EKAMBARESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE IN KANCHIPURAM

           

GOD: EKAMBARESWARA SWAMY

GODDESS: KAMAKSHI DEVI

              Ekambareswara Swamy temple is one of the famous temples in Kanchipuram, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Siva Linga in Ekambareswara Swamy temple is one among the Pancha Bootha(five elements) lingas. The five elements are Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Sky. This temple represents the element EARTH. The Siva Lingam inside the temple is made of Sand by Kamakshi Devi(Parvathi Devi) under a mango tree. Kamakshi Devi . It is also called as Rudhrasala, Rudrakoti, Bhukailasah.

  

PURANIC HISTORY 

               Lord Siva and Parvathi Devi were sporting in Kailasam. Goddess in her playful mood closed the eyes of Lord Siva. The whole world became dark and life on earth was in danger. Lord Siva then opened his third eye to save the world. Goddess asked Lord Siva to forgive her mistake. Lord Siva told her to go to earth and do penanace. Parvathi Devi came to Badarika Asramam and took the form of a small baby.

Kathyayana Mahamuni was doing penance for a child in Badarika Asramam. He was very happy to see this child and took her to his Asramam. So Parvathi Devi got the name Kathyayani. Kathyayana muni knows the reason why she came on earth so (as she grew) he gave her Yogadandam, Japamala, Deepasthambam, Pot, Skin of tiger, Book, Roasted green gram (Pesara pappu), Ganga water, Sand from river Ganga, Umbrella, and other thing that were necessary to do penance and told her to travel towards south direction to reach Kanchipuram and pray for Lord Siva. He told some symbols to identify Kanchipuram.

MANGO TREE

While traveling Kathyayani Devi reached a place where skin of tiger given by muni changed into Somavrutham, Pot changed into Peetam, Japamala tured into Bilwapumala, Umbrella as Nagabaranam, Yogadandam as Trisulam, Book as Kamadenu, roasted green gram as Sprouts. She comfirmed that place as Kanchipuram. She started her penance under a mango tree. (The four stems of this mango tree are believed as four Vedas. Now there is a small mango tree in its place. This is also not planted by any one. Each branch bears fruits with different taste). She made a Sivalingam by the Sand given by muni. She kept two maids for protection and created Panchagni and stood on its tip and started her penance. (you can see her  as tapas Kamakshi Amman in Mangadu temple, Chennai).

              Lord Siva in order to test her, sent Ganga Devi in the form of huge flood. Huge flood began to submerge that place and Kathyayani Devi out of fear said “Kampa Kampa” and  called her maids. Kampa also means fear and hence the water that formed a river is called as River Kampa. One of the maids, in the form of Durga, obstructed the flood and made the flood to sink into the Kapalam in her hand, so she is called as “MAHA PRALAYA BANDINI”. Lord Siva increased the force of the flood and now flood started coming out of the Kapalam and she couldn’t control it. Kathyayani Devi called Lord Vishnu for her help. Lord Vishnu told her Lord Siva created this flood to test her and told her to please Lord Siva by her prayer. She hugged the Sivalingam and started praying Lord Siva. The flood couldnot dissolve the Sivaligam which is made of Sand. As she hugged the Sivaligam the hand prints of the Kathyayani Devi are seen on the lingam). Lord Siva was pleased by her prayer and forgave her and made her as his consort. As he fulfilled the wishes of Kathyayani Devi he is called as Kameswarudu and she is called as Kameswari. By the touch of the feet of Lord Siva Kampa River went in to the inner layers of land and flowed as Anthervahinai

 IN THE MONTH OF PHALGUNI, THE MARRIAGE OF LORD SIVA AND PARVATI IS CELEBRATED WITH GREAT POMP AND SPLENDOR.

 

ABOUT TEMPLE

               This is one of the most ancient temples in India and has been in existence even prior to 600 A.D. The temple covers an area of over 40 acres. The Raja Gopuram is 172 feet height and was built by Vijayanagar Monarch Krishnadevaraya.

