SRI THILLAI KALI TEMPLE CHIDAMBARAM

Mother Thillai Kali appears with four faces as Lord Brahmma. Mother Saraswathi as Veena Vidyambika and Lord Dakshinamurthi in female form praised as Kadambavana Dakshina Rupini grace the devotees from their shrines in the prakara. Devotees pray here lighting lamps on Thursdays seeking academic achievements. This is the only temple where Lord Dakshinamurthi appears in a female form.

Sri Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram, Cuddalore district.

Phone: +91- 4144 - 230 251

The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Purattasi Navarathri in September-October is grandly and devotionally celebrated in the temple.

A debate arose between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi as to who was more powerful among them. Shiva claimed he was. But Shakti was too voracious in her defence on the debate to establish Her claim. Angry Shiva cursed Her to become an Ugrakali. Realizing Her haste and violent argument, Shakti begged Shiva for a remedy. Lord Said, 'Devas and men will be subjected to the atrocities of demons shortly. You, as Ugra Kali will destroy the demons and protect Devas and men. Then, You come to Thillai (now Chidambaram) and perform penance on me. I shall be there to grant Ananda dance darshan to Sages Patanjali and Vyakrapada. You will join me there as Sivakami'. Thillai Kali is also known as Ellai Kali – Ellai means border – Kali at the border of Thillai. Those visiting Chidambaram temple complete the pilgrimage to the place with worship of Thillaikali.

Lord Shiva and Mother Kali entered into a dancing contest. Lord Shiva played His frurious Ugra Thandava and raised His legs upward at a stage and asked Kali if She could play this. Bound in feminine traits, Kali could not do this. Though defeated, She became furious. Lord Brahma appeared there and praised Kali as Veda Nayaki and begged Her to calm down with four faces representing the four Vedas. Kali responded to Brahma's prayer and granted darshan to Him as Brahma Chamundeeswari.