Kanchi Kamakshi Temple

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is the most important temple in Kanchipuram. Main deity Kanchi Kamakshi Amman will be in Padmasana posture ( a yogic sitting posture) holding sugarcane bow in left upper arm and Lotus, Parrot in her right upper arm. Aadi Sankaracharya has stationed before the goddess a Sri Chakra. Sri Chakra which is said to be containing the efficiency of power of Kamakshi Devi.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetas across the country. ‘Ka’ means Saraswathi Devi (God of Education), ‘Ma’ means Lakshmi Devi (God of Wealth), Akshi means eyes. The name as a whole means, Goddess who possess Saraswathi and Lakshmi as her two eyes. This temple was built by Pallava Kings during 6th century A.D.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Legends

Kamakshi Devi did penance for Lord Siva by creating a Siva Idol from the Earth. At that moment, Lord Siva to test Kamakshi Devi’s penance, he incarnated himself as a Kamba River and raised high in tides to destroy the Idol. Kamakshi Devi safeguarded Siva Linga by closing the Idol with her two hands. Goddess performed strict penance by sitting in a needle tip surrounded by 5 fires ( Panchakagni). Impressed by the dedication, Lord Siva appeared before her and married Goddess Kamakshi.

Once Lord Maha Vishnu cursed Goddess Lakshmi to take no form. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi did penance here for the Lord Vishnu and got relieved from the curse. There is a belief those who offer Kamakshi Devi Kumkum to Aarupam Lakshmi will be blessed with good wealth.

King Dasaratha offered prayers to the Goddess here before performing Putra Kamisti Yagam. It is believed that couples who perform pooja to the Goddess will be blessed with children.

Sage Durvasa wrote Sakthimahima Stotra and the great poet Mookakavi, who has written the Mooka Panchasasti poem of 500 verses on Kamakshi Amman.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Miracles

Once there was a devotee by name Mookan, who was dumb. He offered prayers to the goddess for the speech, impressed with his prayers goddess blessed him with speech and intellectual. Mookakavi wrote 500 poems praising the goddess, these poems were called by Mooka Panchashasti.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Pooja Timings

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
• Go pooja: 5:30 am (Everyday)
• Abhishekam : 5 am / 12:00 pm / 5:00 pm  (Everyday)
• Navavarna Pooja only on Full moon days (Pournami): 10 pm
• Sandal Alankaram:  6 pm  ( Wednesday, Saturday)
• Sahasranamam Archana: 7 am to  12 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm (Daily)

Darshan: Any decent outfit

Entry restricted for Non-Hindus.

Darshan Duration: 30 to 40 mins during weekdays and 60 to 90 mins during weekends.

Ticket cost: Free entry for all devotees.

How to reach Kanchi Kamakshi Temple?

1. Temple is 111 km from Tirupati. Direct bus to Kanchipuram is available from Tirupati Central bus station.
2. Temple is 1.3 km from Kanchipuram Bus station
3. Temple is 2.9 km from Kanchipuram Railway station

Interesting places near Kamashi Amman Temple?

1. Ekambareswarar Temple is 1 km away
2. Sri Kailasanathar temple is 1.7 km away
3. Sri Varadaraja perumal temple is 3.9 km away

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Gallery

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