- January 3, 2026
| Thiruthalam | Mangadu Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple |
|---|---|
| Presiding Deity | Goddess Kamakshi Amman |
| Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) | Mango Tree |
| Mythological Name | Soothavanam |
| Agama (Rituals) | Saiva |
| Town | Mangadu |
| District | Kanchipuram |
Located approximately 20 km southwest of Chennai, surrounded by mango groves, this sacred shrine is a renowned spiritual destination famous for Goddess Parvati’s intense penance. Considered equal in glory to the Kanchipuram Kamakshi Amman Temple, this is a powerful place where devotees’ prayers are answered.
The legend goes that while at Mount Kailash, Goddess Parvati playfully closed Lord Shiva’s eyes, causing the entire world to be plunged into darkness. Angered by this, Lord Shiva cursed Her to be born as a human and perform penance. Accordingly, Goddess Parvati came to Mangadu (then a mango forest) and performed rigorous penance standing on the tip of a single toe of her left foot amidst Panchagni (five fires).
The heat from Her penance became unbearable for the surroundings. To pacify this heat, Adi Shankaracharya installed the Ardhameru Sri Chakra, crafted from eight herbs, which brought prosperity back to the region. This calmed the Goddess’s anger, and She began showering Her grace. Later, She married Lord Ekambareswarar in Kanchipuram. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu first appeared here to devotees like Sage Sukracharya before the Goddess granted Her blessings.
In the sanctum sanctorum, the Ardhameru Raja Yantra is designed with a tortoise base, a 16-petal lotus, an 8-petal lotus, and the Sri Chakra on top. It is adorned with an 18-cubit (muzham) long sari. It is covered with a Gold Shield on Vijayadashami and a Silver Shield on other days.
From the mandapam, devotees can witness the Goddess in four forms: the Sri Chakra, Adi Kamakshi, the idol of Tapa Kamakshi (in penance posture), and the Eternal Lamp (Nithya Deepam). Nearby, there are shrines for Velleeswarar (Lord Shiva, represented only by feet as there is no idol or Goddess here; related to planet Venus/Sukra), Seer Perumal (Lord Vishnu holding a bow and arrow, appearing as a brother), and two Ganapathis (one holding paddy and a mango to bless farmers, the other holding an umbrella and a whisk). A mango tree is also present in the complex.
Unique Rituals: Since the Sri Chakra is made of herbs, no liquid Abhishekam is performed; only Kumkum Archana and Sandalwood paste (Santhana Kaapu) are offered. Abhishekam is performed for the Panchaloha processional deity (Utsavar).
Boons: Devotees believe that offering a lemon garland for six consecutive weeks (one Mandala) on a chosen day leads to marriage. Other prayers involve tying a cradle for progeny, healing illnesses, and securing employment.
Farming: The Mango-Paddy Ganesha is worshipped for agricultural prosperity.
Saying: The Tamil proverb “standing on one leg” (to describe hard work/waiting) originated from this penance.
Velleeswarar: This shrine is considered equivalent to the Sukrapureeswarar temple in Kanjanoor.
Chithirai Festival: Lasts 10 days, attracting lakhs of devotees.
Major Occasions: Tamil New Year, Diwali, Pongal, Navaratri, Masi Magam, Maha Shivaratri, and Aani Thirumanjanam.
Full Moon (Purnima): Navakalasa Homam and Pushpanjali are held on Pradosham/Purnima.
Niraimani Darshan: Held on Purattasi Purnima, where the temple is decorated with sweets, fruits, vegetables, and grains for prosperity.
Golden Chariot: A daily evening procession of the Goddess, surrounded by Saraswati, Lakshmi, Brahmi, and the Navakannikas.
General: 06:00 AM to 01:30 PM; 03:00 PM to 08:30 PM.
Special Days: On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, the temple often remains open throughout the day (timings may vary).
How to Reach Mangadu Temple?
From Koyambedu (Chennai): 15 km (Direct buses available).
From Chennai City: 20 km.
From Tambaram: 22 km.
The temple is easily accessible via bus or auto-rickshaw. The Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport.
Contact Numbers: +91-4426790053, +91-4426272053, +91-4426495883
Arulmigu Kamakshi Amman Temple, No. 1, Kamakshi Amman Temple Street, Mangadu, Kanchipuram District – 600122.
Experience the grace of the Goddess’s penance, fulfill your prayers, and attain spiritual prosperity. Visit for a divine experience.
