The Kamakshi Temple

The Kamakshi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Kamakshi one of the forms of the goddess Parvati. It is located in the historic city of Kanchipuram, near Chennai, India and is popularly associated with Sankaracharya, one of the greatest Hindu gurus. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, the Akilandeswari temple in Thiruvanaikaval near Tiruchirappalli and this Kamakshi are the important centers of worship of Parvati as the mother goddess, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was most probably built by the Pallava kings, whose capital was Kanchipuram, around 6 C.E.

The main deity, Kamakshi, is seated in a majestic Padmasana, an yogic posture signifying peace and prosperity, instead of the traditional standing pose. The goddess holds a sugarcane bow and bunch of flowers in the lower two of her arms and has a pasha (lasso), an ankusha (goad) in her upper two arms. There is also a parrot perched near the flower bunch. There are no other Parvati temples in the city of Kanchipuram, apart from this temple, which is unusual in a traditional city that has hundreds of traditional temples. There are various legends that account for this fact. One of them according to Kamakshivilasa is that the Goddess had to absorb all the other shakthi forms to give a boon to Kama, the Hindu god of love. {1} Another legend attributes it to the Raja Rajeswari pose of the deity that signifies an absolute control over the land under the deity's control.[2] Legend has it that Kamakshi offered worship to a Shivalingam made out of sand, under a mango tree and gained Shiva's hand in marriage.

Festivals : Four worship services are offered each day. The annual festival falls in Spring, in the Tamil month of Masi, which runs from mid-March to mid-April. During this time the chariot festival (Ther) and lake festival, (Theppam) are held. Other festivals include Navaratri, Aadi and Aippasi Pooram, Sankara Jayanthi and Vasanta Utsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. All Fridays are considered sacred, though the Fridays in the Tamil months of Adi (mid-July to mid - August) and Thai (mid-January to mid - February) are celebrated.

The Old Kamakshi Devi Temple : The original Kamakshi Devi Temple is what is presently known as Adi Peeteswari or the Adi Peeta Parameswari. This temple is just adjacent to the Kumarakottam, and is near to the presently famous Kamakshi Devi temple. Adi Shankaracharya, the famous 8th-century CE scholar and saint, established the Sri Chakra at this original Kamakshi Devi temple in the trough-like structure in that shrine, This Sri Chakra soon became the All India famous Kamakoti Peeta. The Acharya's Lalitha Trishati Bhashya comments Kamakoti Peetam as Sri Chakra.

The Acarya changed the fierce form of worship into a sowmya form. The Devi in this original Kamakshi temple is called by various names like Kirtimati, Devagarbha in extant Tantric works like Tantrachudamani. She has four hands containing in each of them respectively, Ankusa, PAsa, Abhaya and a Kapala. This description corresponds to those extant old tantric works. Further, Girvanendra Saraswathi describes precisely this swaroopa as Kameswari. Sundaramurthi Nayanar, the Saiva saint of the 12th century is aware of the Kamakottam. He in fact mentions that the Kamakottam has come in existence just at that time

The Siruthondar Puranam of Sekkilar Peruman, written during this time, is aware of both the temples and mentions the original temple as the Yoga Peeta and the present Kamakshi devi temple as Bhoga peetam. The reference to the present Kamakshi Devi as Aram Purappaval (bestower of boons)by Sekilar Peruman is noteworthy, as the present name of the street in which this new temple is located in Kanchipuram is called ArapanakAra Theru. The present Kamakshi temple too, has a Sri Chakra which was established during the 16th Century by NrusimhAdvari, of the famous dathamAnji family. There is a stone inscription inside the new temple, near this Sri Chakra, which states this fact. It is noteworthy that Arunagirinathar a 15th Century Tamil Saint, sings in praise of the Goddess as devi of dark emarald complexion and the mother of Muruga of Kumarakottam. The Original Kamakshi Devi temple i.e. Adi PeeteswariKamakshi Devi temple is just adjucant to the Kumarakottam. Arunagirinathar mentions the Sri Yantra in the Kamakshi Devi temple, which can apply, during the 15th century, only to the original Adi Peeteswari Kamakshi Devi, which contained the Sri Chakra installed by Adi Shankara. Arunagirinathar does not make any reference to the new temple.

