Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Kamakshi Amman Temple

At a distance of 1 km from Kanchipuram Bus Station, Kamakshi Amman Temple, also known as Kamakoti Nayaki Kovil, is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular temples in South India, and among the famous places to visit as part of Kanchipuram tour packages. The Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility, and strength. It is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and one among the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred shrines built around the falling body parts from the corpse of Goddess Sati from heaven. It is believed the naval part of her body fell at this site, thus making it a holy abode. The temple is also the center for the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

History of Kamakshi Amman Temple

Among the most sacred pilgrimage sites near Chennai, the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchi is believed to have been established by the Pallava dynasty during the 5th to 8th centuries, with Kanchipuram serving as their capital. The temple is celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of hymns composed by Tamil saint poets from the 6th to 9th centuries. It is also thought that the Chola dynasty may have reconstructed the temple in the 14th century, while local legends suggest that it was built as recently as 1783. Following the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565, it is said that the idol of Kamakshi Amman was transported across South India by devotees in search of a permanent home. From 1739 to 1781, the idol was housed in the Tiruvarur temple, and in 1783, the Kamakshi Amman Temple was constructed specifically for the idol.

Mythology of Kamakshi Amman Temple

Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple is considered one of the most significant centers of Shaktism in Tamil Nadu. According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi took residence in this temple after vanquishing the demon Bhandasura, who was born from the ashes of Manmatha, the deity of love. Here, she undertook a severe penance by standing on a fire pit to earn the favor of Lord Shiva. Touched by her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her and accepted her as his consort, symbolizing the sacred union of Shakti and Shiva. It is believed that Kamakshi initially embodied the Ugra Swaroopini. Following the establishment of the Sri Chakra, Adi Shankara redefined her as the Shanta Swaroopini.

Architecture of Kamakshi Amman Temple

Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple encompasses a sprawling area of 5 acres with its multi-tiered design. The sanctum is topped with a gold-plated vimanam. The temple complex is adorned with numerous shrines, mandapas, and a temple tank, all showcasing remarkable architectural beauty and intricate carvings. Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple is recognized as one of the three principal centers of Shaktism in India, alongside the Madurai Meenakshi Temple and the Kashi Visalakshi Temple. The name 'Kamakshi' is derived from Sanskrit, where 'Ka' represents Goddess Saraswati, 'Ma' signifies Goddess Lakshmi, and 'Akshi' means Eye. In this context, Parasakhti, embodying Saraswati and Parvati as her eyes, presides over Kanchi as Goddess Kamakshi.

Within the sanctum resides the idol of Kamakshi in a seated position, accompanied by the divine trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. She is depicted holding a sugarcane bow in her upper left arm, a parrot in her upper right arm, and the divine chakras of Pasa and Ankusha in her lower arms. A crescent moon, known as Chandra Prabhai, adorns her forehead. She is referred to as Parabrahma Swaroopini, seated alongside the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Additionally, a Sri Chakra, installed by Sri Adi Shankara, is positioned in front of the Goddess. Notably, there are no other traditional shrines dedicated to Parvati or Shakti in Kancheepuram, which further enhances the temple's legendary status.

Surrounding the sanctum are smaller shrines dedicated to Bangaru Kamakshi, Adi Shankara, and Maha Saraswati. The temple also features a Vishnu shrine known as Kalva Perumal, which is esteemed as one of the 108 Divya Desams. The deity here is Aadi Varaha Perumal, depicted in a standing posture. Furthermore, the temple includes an art gallery showcasing images that illustrate the history of Sri Adi Sankaracharya and the Shankara Mutt. The temple has a golden chariot of which the procession takes place during festive seasons.

Festivals of Kamakshi Amman Temple

Chariot Festival and Float Festival held in the Tamil month of Masi (February/March) are the famous festivals celebrated at Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple annually. During these festivals, the Goddess Kamakshi is taken out of the sanctum for a procession, seated in a silver chariot. Other major festivals such as Navrathri, Shankara Jayanti, Aadi, and Aippasi Pooram are also celebrated with equal enthusiasm at this temple.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Kamakshi Amman Temple

When planning a visit to the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest dress standards. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhar. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Kamakshi Amman Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Kamakshi Amman Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshanam available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple

The period from October to March is the most favorable time to explore Kanchipuram Temple, as the climate is enjoyable and ideal for sightseeing. This timeframe also coincides with the temple's annual festivals, such as the Chariot Festival and the Float Festival. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. During the rest of the year, it is mostly humid and hot apart from the monsoons when the town experiences heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Kamakshi Amman Temple

Located approximately 61 Km from Kanchi, Chennai Airport serves as the nearest airport, offering regular flight services to nearly all major cities across India and internationally. Kanchi enjoys robust train connectivity to Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, Tirupati, Madurai, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli. Additionally, there are numerous bus services available to Kanchipuram from cities such as Chennai, Vellore, Tirupati, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. The temple, situated in the town's center, can be conveniently accessed by bus or auto-rickshaw from any area within the town.