Some of the salient features of this temple are...
The temple faces north with an entrance arch. Stucco images of Saptamatrikas are on the compound walls. The temple and presiding deity are also facing north. In the sanctum, Amman’s stucco statue is on the back side wall with 8 hands holding various weapons. The abhishekam is done for the presiding deity BhadraKali Amman in front of the moolavar.
In prakaram Saptamatrikas, Vinayagar and Naagars. The Simha Vahana and the presiding deity are a few feet below the outside ground level, which shows that the temple is very old. The Bootha Gana is half-buried. Karuppanna Swami is on a Pillar of the front mandapa. A Tortoise bas relief is on the floor, near the east side wall of the sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that this might have been donated by the fishermen's community since this place was thickly populated once.
HISTORY
During Kapaleeswarar temple Brahmotsavam / celebrations preference is given first to Kolavizhi Amman. Panguni Brahmotsavam of Kapaleeswarar temple will start after doing a pooja to this Pidari Kolavizhi Amman. The flag will be hoisted after doing pooja, for which the astram/Soolam - சூலம் - will be brought from Kapaleeswarar Temple to this Amman temple for pooja. In 63var processions, Kolavizhi Amman leads first, followed by Vinayagar and Sri Kapaleeswarar.
LEGEND
Lord Shiva stayed in Mylapore after getting permission from Kolavizhi Amman, one of the Village deities of the Grama Devatha. As per the historians, The Koba Muzhi Amman – கோப முழி அம்மன் - which got corrupted to Kolavizhi Amman. In 1855 CE, A British officer from St George Fort came and prayed to Amman of this temple to get cured of his eye problem.
There is a well covered with Iron grills. A lot of locks are locked with the grill. It is believed that Kolavizhi Amman will remove the hurdles like legal cases, etc. After prayer is answered the devotees will remove the lock.
The devotees praise Kolavizhi Amman as the Guardian angel and protect them from any danger including Natural disasters. So the devotees used to keep a share of the money to be offered before doing any important functions or any business. It was said that a Nagar ( Snake ) shape was observed in the Neem tree, a few months before.
FESTIVALS
The important functions held in this temple are Pournami Pooja ( the vegetables offered are hanged in the temple ), Poochoridal, carrying Poochatti (carrying the fire pots), and Milk abhishekam carrying in a procession, are celebrated in a grand manner.