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

Nestled near Chennai in South India, the town of Tambaram unveils a hidden gem within its Rajkilpakkam locality, the Sri Kanchi Maha Swami Vidya Mandir, an educational institution by the Shankara Math of Kanchipuram. While this school complex is primarily focused on education, it houses several religious attractions, including the serene Kamakshi Amman Temple, a sanctuary of divinity. Let's explore the mystical wonders within this spiritual haven.

Vidya Ganapati Temple

The main entrance of the school complex has the stucco images of Kamakshi Amman, Adi Shankara and Maha Periyaval. 

The first attraction of the complex is Vidya Ganapati temple, which is located on the right side as soon as one enters inside the complex. It is a modest yet charming Ganesha temple.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

The crowning jewel of this complex, the Kamakshi Amman Temple, awaits with two entrances. While an intricately adorned Raja gopura graces the east entrance, the west entrance is the primary point of access. Here, the Bali peetha and the flagstaff beckon visitors.

The east entrance has the images of Ganesha and Bala Subramanya.

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, Srinivasa Perumal, the disfigured form of Lakshmi called as Aroopa Lakshmi, Varahi and  Ardha nareeswarar. 

The big 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.