The sacred Sri Kodiyidai Amman Temple is located in Thirumullaivoyal, a suburb in the western part of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by residential streets and an atmosphere of devotion, the temple has been an important center of worship for devotees of the Divine Mother for centuries.
Sri Kodiyidai Amman Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and developed during the Chola period when many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were constructed in the Tondaimandalam region of Tamil Nadu. Over the centuries, several rulers and devotees contributed to the maintenance and renovation of the temple. Because of its spiritual importance and antiquity, the temple continues to attract large numbers of devotees from Chennai and nearby districts.
The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Kodiyidai Amman, the divine mother worshipped with deep devotion. The name Kodiyidai means “the Goddess whose waist is slender like a creeper,” symbolizing divine grace, beauty, and compassion. The Goddess is worshipped as a powerful and protective mother who blesses devotees with courage, prosperity, and success. Spiritually, Kodiyidai Amman represents *Kriya Shakti*, the divine power of action, which helps devotees move forward in life and achieve their goals.
Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered to Sri Kodiyidai Amman remove obstacles and bring success in work, family life, and personal efforts. Many devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for marriage, career progress, prosperity, and protection from difficulties. Although the temple also houses the shrine of Lord Masilamaneeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), the primary focus of worship for most devotees is the compassionate and powerful Goddess Kodiyidai Amman.
The temple follows the traditional Dravidian architectural style seen in ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The entrance is marked by a modest Rajagopuram that leads into the temple courtyard. Inside the temple are spacious mandapams or pillared halls where devotees gather for prayers and rituals. The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred idol of Sri Kodiyidai Amman, beautifully decorated with silk garments, jewelry, and fresh flowers. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Goddess Durga, Dakshinamurthy, and Chandikeswara. The stone pillars and sculptures reflect the artistic traditions of earlier centuries.
The temple has a long and sacred history connected with the ancient Shaivite traditions of Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the temple was established during the Chola period and gradually expanded by later rulers and devotees. In ancient times, temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort were built together, and this temple also follows that tradition.
According to the temple legend, the area where the temple stands today was once covered with thick forests filled with mullai creepers (jasmine vines). A king of the region was once travelling through the forest with his army and elephants. While passing through the forest, the king’s elephant suddenly stopped because its leg became entangled in the dense mullai creepers.
When the soldiers cleared the creepers, they discovered a sacred Shiva Lingam hidden beneath the vines. Realizing that this was a divine manifestation, the king immediately ordered the construction of a temple at that sacred spot.
Later, the Divine Mother Sri Kodiyidai Amman manifested here to bless devotees and protect the region. Because the sacred Lingam was discovered among the mullai creepers, the place came to be known as Thirumullaivoyal, meaning “the sacred place of mullai creepers.” Since then, the Goddess has been worshipped as the powerful guardian mother who protects devotees and fulfills their prayers.
Several important festivals are celebrated in the temple every year. The most significant among them is Navaratri, during which Sri Kodiyidai Amman is worshipped for nine days with special decorations, rituals, and cultural programs. The Aadi festival, especially Aadi Fridays, attracts thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers to the Goddess. Other important celebrations include Panguni Uthiram, Chitra Pournami, and special full-moon poojas when the temple is beautifully decorated and filled with devotional activities.