 THE main Lingam is made of Sand so Abishekam is not done. It is covered with silver sheath. Some special oil is used here.

DEITES UNDER MANGO TREE

               Under the mango tree where Kamakshi Amman prayed Lord Siva deities of Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman are installed and poojas are performed. It is believed that our wishes will be fulfilled by doing poojas there. CHILDLESS couples tie swings and perform pooja to the Lord. For marriage also devotees will perform pooja there as it is the place where Kamakshi Devi prayed Lord Siva to marry her.

OTHER TEMPLES TO SEE INSIDE THE SHRINE

 

There is a small shrine for Lord Vishnu named “THIRU NILAATHINGAL THUNDATHAN”

It is one among the 108 divya desams.

KANCHI KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

                            KAMAKSHI DEVI TEMPLE, KANCHIPURAM

 
Kamakshi Amman temple is in Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is also called as  Sathyavratha Kshetra. Kanchipuram is the Nabisthanam. Kamakshi Amman temple is at the heart of Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is also famous for sarees.     ADI KAMAKSHI TEMPLE IS PRESENT ON THE BACK SIDE OF THIS KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE. DO VISIT IT. Kamakshi Amman fulfills all our wishes through her eyes, So she is called as Kamakshi. Her eyes are full of kindness, love and affection. Many devotees feel some magic near her eyes, which could not be explained in words they are carried away by the kindness in her eyes. The Goddess is seated in a majestic Padmasana.

Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman

Kamakshi Devi is Lalitha Devi. The glory of Kamakshi Devi is given in
    1. Devimahatyam in Markandeya Puranam
    2. Lalithopakyanam in Brahmanda Puranam.
    3. Sanathkumara Samihitha in Skanda Puranam
    4. Kanchi Puranam .
 
The letter “KA” represents Saraswati ,”MA” represents Lakshmi  and “akshi” refers to the gracious eyes. Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati are referred as the two eyes of Sri Kamakshi Amman deity.
 “Sachamara Ramavani Savya Dhakshina Savethaa”

 As said in the above Nama in Lalitha Sahasranamam, It is believed that in Kanchipuram Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathi Devi stand on either side of Kamakshi Devi and perform Vinjamara seva to Kamakshi Amman.
Kamakshi Devi temple is also called as Kamakoti as Kamakshi Devi gives much more than what we ask.


Glory of Kamakshi Devi was said by many saints in many Slokas right from Krutayuga to Kaliyuga

Varahi Amman

           1. Dhurvasa Maharishi in 2000 slokas----Krutayuga
           2. In Tretayuga  by Parasura in 1500 slokas
           3. In Dwaparayuga by Dhaumya Rishi in 1000slokas
           4. In kaliyuga by Sri Mooka Sankara in 500 slokas

Chariot Of  Kanchi Kamakshi Amman

Kamakshi Devi in Kanchipuram is in the form of Bilaakasam, Srichakra and as LalithaDevi with Arrows (Flowers) in her lower right hand, Ankusa in upper right hand, Bow (Sugarcane) in lower left hand, Pasa in upper left hand. Srichakra is present in front of the main deity. Any Pooja is first performed to Srichakra and then to main deity. Srichakram is installed by Adi Sankaracharya to pacify Kamakshi Devi.





PURANIC HISTORY
 Rakshasa named Bandasura did severe penance for Lord Brahma and got several boons. He became very powerful and started troubling Devathas. Devathas urged Lord Siva for help. As Lord Siva knows only Sri BalaTripurasundari Devi has the power to kill Bandasura, he advised them to go to Kanchipuram through Bilamarga(tunnel), which is the safest place during Pralayam and pray for BalaTripurasundari Devi.