Also noteworthy is the fact that this new temple's legend considers the Bangaru Kamakshi at Thanjavur as Dharmadevi This is the metallic counterpart of the stone image of Dharmadevi, which is at present at Thiruparuthikunram (Jina Kanchi) to where it was removed from this present Kamakshi (Tara Devi) temple after the conversion of the Jain Tara Devi temple into Hindu Sakta tradition has become stronger. There is a stone inscription at the Jina Kanchi temple which explains this fact. There are strong evidences that Dharadevi was worshipped in the present day main shrine.

Temple History : Kamakshi Amman Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi a divine form of Parvati. It is located in the historic city Kanchipuram, near Chennai, India and is popularly associated with Adi Sankaracharya, one of the greatest Hindu saints. Along with Madurai Meenakshi, Thiruvanaikaval Akilandeswari, Vishalakshi Varanasi, Kamakshi is an important part of worship of Parvati. It is interesting to note that the main deity is seated in a majestic Padmasana posture, an yogic posture signifying peace and prosperity, instead of the traditional standing pose in most other temples of Parvati. The goddess holds a sugarcane bow and lotus and parrot in the lower two of her arms (Many of the Hindu god forms generally have four arms) and has the two divine instruments Pasa and Angusa in her upper two arms. It is interesting to note that there are no traditional Parvati or Shakthi shrines in the city of Kanchipuram, apart from this temple, which is unusual in a traditional city that has hundreds of traditional temples. There are various legends attributed to it. One of them according to Kamkshivilasa is that the Goddess had to absorb all the other shakthi forms to give boon to Manmatha (the Hindu god of fertility and love). Another legend attributes it to the Raja Rajeswari pose of the deity that signifies an absolute control over the land under its control, leaving no other forms of Shakthi. Legend has it that Kamakshi offered worship to a Shivalingam made out of sand, under a mango tree and gained Shiva’s hand in marriage.

Kamakshi and Adi Sankaracharya : Adi Sankaracharya is significantly associated in the rich history of the temple. Like many other ancient goddesses, the form of Kamakshi was less benign than the current form. There used to be various forms of animal and human sacrifices in ancient Shakthi temples and it is believed that Adi Sankaracharya led to the more peaceful representation of the goddess by placing a divine Chakra before it. And the goddess agreed to show her benign side in the temple, while the forms of Shakthi outside Kanchipuram still had more angrier forms of Shakthi. There is no verifiable historical proof for this, though it is a part of the local folklore. Symbolic of this, during the festivals when the processional deity is taken for a procession around the temple streets, it takes leave from Sankaracharya, at his shrine in the inner corridor. It is also believed that Sankaracharya defeated Buddhist and other philosophers in this place, sparking a revival for Hinduism.

Quick Bytes : Location : Tamil Nadu, Languages : Tamil, English, Telugu
Major Attractions : Varadaraja, Kamakshi Amman, Ekambareshwar, and other temples, Area : About 11 square kilometers, Temperature : In summers,

Best Visiting Time : All through the year

No words can describe grandeur and mysticism of the city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram. These temples are the epitomes of the entire paraphernalia of the royalty that existed many centuries back. An important hub of both religion as well as Culture, the city is a site worth visiting. Today, it is an important commercial center that attracts tourists from around the world. Apart from that, the city is known for its exquisite beauty and serene surroundings.

