Kamakshi Amman Temple

Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Dedicated to: Goddess Kamakshi (incarnation of Parvati )


Kamakshi Amman Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. Located at Kanchipuram, the temple is easily accessible by regular buses and private taxis that are available throughout the state of Tamil Nadu. Former capital of the Pallavas, Kanchipuram lies at a distance of 75 kms from Chennai. Kamakshi Amman Temple is considered as one of the sacred abodes of Goddess Parvati, other being Meenakshi at Madurai, Akilandeswari at Thiruvanaikaval and Vishalakshi at Varanasi.

Goddess Kamakshi is regarded as one of the incarnations of Goddess Parvati. As per the Hindu legend, Kamakshi made a Shivalingam out of the sand and offered worship to it. In return, she got Lord Shiva as her husband. In the sanctum sanctorum, Goddess Kamakshi is depicted in a seated posture, which is also referred as Parabhrama Swarupini. A Sri Chakram has been placed just before the image and due worship is offered to it. The ancient shrine of Kamakshi Amman is always associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the great saint of India.

It is regarded that Goddess Kamakshi was initially an Ugra Swaroopini (Ruthless form of Shakti). Adi Shankaracharya placed a 'Chakra' before her and the goddess got personified as Shanta Swaroopini (Kind form of Shakti). The area is believed to comprise temples that have ruthless aspect of the Goddess, though Kamakshi Temple is an exception. Representing this, the image of the deity is taken out in procession at the time of festivals. It is said that the Goddess takes leave from Shankaracharya, at his shrine in the inner prakaram.