Kanchi Kamakshi Temple | Timings, History & Festivals

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is a famous Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the deities of the Goddess Parvati. It is in the famous city of Kanchipuram near Chennai in India and is prominently associated with Shankaracharya, one of the best Hindu Mentors. The temple morning timings are 05:30 am to 12:30 pm, and the evening timings are 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

About the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple:

The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, the Akilandeswari Sanctum in Thiruvanaikaval near Tiruchirappalli and the Kamakshi Tamil Nadu are critical centres in the worship of Goddess Parvati as the mother deity.

kanchi kamakshi temple

The sanctuary was mainly by the Pallava lords, whose capital was Kanchipuram; around 6 C.E., Adi Shankaracharya, a famous eighth-century researcher and saint, established the Sri Chakra in this Kamakshi Devi Sanctuary – such as the structure in that place of worship.

This Srichakram soon became the seat of the All India Kamakoti. Professors refer to the Lalita Trishati commentary Kamakoti Peetha as Sri Chakra. Kanchipuram Kamakshi Sanctuary is spread over about five divisions and has four routes. Many Chola artists inhabited the Temple in the fourteenth century.

Shakti Peetha:

Kamakshi Amman Temple is an ancient shrine in Kanchipuram as Goddess Kamakshi’s main deity.

Kamakshi Devi wins as Shakti. There are 51 Shakti Peethas in the country. The place where the Goddess resides in Kanchipuram is the “Nabisthana Ottiyana Peetham”.

The mother is “Srikamakshi”. The word “ka” from inheritance means Saraswati Devi (god of education), “ma” means Goddess of Lakshmi (God of wealth), and “akshi” means eye.

Saraswati Devi and Lakshmi Devi are the two eyes of the Goddess Kamakshi, who lives in Kanchi. Kamakshi Amman Temple is an ancient place of worship dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi.

History of Kanchi Kamakshi Temple:

History tells us that King Dasharatha performed “Putra Kameshi Yagam” in the sanctuary for the birth of a tyke in his kingdom. The king worshipped the “nabisthanam” of the Goddess in the sanctuary.

Within a few months, King Dasaratha had a baby. There is a place where King Dashasratha has an “Ekshuvagu Vamsham”, where the main deity is Kamakshi Devi. The concentration of this story can be seen in the “Markandeya myth”.

Confidence means that the Goddess gives birth to a child in a childless couple. The Dashasratha king has a place with the “Ekshuvagu Vamsham”, where the main deity is Devi Kamakshi.

Originating in Kaladi in Kerala, the saint Adi Shankara travelled to every part of the country. When he went to Kanchipuram, he felt that the Goddess was in a cruel state and that the whole sanctum sanctorum was very hot.

So he set up a Sri Chakra in front of her object of worship to exemplify her and generally express the tunes sung by the holy man in recognition of the deity named “Soundarya Lahari” to keep her calm and embodied.

This Srichakra is noticeable to us, and all the worship to Srichakra also takes place. The saint built the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetha and the Sarvajna Peetha in this holy city.

The Pallava kings built the Kamakshi Amman Temple to glorify Hinduism. The Cholas rebuilt the sanctuary mid-fourteenth after being integrated into the seventh century A.D.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Timings:

The temple morning timings are 05:30 am to 12:30 pm, and the evening timings are 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

DaysMorning TimingsEvening Timings
Monday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Tuesday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Wednesday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Thursday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Friday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Saturday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Sunday05:30 am to 12:30 pm04:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Best time to visit Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple:

The best time to visit the Kamakshi Temple is winter, from September to February.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Entry Fee:

There is no specific entry fee for visiting the Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is free to all.

Kamakshi Temple Sevas Timings:

The Temple sevas timings are here

Seva NameTimings
Govu Puja 05:30 am
Abishekam06:00 am, 10:00 am and 04:30 pm
Golden RathamTamil Month First Day
Sandal Alangaram06:00 pm
Palliarai Puja08:30 pm
Navavarna Puja10:00 pm

Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple Highlights:

Devotees come to this Temple to get rid of Thirumana Dhosam, and Puthira Dosham succeeds in their business.

