Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple

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Located at a distance of around 20 kms from Chennai, Mangadu has an important temple dedicated to Kamakshi. This is a famous Shakti temple across the country.

Legend


As per the legend, once Shakti playfully closed the eyes of Lord Shiva. It caused the entire universe to get into deep darkness. Also, Shiva turned furious at her. 

To pacify Shiva and get rid of her sin, Shakti came down to the holy site of Mangadu. She started performing severe penance by resting her left leg on the sacred fire known as Panchagni, with her right leg folded. She held japamala in her left arm raised above her head. This posture of the Goddess is called Tapas Kamakshi.

Pleased by Kamakshi's penance, Shiva appeared to her. He married her in the nearby Kanchipuram. The excited Kamakshi left Mangadu without extinguishing Panchagni. 

The fire caused unbearable heat in the region for a long time. During his visit to the holy place, Adi Shankara installed Ardhameru Chakra and thus doused the fire.
 

Temple Layout


The sanctum enshrines Tapas Kamakshi and Mahameru.

Although the temple is large, it enshrines only a few icons such as Ganesha, Nava Kanyas and utsava idols, besides the presiding deity.

For the devotees of Shakti, the temple is a must-visit.

Happy travelling.

Visit my site, krishnakumartk.com, to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.



Location: Mangadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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