Abodes of Goddess Shakthi • Curated by Padmani
"Kamakshi Kanchika pure"
Goddess Kamakshi is the supreme presiding deity of Kanchipuram, revered as the Kamakoti Peetham where Devi Sati's back / naval part fell. She is the divine consort of Lord Ekamreshwara and presides in the form of Sri Lalita Maha Tripurasundari in the heart of Shakti Kanchi.
Kanchipuram holds a unique place among holy kshetras because no separate Shakthi shrines exist in the Shiva temples of Kanchi; all divine energy is concentrated within Sri Kamakshi Amman herself.
In Kanchi, the sanctum sanctorum houses the divine Kamakoti Bila (mystic cave) behind the idol, and the sacred Pushkarini (holy temple tank). Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya established the sanctified Sri Chakra before Goddess Kamakshi, sublimating her fierce form into the supreme embodiment of maternal compassion, peace, and auspicious grace.
According to Sthala Purana, Mother Parvati playfully closed the three eyes of Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash, causing the cosmic order to plunge into darkness. To atone and regain her golden splendor, she descended to Kanchi as Katyayani and performed severe penance under a mango tree with the sacred pancha-bana mantra. When Lord Shiva sent the surging waters of the river to test her resolve, she embraced the Prithvi Linga tightly, surrendering wholeheartedly. Pleased with her eternal devotion, Lord Shiva united with her in divine marriage.