Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, also known as Kamakoti Nayaki Kovil, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, one of the highest aspects of Adi Parashakti in Shaktism. Located in the historic city of Kanchipuram near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the temple is a significant religious and spiritual center. Though its origins are debated, it is believed to have been founded between the 5th and 8th centuries by the Pallavas or in the 14th century by the Cholas.
The temple’s rich history is intertwined with the Pallava and Chola dynasties, as well as the Vaishnavite saint poets known as Alvars. It is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of hymns from the 6th to 9th centuries. Over centuries, the temple has undergone modifications, particularly in the 14th and 17th centuries, with some legends claiming it was last rebuilt as recently as 1783 to house the statue of Kamakshi.
Kamakshi is worshipped here in five forms and revered as a manifestation of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess of Shaktism. Along with Meenakshi in Madurai and Vishalakshi in Varanasi or Akhilandeshwari in Thiruvanaikovil, Kamakshi is one of the most important deities in Tamil Nadu's Shaktism tradition. The temple also features a shrine to Vishnu in his Varaha form, reflecting the syncretic worship prevalent in the region.
Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple is also closely linked to the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, a significant religious institution in Tamil Nadu. Kamakshi, also praised as 'Sri Mata' in the Lalitha Sahasranama, represents the compassionate mother and divine protector. Her temple draws thousands of devotees, offering a powerful spiritual experience and a glimpse into Tamil Nadu's rich religious heritage.