessible. Another striking, newer addition is a set of four large relief panels: Ganesha, Murugan, Karuppanna Swami, and Valmiki. The Valmiki relief is especially notable, since Valmiki is not commonly found in Chennai temples.

One more detail that catches the eye is the well: its lid is secured with hundreds of locks offered by devotees. The belief is simple and direct, offer a lock to the goddess, and she will help relieve legal troubles.

While the temple is certainly old in origin (even if the present structure is newer), its exact age is not clearly known. Claims that it is “1000 years old” or “600 years old” do not seem to rest on firm evidence. That said, the ancient utsava (processional) icon of Kali in the temple does indicate long-standing worship.

Happy travelling.