Kamakshi Amman Shakti Peetha

Goddess in padmasana on a Sri Chakra — one of the Pancha Bhoota sthalams of Kanchi.

दर्शन महत्व: Combine with Ekambareswarar and Varadaraja for a complete temple-town day.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Feb

History

Kamakshi Amman in Kanchipuram is the city’s presiding Goddess, seated in padmasana over a Sri Chakra. Adi Shankaracharya is associated with tempering her ugra aspect by installing the Sri Yantra. Kanchi is one of India’s seven moksha-puris, and Kamakshi stands with Ekambareswarar and Varadaraja as its three great temples.

Legends

• Kamakshi is ‘she whose eyes are desire’ — Parvati’s tapasya to win Shiva is remembered here.
• Among Shakti Peetha lists, the navel or back of Sati is linked to Kanchi; she is also counted among the 51/108 Peethas in various tantric geographies.