Devotees visit this Temple to fulfil the following: – Kamakshi Amman should bless children for wealth and prosperity.

Festivals Celebrated at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple: 

Some of the famous festivals in the Temple are here

Brahmotsavam: 

The Brahmotsavam is a significant festival celebrated at the Kamakshi Temple in Arakonam. It usually spans ten days and is held with great enthusiasm and devotion. 

Flag Hoisting: 

The festival starts with hoisting a special “Kodi Yetram” flag on the temple premises. It marks the official commencement of the Brahmotsavam. 

Daily Processions: 

During the Brahmotsavam, the main deity, Goddess Kamakshi, is taken out in a beautifully decorated chariot or palanquin for a procession around the Temple.

Theppotsavam: 

One of the highlights of the Brahmotsavam is the Theppotsavam, also known as the Float Festival. A beautifully adorned idol of Goddess Kamakshi was placed on a specially crafted float, which was then taken for a ceremonial ride in the temple tank or a nearby water body. 

Alankara Utsavam: 

The deity, known as alankarams, was adorned with exquisite and elaborate decorations during the festival. 

Vahanotsavam: 

Another significant event during the Brahmotsavam was the Vahanotsavam, where the deity had placed various vehicles or vahanas. 

Navaratri: 

In addition to the Brahmotsavam, the Kamakshi Amman Temple also celebrates Navaratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. 

Vijayadashami

The Navaratri festival culminates with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Dress Code:

The dress code for Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, requires visitors to dress modestly. Men were advised to wear traditional attire like dhoti or formal pants with a shirt. At the same time, women were expected to wear sarees or salwar suits.

Tourist places nearby Kanchi Kamakshi Temple:

Hotels nearby Kanchi Kamakshi Temple: 

  • Hotel SSK Grand
  • Chakravarthy Holidays
  • Hotel Ramco Residency
  • Hotel Comfort
  • Pine Tree
  • SBK Park Inn
  • Vasanth Villa
  • Heritage Inn
  • Hotel Gayathri Stay

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Contact Details:

  • Address: Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, A, 24, Sanathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502.
  • Contact Numbers: +91-4427225242, +91-442627 2053, +91-4426495883.

How to reach Kanchi Kamakshi Temple: 

By Road:

The Kanchipuram Bus Stand is the nearest to Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram. 

By Rail:

Kanchipuram has a railway station called “Kanchipuram Railway Station” (Station code: C.J.). 

By Air:

The nearest airport to Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is Chennai International Airport (MAA).

FAQs:

What is special about Kanchi Kamakshi Temple?

Kamakshi Temple at Kanchi is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, a very important Shakti Peeth. It is where the Nabhi, or the Navel of the Goddess Sati, had fallen when Shiva was taking around her body. It is also believed to be the Nabhisthan, the earth’s centre, or the eastern hemisphere.

What is the Kamakshi Amman Temple famous for?

The Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi, one of the highest aspects of Adi Shakti in Shaktism. It was located in the historic city of Kanchipuram, near Chennai, India. Its construction was credited to the Pallava kings, whose capital was in the same city.

What is the benefit of Kamakshi Puja?

Goddess Kamakshi symbolises goodness and helps everyone who prays to her with a pure and clean heart. She is revered for being the fertility goddess and blesses childless couples with progeny. She is also popular for bestowing her devotees with fame and virtue.

Is there any entrance fee to see the Temple?

Generally, there is no entry fee to visit the Temple. However, donations or offerings for temple maintenance and development are greatly appreciated.

What is the significance of the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple?

The Temple is considered one of India’s most important Shakthi Peethas (divine power centres). Worshipping at the Temple was believed to bestow blessings, prosperity, and fulfilment of desires.