Kamakshi Temple, Kanchipuram

She is Adi Parashakti, the supreme feminine energy, who blesses her devotees abundantly with health, wealth, and prosperity. She is the compassionate mother who blesses childless couples with a child.

This magnificent temple is known for its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and bhakti cult.

She is praised as Sri Mata, it is the first name that appears in the Lalitha Sahasranama strotra.

‘Kama’ means desire, and ‘Akshi’ means eyes. She is a compassionate mother who fulfills all desires through her loving gaze.

Initially, the goddess was in fierce form; she was calmed down by Adi Sri Shankaracharya by installing the Sri Chakra. Any puja that has to be performed to the goddess Kamakshi first must be performed to Sri Chakra.

This magnificent temple, which is a marvel of Indian craftsmanship, was originally built by the Pallavas during the 6th century.

Later, it was reconstructed and expanded by the Cholas and Vijayanagar empires.

This temple is built over 5 acres of land and has four entrances with a towering gopuram. The main entrance of the temple has a majestic raja gopuram with intricate carvings.

Gayatri Mandapam, with 24 pillars, is another example of stunning Dravidian architecture. Each pillar represents one syllable of the Gayatri mantra.

Due to the boon, he became very egoistic, started creating chaos in the three worlds.

Disturbed by this, Devatas went to Lord Shiva seeking help. Lord Shiva directed them to worship Parvati Devi, form of Bala Tripura Sundari, who could only defeat the demon.

On the advice of Lord Shiva, the devatas took the form of parrots and flew towards Kanchipuram. They performed severe tapas under the champaka tree to please the goddess.

Pleased by their prayers, the goddess appeared from the bila (a tunnel from the ground), in an aggressive form. She appeared as an eight-armed goddess carrying weapons.

A prolonged and fierce battle broke out between them. She took various forms to combat the different forms of the demon. Finally, using the weapon Kameshwarastra, she killed the demon.

She dragged the body of the asura to Kanchipuram and ordered it to be buried under the earth. She asked them to construct Vijaya Stambha or Gayathri Mantapa above the buried spot.

She then released herself from her fierce form and assumed a peaceful, beautiful form.

Later, Kamakshi performed severe tapas while standing on one foot under the mango tree. She performed tapas with the intention of Lord Shiva to be her husband.

Lord Shiva was pleased by her devotion and married her in the Phalguna month in the Uttara Nakshatra. Their marriage is celebrated as a grand festival known as Phalguni Utsavam.

Panguni Utsavam: This is celebrated in March and April. During this festival marriage of Kamakshi Devi and Lord Shiva is performed. Couples who desire to get married should attend this festival.

Navaratri: This festival falls in October or November. During this phase, Kamakshi Devi is worshiped with special pujas, rituals invoking her spirit.

Adi and Thai Fridays: Worshiping Devi on Adi masa and Thai masa Fridays are considered highly auspicious.

The other festivals like Sankatahara Chaturthi, Kamakshi Thayar Vratam, Shankara Jayanti, Aadi Puram, and Chitra Pournami are also celebrated with great festive spirit. Huge gatherings of crowds are witnessed here.

Here in this temple, Shaakta Agama traditions are followed with disciplined rituals. Nitya pujas like Abhishekam, Alankaram, Deepa Aradhana, Sahasra Namarchana, Ashtotara archana, Arthajama, Palliarai poojai are performed here with great devotion.

Kachapeshwarar Temple: This is a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Adi Kamakshi Temple: This temple is located near Kamakshi Amman temple, dedicated to the worship of Adi Peeteshwari or Adi Peetha Parameshwari.

Sangupani Vinayagar Temple: This is a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. Located near Kamakshi Amman Temple, the Deity of Lord Ganesha is self-manifested and is seen holding a Conch or a Sangu, from which its name is derived.

Kumarakottam Temple: This temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Muruga. This temple is located on Raja Street.

Ulagalanda Perumal Temple: It is a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ulaganatha Perumal. This temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.

You can also reach out to the temple in other ways. Here are a few ways.

By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport to reach the Kanchi Kamakshi temples. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.

By Railway: Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are the nearest railway stations. From here, there are many cabs, government and private buses, or autos to reach the temple.

By Road: The city of Kanchipuram is connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Arakkonam, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Many state-run or private buses are available to reach the city.