Mambalam (Tamil: மாம்பலம்) is a residential and commercial area in the heart of Chennai (Madras), India. It is best known for its shops, bazaars and Hindu temples. It is bounded by Kodambakkam to the north and Saidapet to the south. Nagar and Nandanam stretch all along its eastern frontiers while KK Nagar lies to its west. The Ayodhya Mandapam is an important landmark. Mambalam is believed to have
derived its name from the existence of Maha bilvam trees in the locality, which in due course become Mabilam and then Mambalam
West Mambalam is served by Mambalam railway station (the busiest station after Central and Tambaram), providing access to Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore and Tambaram. The nearest bus terminus is T. The bus service connects the area to K.K.Nagar, Vadapalani, Iyyppanthangal, Poonamallee, T.Nagar and Broadway (via Postal Colony), Mylapore and Vallalar Nagar (via Rangarajapuram) and Saligramam (via Brindavan Street), West Saidapet and Besant Nagar (via Mettupalayam). Other less frequent services connect the area to Taramani, Guindy Industrial Estate, Pattabiram, Tollgate and Kundrathur. Temples:There are many historical temples which are more than 100 years old and Ayodhya Mandapam which is said to be the place of vocalist offers place for many cultural events and many more for those who find to be religious. Other temples include Sathya Narayana Kovil, Kasi Viswanathar Koil, Kodhandaramar temple, Pushpa Vinayagar Kovil, Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple near Govindan Road, Muragashramam, Kali bari temple (Kali bari is a miniature replica of the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata.). There is also a Shirdi Sai Baba temple (Jai Shankar Street), an Annai meditation center and GMCKS (Pranic Energy Healing with Meditation in No.9/6 Mahadevan St. West Mambalam Center) (serving the needy for All Chronic diseases and related Psychological problems.) Schools: SBSM Jain School, Ahobila Mutt Oriental School, JGHV school, Sitaram vidhyalaya, Anjugam, Little oxford, Sri Narayana Mission School and SRM Nightingale,GRT Mahalakshmi School. Popular Eateries: Data Udipi Hotel, Bakya Fast Food, Kameshwari, Venkatramana Poli stall, Venkateshwara Poli Stall, Maamis Soups, OSB Chat center and Vinayak Chat. There is an one oldest theater in Mambalam called Srinivasa Theater. Another theater was there named National Theater which demolished in later 90's which was situated in Lake View Road.