Kamakshi Amman in Sarasvathi Devi Alankaram

           Devatha's came to Kanchipuram. They stayed in Kanchipuram in the disguise of parrots on a Champaka tree and prayed for BalaTripurasundari Devi. Goddess was pleased by their prayers and came out of a Bila in a very ferocious form with 8 hands, Chakra and 18 weapons and killed Bandasura, who is slepping in Kailasam.
She dragged the body of Bandasura from Kailasam to Kanchipuram and entered the Bilam in the form of a small girl. Devathas recognized the goddess and took their original identities, but were frightened to go near the goddess as she looked very ferocious. They all prayed her to calm down. She took the form of a beautiful young girl with all the ornaments and with a smile on her face. She ordered Devathas to burry the body of Bandasura in the ground and install a Jayastamba on it. 

Goopuram Of Sri Kamakshi Amman

           Devathas buried Bandakasura as said by goddess. They built Gayatri Mandapam and did Avahana of the goddess in the form of a young girl on the Ratna Simhasana. Later they closed the doors and kept chanting Devi Slokas. They waited till next morning and then opened the doors. They wondered to see Lalitha Parameswari Devi in her nija roopa of Maha Tripurasundari with full of grace in her face, instead of the young girl. They  Chanted Slokas  in praise of her. She was pleased by their prayers and told she will be blessing every one coming here with her eyesight itself by the name of “Kamakshi Devi” .

She emerged as Swayumbu on Srimukha Nama year, Phalguna month, and when Ravi(sun) is in Kumba rasi, Krishnapaksha Thithi, Purvapalguni Nakshatram, Friday.

Devatha's wanted to do Patabishakam to MahaTripurasundari Devi. Viswakarma had sent Pallaki, Lord Brahma had sent pearl necklace, Lord Vishnu had sent Navaratna Kiritam, Lord Siva had sent Srichakra Pathakam made of all ratnas as gifts and decorated goddess with all ornaments and did Patabishekam. They urged her to stay here permanently.
It is important to go to Swarna Kamakshi Mandiram after visiting Kamakshi Devi and not to do Sastanganamaskara in Gayatri Mandapam.
We can see idol of Thundeera beside Vuschava Kamakshi. It seems as if he is in   dyanam. Devootees pass by with out disturbing him. While crossing him devotees close their mouth by their hand (silence) as a sign of respect. 





ABOUT ARUPALAKSHMI DEVI
          During Ksheera Sagara Madanam, body of Lord Vishnu turned in to blue colour due to the poison of Vasuki. To make fun of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi Devi said she is more fair in colour than Lord Vishnu.  

Utsava Murti Of Kanchi Kamakshi

Lord Vishnu got angry & cursed Lakshmi Devi to turn ugly(Arupa Lakshmi). Goddess Lakshmi Devi realised her mistake & went to Kanchipuram. She prayed for Kamakshi Devi. Kamakshi Devi was pleased and asked Lakshmi Devi to stay on left side of her (Kamakshi Devi). Kamakshi Devi said that the Kumkum Prasadam given to devotes after Kumkum Archana to Kamakshi Devi is offered to Arupa Lakshmi Devi on the left side & by that touch of that Kumkum Lakshmi Devi will get back her beauty.
SO KUMKUM GIVEN TO US AFTER ARCHANA IN KAMAKSHI TEMPLE IS OFFERED TO ARUPA LAKSHMI DEVI  AND LATER TAKEN BY US. IT IS BELIEVED THAT BY KEEPING THIS KUMKUM ONE WILL GET WEALTH. IT IS BEING FOLLOWED EVEN TODAY.

Dwajastambam Of Kamakshi Amman

          Lord Vishnu came to know Lakshmi Devi was in Kanchipuram and came to Kanchipuram to see what’s happening there. He was surprised to see Soundarya Lakshmi Devi & forgot himself and continued to see her secretly. Lakshmi Devi noticed him. By seeing the support of Kamakshi Devi, Lakshmi Devi called Lord Vishnu as “THIEF”, “CHORA”, “KALVA” come near me. So Lord Vishnu here is called as CHORA PERUMAL. CHORA PERUMAL IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF KAMAKSHI AMMAN. IT IS ONE AMONG THE 108 DEVYADESAMS.









