Kamakshi Amman Temple

The Kashi of South, Kanchipuram, was originally designed as Sri Chakra — a highly significant mystic symbol — and the shrine of Mother Kamakshi (Parvati) formed its centre. Spread over 5 acre of land, Kamakshi Amman Temple houses a Srichakram in front of the idol of Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati in the sanctum crowned with a gold plated Vimanam. It is believed that formerly Goddess Kamakshi was Ugra Swarupini (intense form) but Jagadguru Shankaracharya transformed her into Shanti Swarupini (sober form) by establishing Srichakram in front of the presiding deity. The presiding deity, seated in ‘padmasana’ posture, has fours arms holding a noose, staff, sugarcane bow and flower arrows. An idol of Adi Shankaracharya is also placed in sanctum. It is the same temple where Jagadguru Shankaracharya defeated scholarly Buddhist monk in ‘shastrartha’ (scholarly religious discussion). The name Kamakshi is also meaningful. ‘Ka’ means goddess of knowledge - Devi Saraswati. ‘Ma’ means goddess of wealth & prosperity- Devi Laxmi. Akshi means eyes. Hence, Kamakshi means goddess who is possessing Saraswati & Laxmi as two eyes. It is said that Dasharath, king of Ayodhya & father of Lord Ram, performed Putrakameshti Yajna here. The religious importance of Goddess Kamakshi has been written & sung by Sage Durvasa in Shaktimahima Stotra.