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This Kamakshi Amman Temple is situated in Kanchipuram, a temple city in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most sacred shrines of Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati. The Pallava dynasty built it in the 7th century, and it stands as a lighthouse of the region’s rich spiritual heritage while showing extreme Dravidian architecture. The majestic gopurams, or towering gateways, reflect intricate carvings and sculptures depicting stories from Hindu mythology. Inside, a sanctorum houses a serene idol of Kamakshi seated in the Padmasana, or lotus pose, depicting tranquillity and grace.
Quick Facts About Kamakshi Temple
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kamakshi Temple Address: Kamakshi Amman Sannathu St, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
Kamakshi Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:15 PM; 4 PM – 8:15 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach: Buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (65 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station (2.5 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Kamakshi Temple Location
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
Kamakshi Temple Tamil Nadu is located in Kanchipuram town in Kanchipuram district. The temple is on Kamakshi Amman Ssannathu St., which is connected to Ulagahandhar St., Kolachatram St., and Jawaharlal St., which is further linked to Sengaluneer Odai St. The place has lively silk markets around the temple for world-famous Kanchipuram sarees. The nearby landmarks are Srinivasa Silk House, Sri Annapoorna Bhavan, Devi Suresh gift shop, Yathri Nivas, Kanchi Mutt lodging, and Sankara College of Nursing (women)
How To Reach Kamakshi Temple
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 65 km away. From there, one needs to board a bus or take a taxi to reach Kanchipuram.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station, located only 2.5 km away from the temple. One can hire a cab or auto rickshaw from the station.
By Road: Kanchipuram is well-connected by road with major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. Buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws are easily available to reach the temple. The Kanchipuram bus station is 1 km away, and you can walk to the temple.
Places To Visit Around Kamakshi Temple
Here is the list of places and temples that surround the Kamakshi temple in Tamil Nadu
1. Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Photo: Ravindraboopathi / Wikimedia Commons
This is a Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and contains one of the biggest temple corridors in India. The temple also falls under the 108 Divya Desams, which are the holiest shrines of Vishnu worship. The idol of Varadaraja Perumal rests on top of a serpentine coil called ‘Ananta’, which translates into eternal rest. It also houses an architectural wonder in the form of a fig wood idol called the ‘Athi Varadar’, which is shown to the public once every 40 years. During this rare occasion, the devotees throng in large numbers to seek the blessings of the deity.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Location: 4 km from Kamakshi temple
2. Kailasanathar Temple
Photo: SriniGS / Wikimedia Commons
The Kailasanathar is the crowning achievement among the sandstone architecture constructed by the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century. This temple is one of its kind because of the rich carving of the vimana, or the temple tower, with events taken from the Puranas, ancient scriptures. It is peaceful here, and one finds oneself in serenity, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also said that this was the forerunner of all later Dravidian temples, so a must-see for those interested in architecture and spirituality.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM
Location: 2 km from Kamakshi temple
3. Kanchi Kudil
Photo: tshrinivasan / Wikimedia Commons
Kanchi Kudil is a heritage house that offers a look into the conventional Tamil lifestyle that the Tamil people lead. Major renovations have turned this 90-year-old house into a museum that exhibits artefacts, utensils, ancient Tamil scripts, and the various tools utilised by local artisans. Every part of the house, including the pooja room, kitchen, and sleeping quarters, is maintained in its original state and can be toured by visitors. This provides a rare glimpse into the day-to-day life of the people in the pre-modern era of Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: 2 km from Kamakshi temple
4. Silk Market
Photo: Sharath G. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kanchipuram Silk Market is a stop for those who are interested in shopping. The world-famous silk sarees elbowing each other in this market have earned their reputation for bright colours, fine motifs, and longevity. Beautiful works of art form a part of every saree, with designs inspired by nature, temple motifs, and mythology. Several shops in this market demonstrate the weaving operations; this gives visitors insight into the work when the craft skill is employed. Kanchipuram silk saree comprises anything that a woman considers an asset, and it is usually bought for weddings and festivals.
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Location: 1 km from Kamakshi temple
5. Chitragupta Temple
Photo: Deepa Chandran2014 / Wikimedia Commons
It is a singular temple dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant and assistant of Yama, the god of death. Rarely found elsewhere in India, the temple attracts devotees seeking justice and truth, as Chitragupta is said to maintain the records of human deeds. Pilgrims come here and pray for divine guidance in decision-making and to seek forgiveness for past mistakes. The architecture is simple yet very elegant, with intricate carvings of celestial beings and gods. The other Chitragupta temple in India is in Khajuraho of Madhya Pradesh.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM
Location: 1 km from Kamakshi temple
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: enjoytheworld / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
- Winter is the best time to visit Kanchipuram, which is from October through February. The weather is cool and pleasant. Summers might be very hot and humid, making travelling uncomfortable.
- Shoes are not allowed inside the temple campus, so bring a bag to store your shoes.
- Check the Kamakshi temple timings to participate in ceremonies and bring offerings.
- Admission to the temple is free of charge, but donations are welcome. If you will be visiting other temples and markets, budget your transportation costs and money to buy some items.
Kamakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu, is a major symbol of cultural heritage with its wonderful architecture, vibrant festivals, and spiritual atmosphere, which promise an unforgettable experience for both pilgrims and tourists. Take Kamakshi temple photos and never miss a glimpse of this sacred temple. Explore its richness of history with the art and traditions of Kanchipuram. So, plan a comfortable Tamil Nadu trip with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
