Kanchipuram Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Kanchipuram Kamakshi Amman Temple- New No. 6, Old No. 144/A, Kamakshi Amman Sannathi Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Deity

Amman: Kamakshi

Introduction

• Location: Kanchipuram, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Lalitha Maha Tripura Sundari.
• Historical Importance: The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallava kings. It is one of the most significant centers of worship for the goddess, along with the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Akhilandeswari Temple in Thiruvanaikaval.
• Unique Features: Kamakshi is depicted in a seated Padmasana (lotus posture), signifying peace and prosperity, unlike most deities that are traditionally depicted in a standing pose.

Puranic Significance

• Shakti Shrine: Kamakshi is revered as Parabrahma Swaroopini, the supreme form of energy. The temple is closely associated with Shakti worship, and it is the only major Shakti shrine in Kanchipuram.
• Legend of Adi Shankaracharya: The temple is known for its connection with Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have established the Sri Chakra here. Kamakshi is identified with Lalitha Maha Tripura Sundari, as mentioned in ancient texts like the Brahmanda Purana.
• Shakti Peetha: The temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the navel of Sati fell during the dismemberment of her body.

Beliefs

• Devotee Offerings: People visit Kamakshi Temple to seek blessings for childbirth, prosperity, and relief from Thirumana Dhosam and Puthira Dosham.
• Spiritual Fulfillment: Devotees believe that worshipping Kamakshi can help remove obstacles in life, ensure prosperity, and grant divine blessings.

Special Features

• Kamakshi’s Iconography:
  • Kamakshi is depicted in Padmasana with four arms, holding a sugarcane bow, a bunch of five flowers, a pasha (lasso), and an ankusha (goad). A parrot is also seen near the flower bunch.
• Sri Chakra and Rituals:
  • The Sri Chakra established by Adi Shankaracharya is an important part of the temple. This Artha Meru Chakra is made of eight herbals and is worshipped with great reverence. It is covered in gold on Vijayadasami during Navaratri and in silver on other days.
  • Pujas are performed following Tantra, as instructed by sage Durvasa.
• Temple Architecture:
  • The temple complex includes four entrances and notable structures like the Gayatri Mandapa and the 100-pillared halls. The central Shikhar (tower) of the temple is covered in gold, and there is a sacred tank within the premises.
  • The Swarna Kamakshi processional deity was relocated to Thanjavur during the 1767 Muslim invasion, and in its place, Swarna Paadukaas (sacred feet) are worshipped.

Festivals

• Main Festivals:
  • Masi Festival: Celebrated in the Tamil month of Masi (mid-February to mid-March) with grand events like the Ther (chariot festival) and Theppam (float festival).
  • Navaratri: A significant festival celebrating the divine feminine energy.
  • Adi Pooram and Aippasi Pooram, Sankara Jayanthi, and Vasanta Utsavam are also observed.
  • Fridays: All Fridays are special, with particular reverence during the months of Adi (mid-July to mid-August) and Thai (mid-January to mid-February).

Century/Period/Age

1400 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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