- Special Features
Foundation Year2000-3000 years oldSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureDravidian ArchitectureOther SpecialityThis is the holy place where Mother Kamakshi performed severe penance standing on one leg amidst fire before Her wedding with Lord Ekambareswarar in Kancheepuram. Sri Chakra occupies all importance in the temple. Abishek is offered to the panchaloka – an alloy of five metals – idol of Mother Kamakshi and archana to Sri Chakra.
- Sthala Puran
In a playful mood, Mother Parvathi once covered the eyes of Lord Shiva that resulted in the total standstill of the activities of the world. Lord cursed Her to be born on earth. She was advised to perform penance in this place – Mangadu and promised Darshan and marry Her at an appropriate time. Mother undertook penance following rigid rules standing amidst fire. She heard a blessing voice to proceed to Kancheepuram to continue the penance. As Mother’s penance started at Mangadu, this is revered as Adhi Kamakshi Sthala.
While presiding deity adores the sanctum sanctorum in our temples, Artha Meru Sri Chakra occupies the presiding status in this temple. The procession deity is behind this Chakra. All abishek and alankaras are offered to the procession deity Ambica. Mother Kamakshi left for Kancheepuram without dousing the Panchagni fire. This made Mangadu and the surrounding places too hot and dry. Acharya Sankara made the Sri Arthameru Sri Chakra with eight herbals and installed it here restoring the fertility of the place again, according to history.
- Architecture
The region was a forest of Mango trees once, hence named Mangadu. Maa in Tamil means Mango. A little away from Mangadu is the temple of Lord Velleeswarar. Velli is the name of planet Venus-Shukra. As in the Kanjanur Shukrapureeswarar temple, this temple is of Shukra importance. Mother Kamakshi is the important deity in Mangadu and Kancheepuram. Similarly, Velleeswarar is the main deity in this temple. Only the feet of Mother are installed here.
Lord Ganapathi is holding paddy stalks and mango in His hands. These are offered as nivedhana to Lord Vinayaka in the faith that farm yields would be in plenty. Another Vinayaka in the Goshta appears with an umbrella and a mango.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
A six week worship is in practice in the temple. Devotees choose any day in a week to begin the worship with lime fruit and continue the same for six weeks on the same day of the week to realize their wish. Unmarried girls pray to Mother with a yellow thread in the belief that they too will get a suitable match as Mother performed penance here and got wedded to Lord in Kancheepuram. This prayer applies to men also.
Those seeking child boon pray to Mother with a cradle so that they would have to arrange a cradle in their houses too for the child blessed by Mother Kamakshi. Many are experiencing the fruits of the six week worship. People also pray for promotions in job and for relief from diseases.
Offerings to DeityDevotees perform milk abishek to Artha Meru Chakra and offer vastras. They also follow the traditional abishek and archanas, arrange feeding etc.
Stotras and Mantras
- FestivalsThe temple celebrates many festivals as the 10-day Chithirai festival in April-May with a sea of devotees seeking the grace of Mother Kamakshi. Other festivals include Tamil and English New Year days, Pongal falling almost on January 14, Navarathri in September-October, Masi Magam and Shivratri in February-March. The devotee crowd is ever huge on every festival day.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
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