Adi Kamakshi Devi Temple, Kanchipuram
The
original Kamakshi Devi Temple is what is now known as Adi Peeteswari or the Adi
Peeta Parameswari. This temple is just adjacent to the Kumarakottam, and is
near to the Kamakshi Devi temple. The Devi in this Adi Kamakshi temple is
called by various names like Kirtimati, Devagarbha in extant Tantric works like
Tantrachudamani. She has four hands containing in each of them respectively,
Ankusa, Pasa, Abhaya and a Kapala. This description corresponds to those extant
old tantric works. Further, Girvanendra Saraswathi describes precisely this
Swaroopa as Kameswari.
Adi
Shankaracharya, the famous 8th-century CE scholar and saint, established the
Sri Chakra at this original Kamakshi Devi temple in the trough-like structure
in that shrine. The Acharya changed the fierce form of worship into a Sowmiya
form. This Sri Chakra soon became the All India famous Kamakoti Peeta. The
Acharya's Lalitha Trishati Bhashya comments Kamakoti Peetam as Sri Chakra.
Sundaramurthi
Nayanar, the Saiva saint of the 12th century is aware of the Kamakottam. He in
fact mentions that the Kamakottam has come in existence just at that time. Arunagirinathar
mentions the Sri Yantra installed by Adi Shankara in Kamakshi Ambal temple apply
only to the original Adi Peeteswari Kamakshi Devi. Arunagirinathar, a 15th
century Tamil Saint sings in praise of the Goddess as Devi of dark emerald
complexion and the Madhai of Muruga of Kumarakottam and does not make any
reference to the new Kamakshi Temple. The present Kamakshi temple too, has a
Sri Chakra which was established during the 16th Century by Nrusimhadvari, of
the famous dathamanji family. There is a stone inscription inside the new
temple near this Sri Chakra which states this fact.
Legends
Devas, a
privileged community in the upper world came to Earth and prayed Mother Ambica
to protect them from the harassment of the demons Mother took the form of
Mahakali and destroyed the demons and agreed to stay here itself as requested
by the Devas. As Mother was furious during her war with the demons, to
calm her down from the fury, the Sri Chakra was installed in the
temple. Mother was named Adi Kamakshi. As the Mother was Kali
earlier, the place also has the name Kali Kottam.
Greatness
of Temple
Poornima-New Moon Pooja:
Mother
Sri Adikamakshi graces in a sitting form on a lotus throne facing
south. There are Angusa, Pasa and a rice bowl in her hands. The
heads of three demons are under her feet. Srichakra Yantra is there
in the shrine.
The first
puja is performed to Sri Chakra. Special pujas are performed to Mother on
Full Moon nights. Devotees pray during the Rahu kalam time on Sundays
(from 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.) and Tuesdays (from 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.) with
milk abishek and light deepas. While traditionally there are only
women Dwarapalakis in Shakti temples, there are Dwarapalakas also in this
temple in the front mandapam while the former are in the Artha Mandapam.
Worship for wedding:
Shakti
Lingam is in the front Mandap of the shrine with the face of
Ambica. Hence, this is called Ardhanareeswara
Lingam. Girls of marriageable age worship here on Fridays in the
Rahukalam time (10.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m.) with abishek to Shakti Lingam and
Mother Adi Kamakshi and light lamps. Couples separated due to difference
of opinion pray for reunion. They offer sweet preparations to Shakti
Linga as Nivedhana.
Worship for Wealth, Courage & Education:
Mother
Adi Kamakshi represents the three powers of Shakti, Mahalakshmi and Maha
Saraswathi offering the devotee courage, wealth and education.
The
Temple
The
original Sri Chakra established by Adi Shankaracharya can be found in a narrow
depression in the temple. The murti of Goddess Kamakshi that was originally
worshiped in the temple was a fierce form. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya
changed the fierce form and made her the all providing Mother in a loving form.
The
murti of Goddess Kamakshi has four hands and she holds Ankusa, Pasa, and a
Kapala. One hand is in Abhaya Mudra posture. The murti is more related to
Tantric worship and the murti is also known as Kirtimati and Devagarbha. There
are shrines for Madaleeswarar Lingam, Saptha Kannikas (seven virgins), Nagar, and
Mahishasuramardhini in the prakara-corridor. There is also the
sculpture of Mother Annapoorani. Mother Veerya Lakshmi, once in the
sanctum sanctorum is in a separate shrine now.
Along
the compound wall of the temple there are shrines for Nardana Ganapathi,
Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Brahmmi and Mother Durga. There is a Shakti Lingam in the
front mandapam of Mother’s shrine. It has the merciful face of Mother Sri Adi
Kamakshi, hence called Ardhanareeswara Linga.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
Navarathri
(September-October) is celebrated for 13 days in the temple. Mother Adi
Kamakshi is dressed differently during the first nine days. She is covered with
sandal paste on the 11th day and taken in procession on the last day in a
palanquin decorated with flowers.
Prayers
People
pray for marriages that are delayed and for unity among the couples. Devotees
perform abishek with milk during Rahukalam time (one and half hour a day covers
the Rahukalam. The time varies from day to day). They light ghee lamps.
Contact
Sri Adi
Kamakshi Temple,
Kancheepuram-635
501
Phone: +91 44 2722 2609
Connectivity
The
temple is very near the bus stand in Kancheepuram. The famous Kamakshi Temple
also is too near.
By Bus:
Kanchipuram
which is 75-km away from Chennai is well connected by a network of roads. There
are frequent buses from the city to Chennai, Bangalore and other places. For
local transportation bicycles can be hired from the shops near the bus stand. Cycle
Rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also available on hire to move in and around
the city.
By Train:
The
nearest railway station is Kanchipuram station. There are various Trains for
Kanchipuram which are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and
Bangalore.
By Air:
The nearest airport to reach Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal temple is Chennai International airport.
The nearest airport to reach Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal temple is Chennai International airport.
References