Kamakshi Amman Temple

About Kamakshi Amman Temple
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Sri Kamakshi Amman temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Open & Close:

Open on all days : 05:30 AM to 12:00 PM

04:30 PM to 08:30 PM

Puja Timings:
Gau (cow) Puja:

05:30 AM

Abhishekam :

05:30 AM |12:00 PM |05:00 PM

Navavarna Puja:

10:00 PM – On Full Moon only

Sahstranam Archana:

07:00 AM – 12:00 PM

06:00 PM – 08:00 PM

Sandal Alankaram :

06:00 PM (Wednesday & Saturday)

Entry Fees:

Free

Duration:

Approx 2 Hours

Dedicated to :

Goddess Parvati

Significance :

Golden Vimanam, Srichakra, Chariot Festival (Brahmotsavam)

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.

One of the 51 ‘shaktipithas’ in India, Kamakshi Amman Temple, is managed and looked after by Sri Kanchi Kamkoti Pitham. It is not by governed by government boards & regulations. Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple too is a highly impressive structure. The annual Car Festival on the 9th lunar day in February-March draws large crowds. The architecture and layout of the temple is of immense significance. There are four entrance gates in the four directions. The main entrance is embellished with a grand gopuram. The main gate is protected & flanked by Kal Bhairav (left) & Mahishasurmardini (right). The main gateway opens into outer ‘prakaram’. It houses 100 pillared hall, a huge water tank, several ‘mandapams’ etc. Among the ‘mandapams’, ‘Dhwajarohan Mandapam’ is significant. Close to water tank (‘kund’), idols of Lord Vishnu are placed in the forms of Ninraan, Irundaan, Kidandaan. Passing through hundred pillared hall and, subsequently, inner ‘prakaram’ & four pillared hall, a flight of steps leads to sanctum. The sanctum or ‘garbhagrih’ is surrounded by ‘prakaram’ with shrines of Ardhanarishwar (a form of Lord Shiva), Saundarya Laxmi, Kallar, Varaahi, Bangaru Kamakshi, Maha Saraswati and Adi Shankaracharya.

Kanchipuram Tour Packages

Tamil Nadu Temples with Kovalam Beach Tour

Tamil Nadu Temples with Kovalam Beach Tour

13 Nights / 14 Days
Destination : Chennai - (Kanchipuram) – Mahabalipuram - Puducherry - Tanjore - (Trichy)-Madurai –Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari - Kovalam

South India Heritage Tour

South India Heritage Tour

11 Nights / 12 Days
Destination : Chennai – (Kanchipuram) - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar National Park - Kumarakom – Alleppey - Cochin

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