Mangadu Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Mangadu Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple- Kundrathur – Sriperumbudur Rd, Mangadu, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 600122 Phone: 044 2679 0053

Deity

Amman: Sri Kamakshi

Introduction:

• Location: Mangadu, a suburb of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Etymology: The name “Mangadu” means “Mango Forest” or “Mango Groves,” indicating the area was once a dense mango grove.
• Administration: The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi performing penance (Tapas Kamakshi) in a fierce form.
• Significance: Mangadu is where Goddess Kamakshi performed rigorous penance to reunite with Lord Shiva and marry Him. All 32 types of Dharmic rituals were observed by the Goddess at this site.

Puranic Significance:

• Mythology: Once, in a playful act, Goddess Parvati covered Lord Shiva’s eyes, bringing the world’s activities to a halt. As a result, she was cursed to be born on Earth and advised to perform penance in Mangadu. She performed rigorous penance, standing amidst fire, and was instructed to proceed to Kanchipuram to complete it, earning the place the title Adhi Kamakshi Sthala.
• Sri Chakra: Artha Meru Sri Chakra, installed by Acharya Adi Shankara, occupies a significant position in the temple. This sacred symbol is revered as the presiding deity, while the processional deity of Ambica is behind the Chakra. The Chakra, made of eight herbals, is worshipped without abhishekam (bathing rituals) but adorned with sandal paste and kumkum during pujas.
• Sankara’s Intervention: When Mother Kamakshi left Mangadu for Kanchipuram without extinguishing the Panchagni (five fires), the region became hot and arid. Acharya Shankara installed the Sri Chakra to restore the fertility of the area.

Beliefs:

• Six-week Worship: Devotees follow a six-week worship with a lime fruit, starting on any chosen day of the week. They continue this practice for six consecutive weeks to seek fulfillment of their wishes.
• Marriage & Child Blessings: Unmarried devotees, both men and women, tie a yellow thread in the temple, seeking a suitable match. Couples desiring children offer a cradle to Mother Kamakshi in hopes of being blessed with offspring.
• Prosperity & Health: Devotees also seek promotions, relief from diseases, and abundant crop yields. Special prayers are performed for job success and agricultural prosperity.

Special Features:

• Artha Meru Sri Chakra: This sacred symbol, with 43 triangles (Trikonas), is made from Astagandham (a mixture of eight sacred herbs). It is the largest Sri Chakra in the region, symbolizing royal power and devotion.
• Penance of Goddess Kamakshi: Goddess Kamakshi’s penance is depicted in a beautiful sculpture in the temple. She is shown standing near a central fire pit (Agni Kunda) in an intense penance posture, with her left hand on her navel, holding a Japa mala (rosary) in her right hand above her head, and her eyes closed in deep devotion.
• Velleeswarar Temple: A nearby temple dedicated to Lord Velleeswarar holds special importance for those seeking blessings from Shukra (planet Venus). It is believed that Shukra regained his vision after performing penance at this temple.

Festivals:

• Chithirai Festival: A 10-day celebration in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) draws large crowds of devotees seeking the blessings of Mother Kamakshi.
• Navaratri: Celebrated in September-October, with special decorations, rituals, and processions.
• Masi Magam and Shivratri: Both festivals are celebrated in February-March, with rituals invoking the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kamakshi.
• Niraimani Darshan: During the Purattasi full moon day (September-October), the temple is decorated with sweets, fruits, vegetables, and grains to symbolize prosperity, and devotees believe this brings abundance and happiness to their families.

Other Unique Features:

• Sri Vaikunta Perumal: This temple also features Sri Vaikunta Perumal, where Lord Vishnu stayed after bringing gifts for His sister, Mother Kamakshi, during her marriage with Lord Shiva.
• Nava Kalasa Homa: A special Homa (fire ritual) is conducted on full moon days, with nine brass pots symbolizing the nine forms of Shakti.
• Daily Procession: The temple holds a daily evening procession in a golden car driven by Brahmmi, one of the Saptha Matrikas (seven mother goddesses), and accompanied by Nava Kannikas (nine virgins).

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mangadu

Nearest Railway Station

Mangadu

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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