Thillai Kali graces all ferociously and angrily from her shrine. Though she appears to be enraged, she blesses her devotees generously. The idol of Thillai Kali Amman is one of the rarest forms. She has four heads and graces in a sitting postures, with her legs hanging down. In earlier days, the whole city of Chidambaram was covered with Thillai trees, so the place is known as Thillai. Researchers have established that this ancient temple was constructed during the reign of Kopperunchinga because of the Chola-era sculptures on the pillars and the Dravidian architectural style.

Location of Thillai Kali Amman Temple :

Thillai Kali Amman temple is in Chidambaram.

Distinctiveness :

Named Kadambavana Dhakshina Rupini, this is the only temple in Tamil Nadu where Lord Dhakshina Moorthi appears as a woman. On all Thursdays, devotees who want to shine in their studies visit Shri Dhakshina Rupini and light lamps. Devotees with problems in marriage, family life, and business come to this temple and light ghee lamps; they also have anointment with Goddess Thilla Kali. Four Poojas are performed for Goddess Thillai Kali daily using flowers, rosewater, sandal paste, and honey.

Legend:

According to tradition, there was a major dispute between Lord Siva and Parvathi regarding who was the better dancer. So they both started a dance duet, in front of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and other devas. Both were profound dancers, no one could judge the winner. At the end of the competition, Lord Shiva performed an Oortha thandavam (raising his leg above his head); this posture is done only by men. Shakti was defeated by Lord Shiva but couldn’t accept her defeat, so she transformed into Kali and ended up becoming very furious. Seeing this, Lord Brahma pacified her by giving her four heads; each head depicts a Veda. And thus Thillai Kalli got her four heads.
Yet another legend is that Lord Shiva and Parvathi had a dance competition, and Lord Shiva won it. To teach Parvathi a lesson, he cursed her- to change to Ugra kali. Realizing her pride and prejudice, she repents before Lord Shiva. Later, Lord Shiva consoles her, saying that she will take the form of Ugra kali and destroy the demons on Earth. Later, she has to do penance to Shiva, and He will perform Anandha Thandavam (the dance of ecstasy) and take her back as Sivakami. Thus, Thillai Kali is also known as Ugra Kali or Mahishasura Mardini.

How do I reach Thillai Kali Amman Temple?

By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 150 km from Chidambaram. The town is well connected to Chennai by rail or road.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Chidambaram Railway Station, about 3 kilometres from this temple.
By Road: The Thillai Kali Amman Temple is located approximately 2 km from the town of Chidambaram. One can reach the temple by hiring an auto rickshaw or a taxi.