Kanchipuram of Chennai - Kamakshi Temple and Maha Swami Museum, Rajkilpakkam

Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Rajkilpakkam near Tambaram, just outside Chennai, the Sri Kanchi Maha Swami Vidya Mandir stands as more than just an educational institution. Run by the Shankara Math of Kanchipuram, this school complex seamlessly blends learning with devotion. Beyond the classrooms and corridors lies a spiritual enclave dotted with shrines, statues, and sacred spaces, a place where heritage and humility come together.

Let’s take a walk through this remarkable campus and explore its many facets.

Vidya Ganapati Temple

Right at the entrance, one is greeted by stucco images of Kamakshi Amman, Adi Shankara, and Maha Periyaval, setting the tone for what lies within. On the right, the Vidya Ganapati Temple is the first stop. Modest in size but rich in devotion, this charming shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, fittingly positioned at the threshold of learning.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

The heart of the complex is undoubtedly the Kamakshi Amman Temple, which can be accessed through two entrances. The east side features a beautifully constructed Raja Gopuram, though most visitors enter through the west, where a Bali Peetha and Dwaja stambham (flagstaff) mark the approach.

Inside, the west-facing sanctum houses Kamakshi Amman, an exquisite replica of the revered Kamakshi Amman temple in Kanchipuram. Kamakshi, depicted with four arms, delicately holds a parrot and sugarcane. Sharing the sanctum, the Tapas Kamakshi icon, standing gracefully on one leg, conveys an aura of deep meditation. In front of Kamakshi, a Yantra dedicated to the Ashta Shaktis enhances the sanctum's spiritual energy. 

At the entrance of the sanctum, the utsav images of Adi Shankara and Kamakshi are found.

The temple has many niche images such as Maha Lakshmi with her two upper arms folded like praying in Anjali mudra, Srinivasa Perumal, the disfigured form of Lakshmi called as Aroopa Lakshmi, Varahi and  Ardha nareeswarar. 

The big stone image of Maha Ganapati and another one called as Anugnai Vinayakar are also found in this temple. There is a sub-shrine where the utsav image of Kamakshi is enshrined. The utsav icons of Uma and Maheswar are also situated adjacent to the sanctum.

The entrance of the temple is graced with a beautiful icon of Saraswati.

Statues of Prominent People

Near the school's entrance, a collection of statues honors renowned figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Mahakavi Bharati, Valluvar, Abdul Kalam, Vivekananda, and Dr. Radha Krishna, along with a stone sculpture of Hanuman.

Maha Swami Museum

This museum, dedicated to Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal, fondly known as Kanchi Periyaval or Kanchi Maha Swami, is an extraordinary tribute to the spiritual luminary. Featuring a vast collection of rare photographs, books, personal belongings, and wax figures depicting various phases of Swamigal's life, the museum offers a unique glimpse into his legacy. Additionally, it houses a massive Rudraksha Linga, constructed from one lakh Rudraksha beads. The museum also showcases intriguing depictions of the four Vedas embodied as deities, accompanied by their consorts.

M.S. Subbu Lakshmi Gallery

A dedicated section within the museum pays homage to the iconic Carnatic singer, Dr. M.S. Subbu Lakshmi. Here, you'll find a larger-than-life statue of M.S., accompanied by numerous photographs capturing her illustrious career and interactions with prominent personalities.

Mahadeva Temple

This modest temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, features a Shiva Linga as its central deity. Dakshinamurti and Adi Shankara  grace the Maha Mandapa, creating a serene atmosphere for reflection and worship.

Tambaram's Sri Kanchi Maha Swami Vidya Mandir complex combines education with spirituality, making it a place of holistic learning and divine connection.

Happy travelling.