OTHER TEMPLES SEEN IN KAMAKSHI DEVI TEMPLE

These all are present in inner Sanctum on either side of KAMAKSHI AMMAN GARBALAYAM(you can ask the priest to show you). You can only see them if you buy ticket for Abishekam or Sahasranamarchana otherwise you are not allowed into inner Sanctum.

Utsava Muthi Of Kanchi Kamakshi Amman

1. Sri Chakram in front of Kamakshi Amman.
2. Arupa Lakshmi Devi(on left of Kamakshi Amman).
3. Varahi(beside Lakshmi Devi on the left side).
4. Santhana Ganapathi(in front of Varahi)
5. Chora Perumal (on right side).
6. Soundarya Lakshmi (on right near Perumal).
7. Syamala Devi(Saraswati Devi)(on right side)




ALL POOJAS ARE PERFORMED TO SRI CHAKRAM FIRST & THEN TO KAMAKSHI DEVI. IT IS INSTALLED BY ADI SANKARACHARYA.


TEMPLES INSIDE THE TEMPLE PREMISES

1. Utsava Kamakshi along with Saraswathi Devi& Lakshmi Devi (in front of main deity(Kamakshi Devi)
2. Saraswathi Devi, Swarna Kamakshi, on the way you can see Sowbagya Vinayaka & Sowbhagya Kumara Swamy(while getting down from Utsava Kamashi Mandapam.
3. Annapurna Devi (as soon as you get down from Utsava Kamakshi Mandapam).
On the way to inner Sanctum.




 TEMPLES INSIDE THE COMPOUND
In  Pradakshina marga from Dwajasthamba you can see 
1. Kalabhairava Swamy
2.. Kasi Viswanatha Swamy
3. Pancha Theertham along with statues of devils who are guards for that Theertham)
4. Bootha Janartha Temple(back side of Theertham, beside Kamakshi Devi Temple)
5. Durga Devi
6. Kanchi Vruksham(tree)


 POOJAS

Book the tickets prior & conform the timings also by calling the temple authorities. They may change the timings sometimes due to the rush at the temple.  
1. ABISHEKAM----- Rs1000/-
    TIMINGS:                                                                  
    MORNING: 5.30A.M
    NOON        : 11A.M
    EVENING  : 4.30P.M
2. SAHASRA NAMARCHANA---- Rs 50/-
    TIMINGS:
    MORNING: 9A.M TO 10 A.M
    EVENING  : 7 P.M TO 8 PM
3. ARCHANA -------- Rs 2/-
4. NAVAVARANA POOJA
    DURING FULL MOON DAYS  ONLY---------Rs 2000/-
    TIMINGS : NIGHT 9.30P.M(LIMITED TICKETS)
5. GOLDEN CHARIOT PROCESSION--- Rs 2000/-
     TIMINGS: NIGHT 7.30pm      ON FIRIDAYS, FULL MOON DAYS, NEW MOON DAYS, FIRST DAY OF TAMIL MONTH
6. COW POOJA EARLY MORNING AROUND 5.30 BEFORE ABISHEKAM

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Karyam, Sri Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam,
Kanchipuram-631502,
Tamilnadu.
Phone:o44-27222609
Fax:044-27222609
Email: kanchikamakshitemple@yahoo.in kanchikamakshidevasthanam@gmail.com
 
ACCOMIDATION
1. Yatri nivas(a/c) in front of the temple ,low pricing as it is maintained by KamaKotipeetam.
Phone number: Chandrasekhar (manager)-9994346996
2. Hotel Tamilnadu, near railway station
 Phone number:044-27222553,27222554
 3. M.M hotels—044-27227250
www.mmhotels.com