Kamakshi Amman Temple (Kanchipuram)
Kamakshi Amman Sannathi St, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
History & Historical Heritage
Located in the temple city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Kamakshi Amman Temple is one of the premier Astadasa Shakti Peethas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati/Tripura Sundari, who sits in a peaceful Padmasana posture holding a sugarcane bow and lotus flowers. The temple has ancient historical roots, closely linked to Adi Shankara, who consecrated the Sri Chakra Yantra in front of the deity to pacify her fierce form. Kanchipuram is uniquely known as having no separate temple for Parvati in its Shiva temples, as Kamakshi is revered as the single reigning goddess of the city.
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Sacred Legend (Sthala Puranam)
"According to tradition, Goddess Kamakshi did severe penance under a mango tree in Kanchi, making a lingam of sand (Prithvi Lingam) to marry Lord Shiva. Shiva tested her by creating a flood in the Vegavathi river, but Kamakshi hugged the sand lingam closely, preserving it, which pleased Shiva who then married her. The spot where Sati's back/navel fell also consecrates this land as a power center."
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Comprehensive Route Guide & Logistics
Nearest Airport
Chennai International Airport (MAA) - 64 km
Local Bus Routes
Available Bus Numbers: Direct TNSTC buses running frequently from Chennai Koyambedu CMBT to Kanchipuram
Railway Junctions & Connecting Trains
- Kanchipuram Railway Station (KJ) - Connected to Chennai Suburban Railway and major southern networks.