About Kamakshi Amman Temple
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is in the heart of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of India. It is dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati as Lalita Tripurasundari, and is the most important goddess temple in the city. Kanchipuram is counted among the Shakti Peethas in many traditions, including the widely recited list of eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, with Kamakshi as its goddess, though the lists of Shakti Peethas differ from text to text.
Temple tradition says the goddess performed penance at Kanchi, worshipping a sand lingam, and was united with Shiva as Ekambareswarar. The name Kamakshi is often explained as "she whose eyes grant desires". The temple is closely associated with Adi Shankara, who is said to have installed the Sri Chakra before the goddess, and with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. A well-known local belief holds that all the goddess shrines of Kanchipuram are represented here, so the other Shiva temples of the city do not have separate shrines for the goddess. The temple is believed to have Pallava-era origins, with later additions by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara rulers.
The goddess sits in the padmasana (lotus) posture, holding a sugarcane bow, flower arrows, a noose and a goad, in a calm and meditative form. The sanctum is topped by a gold-plated vimana. Within the complex are a sacred tank, pillared halls, and shrines to other forms of the goddess and to Adi Shankara. The temple is a lively place of worship, especially on Fridays and during Navaratri.
Kamakshi Amman Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Around 5:30 AM (approx.) |
| Uchikala (noon) puja | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around 6:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kamakshi Amman Temple
By air
Chennai International Airport is about 65 km away.
By train
Kanchipuram railway station is about 2 km away; Chengalpattu Junction is about 35 km away.
By road
Kanchipuram has frequent bus links with Chennai, Vellore and Bengaluru, and autos are easy to find within the town.
Festivals at Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Masi BrahmotsavamFeb/Mar
- NavaratriSep/Oct
- Aadi PooramJul/Aug
- Vasantha UtsavamApr/May
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional and modest clothing is expected: dhoti or trousers with a shirt for men, and saree, salwar kameez or long skirt for women.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; small fees may apply for special darshan.
- Visit Kamakshi together with Ekambareswarar, which tradition closely links with the goddess.
- Fridays and Navaratri are very crowded; weekday mornings are calmer.
- Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.
- Kanchipuram silk sarees are a popular purchase after darshan.
Places to visit near Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Ekambareswarar TemplePancha Bhoota Sthalam for earth, about 1 km away
- Kailasanathar TemplePallava-era sandstone Shiva temple, about 2 km away
- Varadharaja Perumal TempleMajor Vishnu temple and Divya Desam, about 3 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Kamakshi Amman Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Kanchipuram is counted among the Shakti Peethas in many traditions, including the popular list of eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, though the lists differ between texts.
What are the Kamakshi Amman Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Who installed the Sri Chakra at Kamakshi temple?
Tradition says Adi Shankara installed the Sri Chakra before the goddess Kamakshi.
How far is Kamakshi Amman Temple from Chennai?
Kanchipuram is about 70 km from Chennai, around one and a half to two hours by road.
What is the aarti time at Kamakshi Amman Temple?
Morning puja: Around 5:30 AM (approx.); Uchikala (noon) puja: Around noon (approx.); Evening puja: Around 6:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Kamakshi Amman Temple?
Traditional and modest clothing is expected: dhoti or trousers with a shirt for men, and saree, salwar kameez or long skirt for women.
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