History of Kamakshi Temple   

The history of Kamakshi Temple dates back to the 7th century, when the Pallava kings ruled the region. According to legend, the goddess Kamakshi appeared to the king in a dream, asking him to build a temple for her. The king built the temple, and it became a center of worship for the goddess.   

Over the centuries, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times by various rulers, including the Cholas, the Vijayanagara kings, and the Nayaks. The temple we see today was built during the 16th century by the Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya.   

Architecture of Kamakshi Temple   

The Kamakshi Temple is renowned for its Dravidian-style architecture, which is characterized by its towering gopurams (entrance towers), intricate carvings, and elaborate mandapas (pillared halls). The temple covers an area of over five acres and has four entrances, each leading to a different mandapa.   

The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the idol of Kamakshi, a three-and-a-half-foot-tall bronze statue of the goddess with four arms. The temple also has shrines dedicated to various other Hindu deities, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha.   

Significance of Kamakshi Temple   

Kamakshi Temple is one of the most significant temples in South India, and is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas, where the goddess's navel fell to earth. The temple is renowned for its powerful deity, and devotees come from far and wide to seek her blessings and fulfill their wishes.   

The temple is also associated with the famous Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, one of the most important Hindu monasteries in India, founded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD.   

Festivals and Celebrations at Kamakshi Temple   

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Navratri, Brahmotsavam, and Aadi Pooram. The Navratri festival, which falls in September or October, is one of the most important festivals at the temple, and is celebrated with great pomp and splendor.   

During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and the idol of Kamakshi is adorned with elaborate jewelry and silk sarees. Devotees from all over India come to the temple during Navratri to offer their prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings.   

Visiting Kamakshi Temple   

Kamakshi Temple is located in the heart of Kanchipuram, and is easily accessible by road and rail. The temple is open to visitors from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM every day.   

Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their footwear before entering the temple. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the temple premises.   

Accommodation and Food at Kamakshi Temple   

There are several budget hotels and lodges available near the temple for visitors to stay. The temple also has a free annadanam (food donation) program, where devotees can partake of a simple vegetarian meal.   

Hidden facts about kamakshi-temple-kanchipuram:-

Kamakshi Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, located in the city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Here are some lesser-known facts about the Kamakshi Temple:

Age and History: The Kamakshi Temple is believed to be more than 2,000 years old, and the current structure was built in the 14th century by the Vijayanagara Empire.

Unique Architecture: The temple has a unique architecture that combines both Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles. It is built in the shape of a Sri Chakra, which represents the goddess' universal energy.

Goddess Kamakshi: The main deity of the temple is Goddess Kamakshi, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She is worshipped as the goddess of love, prosperity, and power.

The Sanctum Sanctorum: The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is said to be one of the most powerful energy centers in the world. It is believed that the goddess' energy is so strong that it can cure various ailments and problems.

The Golden Chariot: The temple has a golden chariot that is used to take the goddess around the temple during festivals. The chariot is made of 1,500 kg of gold and is one of the most valuable items in the temple.

Other Deities: Along with Goddess Kamakshi, the temple also houses shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Murugan, and other deities.

Festivals: The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Navratri, Diwali, and Pongal. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with lights, and a procession is taken out with the goddess on the golden chariot.

Sage Adi Shankara: It is said that the temple was visited by the great philosopher and saint Adi Shankara, who is believed to have installed a Sri Chakra in the temple. The temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are the most sacred temples dedicated to the goddess.

Location: The Kamakshi Temple is located in the heart of Kanchipuram, a city that is famous for its silk sarees and temples. The city is also known as the "City of Thousand Temples" and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.

How to reach Kamakshi Temple, Kanchipuram by road and nearest bus stand?   

Kamakshi Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and can be easily reached by road. Kanchipuram is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu by a network of state-run buses and private cabs.   

The nearest bus stand to Kamakshi Temple is the Kanchipuram bus stand, which is about 2 kilometers away. From the bus stand, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.   

If you are driving, you can reach Kanchipuram via the Chennai-Bangalore Highway. The distance between Chennai and Kanchipuram is about 72 kilometers and can be covered in approximately 2 hours, depending on the traffic.   

There are also several tour operators that organize day trips to Kanchipuram from Chennai, which include a visit to Kamakshi Temple along with other important temples and tourist attractions in the city.   

How to reach Kamakshi Temple, Kanchipuram by air and nearest airport?   

Closure   

Kamakshi Temple is a sacred pilgrimage destination that attracts not only devotees but also tourists who are interested in Hindu culture and architecture. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and powerful deity, it is no wonder that the temple has become an important part of the spiritual landscape of South India.   

If you are planning to visit Kamakshi Temple, it is recommended to do some research and plan your trip in advance. Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you:   

FAQs   

Is Kamakshi Temple open every day?  

Yes, the temple is open to visitors every day from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM.   

Are there any restrictions on entry to the temple?  

Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their footwear before entering the temple. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the temple premises.   

Are there any good hotels near Kamakshi Temple?  

Yes, there are several budget hotels and lodges available near the temple for visitors to stay.   

When is the best time to visit Kamakshi Temple?  

The temple can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is during the Navratri festival, which falls in September or October.   

Can non-Hindus visit Kamakshi Temple?  

Yes, non-Hindus are welcome to visit the temple and learn about Hindu culture and traditions.