Historical Significance : Kanchipuram's history is among the oldest one among the other South Indian cities. In ancient times, it was called Kanchi and reached its zenith in medieval times. The first rulers who made this city part of their kingdom were Pallava. Their rule extended from for a span of five centuries. It was during this period that famous Chinese traveler visited this renowned city and wrote a vivid description about it. It was Pallava rulers who erected a number of magnificent Temples and other architectural wonders here. The later centuries saw the city being ruled by Mughal kings. During the colonial rule, it came under the annexation of British rulers.

Attractions : Kanchipuram's is an eternally revered city that boasts of the presence of innumerable temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. There are historical references that indicate that Buddhism was also in full vogue here and was widely practiced. The city's rich cultural heritage is a source of attractions to a large number of tourists. A brief explanation of the most popular temples will prove handy to you while visiting thi magnificent city.

Kailashnatha Temple : The exquisite beauty of this temple has earned it the distinction of being one of the most beautiful edifices that adorn the city. Constructed by Pallava king Raja Rajsimha in eighth century, the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Notice the fascinating carvings of a number of deities that are present in the interior. The most striking sculpture that will watch your attention is that which depicts a dance rivalry between Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva, himself is illustrated in 64 different forms. This indicates that that religion was an important aspect of the society and influenced it in many ways. The architectural beauty of this world is of highest quality.

Kamakshi Amman Temple : An important center of Shakthi worship, the temple is the center of religious activities are organized on a regular basis. The temple comes under the authority of Shanakra Mutt. It is a Chola temple that was constructed in 14th century AD. The Vimana or the tower of the temple is covered with gold. A golden Chariot also adores the temple premises. On every Friday, this chariot is taken out for a spectacular procession. To let the visitors know more about Shankara Mutt, an art gallery has been built that contains pictures related to the life of Adishankaracharya. The temple is one of the jewels of Kanchipuram; a large crowd throngs to the premises daily to offer prayers.

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple : This Vishnu temple of Kanchipuram is located near Kamakshi Amman and is no less important in art and architecture. Built by Nandivarman, a Pallava king in 7th century AD, this exclusive temple depicts Vishnu in his three popular standing, sitting and reclining positions. At walls, you will see scenes related to the battles between Chalukya and Pallava dynasties. Don't forget to visit the hall of 1000 pillars. All the pillars are carved extensively.

Ekambareshwar Temple : The area occupied by this massive temple is about 12 hectares. At the time when Vijaynagar Empire was its glory, a stone wall was built in order to protect it from enemy attack. There are so many attractions here that are worth admiration. These include mandaps, gateways, tanks and countless shrines.

Varadaraja Temple : Called by names like "Hastigiri", "Attuyuran" etc. Varadaraja Temple is a sacred shrine for followers of Lord Vishnu. The deity worshipped here is called Varadaraja Perumal and is called by other names like Deva Perumal, Perarulalan, Devraja etc. There are several myths and legends that are linked with the shrine; a few miracles are also believed to have happened here.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary : Spread over 30 hectares, this sanctuary of Kanchipuram is enriched with several species of fauna like Babool, Barringtonia and thorn vegetation. A delight for bird loves and ornithologists, this sanctuary gives shelter to several migratory and local birds. These include species from countries like New Zealand and Australia. The birds that can be seen in large numbers here are teals, stilts, pintails, sandpipers.

Other Attractions : No discussion of Kanchipuram  is complete without focusing on its splendid silk saris. Silk production is no less than an art here. It excels in production of finest quality of silk. These are the works of skilled artists whose families have been into this profession for last 400 years. The silk is produced from mulberry insects. The vibrancy and smoothness of the silk saris have made them popular all over India. In fcat, silk is one of the priced possessions of the city. The immense popularity of the silk is evident from the fact that every year, in October month, a Silk Festival is organized and is visited by a large number of tourists.

Festivals : Kanchipuram is one of the important religious centers that hold different Festivals like Brahmotsavam, Garuda, Kamakshi Amman, and Mahashivrathri. Some of the festivals are peculiar to some specific temple while the others are common to a lot of temples.