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Kamakshi Amman Temple

Kamakshi Amman Temple

pilgrimage site · Tamil Nadu

Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu is one of the Shakti Peethas, the sacred shrines of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism.

State
Tamil Nadu
Type
Pilgrimage Site
Best season
Winter
Things to do
2+

Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu is one of the Shakti Peethas, the sacred shrines of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. According to tradition, this is where the **navel / back** of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra divided her body. Here the Goddess is worshipped as **Devagarbha (Kamakshi)**, and her guardian Bhairava (a form of Shiva) as **Ruru**. It is counted among the eighteen Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peethas — the most revered of all the seats of the Goddess. Shakti Peethas are among the holiest pilgrimage sites for devotees of the Goddess, drawing pilgrims especially during Navratri and Durga Puja. Each is tied to the legend of Sati, whose body parts fell across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, sanctifying the ground where they landed.

When to go

Navratri (around October and April) is the most auspicious time; winter months are comfortable for a quieter visit.

Why visit

Kanchipuram is a town of temples and this is the only one to the Goddess in it — local tradition says all the Shakti in the town is gathered here. The Kamakshi sits in padmasana rather than standing, which is unusual.

Cultural notes

Presiding deity (Shakti): Devagarbha (Kamakshi). Bhairava (consort/guardian): Ruru. Associated relic: the navel / back of Goddess Sati. This is one of the 18 Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peethas. The site forms part of the Shakti Peetha pilgrimage circuit rooted in the Daksha Yagna legend.

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