This temple is a prominent pilgrimage center in Kanchi and is renowned throughout India. Also known as ‘Kamakoti Peetam,’ it is one of the 51 Sakthi Peetams of India. The hymns of Thevaram refer to it as ‘Kachi Moodhur Kamakkottam.’ Located at the heart of Kanchi city, the Kamakshi temple is positioned centrally, with the Ekambaranatha temple to the northwest and the Varadaraja temple to the southeast. Notably, all major temples in the city are oriented to face the Kamakshi temple, which features four spires.
The seated Kamakshi deity is portrayed with great nobility, and in front of her is the Sri Chakra, where the Mother Goddess is believed to reside in her subtle form. According to tradition, Kamakshi was originally fierce and known as ‘Ugrasvarupini.’ It was Adi Shankara who installed the Sri Chakra, which tempered the goddess’s ferocity and transformed her into the serene and beautiful ‘Brahmasvarupini.’ Since Kamakshi is the principal deity in Kanchi, none of the Shiva temples have a separate shrine for the goddess, though her image is present for ceremonial processions.
Location
Located near the town bus stand, the temple can be accessed from any of the four Raja Veedhis.
Architecture
The grand entrance Gopuram is a notable feature from the Chola period, while the Kalyana Mandapam inside the temple dates back to the Vijayanagar period. The Gayatri Mandapam, with its 24 intricately carved pillars, is an architectural marvel, with each pillar representing a letter of the Gayatri Mantram. Notable attractions within the temple include the shrines for Varaha Avataram of Lord Vishnu and Ardhanariswarar. Kamakshi, in her brahma-shakti form, resides in a cave below the temple. She is believed to have appeared on earth to vanquish demons, including the notorious Bhandasura.
The Tapas Kamakshi, who underwent penance to atone for having closed the Lord’s eyes, is also enshrined in the sanctum. Exiting the sanctum, on the left, Kamakshi’s attendant Varahi is visible. In front of Varahi is the ‘Santana Sthambham,’ which marks the spot where King Dasharatha received the boon of progeny from Goddess Kamakshi. In the first Prakaram (circumambulatory path), the niche featuring Sastha with his consorts Purna and Pushkala can be seen.
This Sastha is known in Tamil as ‘Meichathan,’ and a Tamil song associated with this Sastha is visible. The song, mentioned by the renowned commentator Adiyarkku Nallar in his commentary on the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, does not have a known author. According to legend, Chola king Karikalan, during a northern military campaign, visited this temple and worshipped Goddess Kamakshi. The Sastha, serving as a tutelary deity, bestowed upon him the weapon called Chendu, which ensured his victory in the Himalayas. The Sastha figure is depicted holding the distinctive Chendu weapon.
Sculpture
In the Kalyana Mandapam, constructed by the Vijayanagar kings, numerous captivating relief sculptures depict various Puranic episodes and characters. Notably, alongside the Hindu deities, three Buddha images have been discovered within the temple.
In the first Prakaram, there is a 7-foot tall Buddha statue with a pedestal, though both hands are now broken. The folds of the flowing robes are intricately carved. The second Buddha image, found in the second Prakaram, is headless and depicts the hands resting on its lap in a ‘Yoga Mudra’ pose. The third image, discovered in the temple garden, is seated in a Yoga posture with hands in the ‘Yoga Mudra.’ It is believed that additional Buddha images may have been buried in the garden.
As a result, some historians suggest that the temple may have originally been a Buddhist ‘Taradevi’ temple. However, certain Jains regard it as a temple dedicated to their Goddess ‘Yakshi’ and refer to it as ‘Vimala Tiruppalli.’
Inscription
According to the inscriptions, Vijaya Nagar Achyuta Raya visited the temple in 1554 AD and made generous donations. Another inscription, presented in poetic form, refers to the birthplace of the poet ‘Kalamegam’ (noted for his use of puns in poetry) as ‘Ennayiram.’ This location is associated with a village that housed a prominent educational institution during the Chola period. The inscription is believed to date back to the 14th century.
Hymns
The Thevaram hymns by Sambandar and Sundarar, as well as the musical kritis of Thyagarajar, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, and Syama Sastry.
Mythology
The mythological significance of the Kamakshi Amman temple is rooted in Puranic lore, which describes her as originally worshipped as the consort of Ekambareshwara in the Ardhanarishwara form. According to the Kanchi Puranam, Parvati once covered Shiva’s eyes in Kailasa, casting the world into darkness and incurring a curse. To atone for her transgression, she took human form and performed penance by worshipping a sand Linga. When a nearby river flooded, she held the Linga to protect it from the rising waters, earning the name kama-kodi, meaning the beloved creeper entwined around the Lord. Over time, her worship evolved from being honored as Durga of Kamakottam (the ancient temple) to the establishment of the current Kamakshi temple.
Events
In the fourteenth century, the illustrious city of Kanchi was ravaged by the Islamic general Malik Kafur, who ordered the destruction of idols. The Kamakshi temple was among the major casualties. Worship in the temple ceased for several decades, along with other temples in Kanchi, until Kumara Kampana of Vijayanagar expelled the Muslim invaders and restored religious practices. Subsequently, the Vijayanagar kings took great care of Kanchi, and Emperor Krishnadeva Raya, in particular, was fond of visiting this renowned city.
Festivals
Masi Mahotsavam
Religion : Saivism
Timing : 5.30 AM to 12.30 PM; 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM
Deity : Kamakshi Amman
Period : 11th Century
Sanctified By : Sambandar
Category : Temple