Sri Kamakala Kameshwarar Temple, Triplicane

Moolavar: Sri Kamakala Kameshwarar

Amman: Sri Kameshwari Ambal

Place: Triplicane, Chennai

The Temple is believed to be built by a family belonging to the Kayasth community, which had its origins in present day Uttar Pradesh.The banam is Shwetha banam meaning white in colour and Ambal thribangini having 3 Curves in her body.

The Nizams of Hyderabad had a tradition of employing Hindu Kayasths in their administration. The Nawabs of Arcot also  followed the same practice. Among the confidential munshis or secretaries of Nawab Mohammad Ali Walajah (1749-1795) was Makhan Lal Khirat. When the ruler built the Big Mosque in Triplicane, it was this trusted aide who composed the chronogram for it, which is enshrined above the mihrab — It is perhaps the only instance in the world, of a Hindu’s work adorning a mosque — a true illustration of the city’s secular character.

Makhan Lal was given the honorific of Rai Raja by the Nawab. A branch of the family, titled the Junior Line, was stationed in Hyderabad, where it managed the properties of the Arcot family in that city. The Senior Line, which remained in Madras, was headed after Makhan Lal by his son Rai Raja Tekam Chand Bahadur.Rai Raja Ishwar Das Lala Dayavant Bahadur as he liked to be referred to was the son of Rai Raja Tekam Chand Bahadur and lived off Pycrofts Road (now Bharati Salai) where a street is named after him. 

A parallel street is Raja Hanumantha Lala Lane, taking its name from a kinsman. It was in this street that Ishwar Das built a temple for Kamakala Kameswarar in early 1890s by installing a white Shiva Linga in it.

This temple is tucked in the quite lane of Raja Hanumantha Lala street, the nearest landmarks being the Gosha Hospital and the Mani Iyer Hall. 

This small temple brims with festivals throughout the year. The Annual 10-day Brahmotsavam is held in the month of Chitra (Chitra Pournami). Apart from this the other festivals include Regular Kiruthigai Utsavams, Pavitrotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Navarathri Utsavam, Panguni Uttiram, Adi Kritika and Aani Thirumanjanam.

Location:

Sri Kamakala Kameshwarar Temple, Triplicane