Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu

Sthala Puranam

On Mount Kailash, Parvati playfully closed Shiva's eyes and the universe went dark. Shiva told her to do penance.

She did penance in the middle of the Panchagni fires. Shiva later asked her to come to Kanchipuram for their marriage.

After she left, the heat of the fire became unbearable. Adi Shankaracharya installed the Sri Ardhameru Chakram to calm it.

Speciality

• The Ardhameru Sri Chakram is the chief divinity, seen as a Tantric form of the goddess. Only kumkuma archana is done on it since it is made of herbs.
• The Tapas Kamakshi shrine was installed at the wish of the Kanchi Paramacharya.
• Devotees pray for marriage, children, promotion and new houses.
• Seven-tiered Raja Gopuram facing south, in Chola style.

Festivals

• Abhishekam of the Ardhameru Chakram every year on Vijaya Dashami

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• Mangadu is close to Kundrathur and Thiruverkadu, so the three can be done together.

Prayers for this temple

• Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
• Devi Suktam
• Mahalakshmi Ashtakam