Photo 1 / 6Golden vimana over the main shrine. Photo: Ms Sarah Welch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kamakshi Amman Temple
About the Temple
Kamakshi Amman Temple is a major centre of goddess worship in Kanchipuram. Kamakshi is shown seated in the lotus posture, and the temple's daily rituals and processions remain central to its identity. A visit complements the town's Shiva and Vishnu shrines before a journey towards Mahabalipuram.
Why visit
- Visit Kanchipuram's principal Kamakshi shrine.
- Learn about the seated goddess and the temple's procession traditions.
Temple Timings
- Morning
- 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Official source, checked 18 Oct 2026 · Source
The trustee institution's visitor guide lists a midday closure from 12:00 to 16:00. Confirm ritual pauses with the temple. The guide lists additional full-moon darshan around 23:30 but gives no closing time for that session; confirm locally before a late visit.
Before You Go
- Time to allow
45 minutes to 1 hour inside the temple. This is a planning allowance, not a queue time; festival days take longer.
- Dress
Choose modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Confirm the temple's current dress requirements before entering; a specific current dress notice was not verified.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Phones
Camera phones may be carried in only if switched off, under the Tamil Nadu rule for 52 major temples. A ₹5 deposit counter with token is also available.
Reported by dtnext.in, checked 22 Oct 2026 · Source
- Access
Step-free access and wheelchair arrangements were not confirmed. Ask the temple office about the route to the main shrine.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Photography
Photos and video of the deity and pujas, and selfies, are not allowed.
Reported by dtnext.in, checked 22 Oct 2026 · Source
Highlights
- Gayatri Mandapam
Kamakshi sits in the lotus posture inside the Gayatri Mandapam, holding a sugarcane bow, lotus and parrot. Varahi and the Kalvar Perumal Divya Desam shrine share the hall.
- Golden chariot
The golden chariot carries the festival images round the inner prakaram on Fridays, Tamil month first days, new moons and full moons.
- Sri Chakra
Adi Shankara is credited with consecrating the Sri Chakra yantra in front of the goddess; his shrine stands in the prakaram.
- Temple tank
The pushkarini hosts the float festivals, and the mandapams around the complex each host a different utsavam.
Sources: kanchikamakshi.org, kanchikamakshi.org, en.wikipedia.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
How to reach Kamakshi Amman Temple
- By air: Chennai International Airport (MAA) · about 62 km
- By train: Kanchipuram (CJ) · about 1 km
- By road: Kanchipuram is about 75 km from Chennai Central. Buses from the Kancheepuram bus stand serve Chennai and other Tamil Nadu cities.
Sources: tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in, incredibleindia.gov.in · checked 22 Oct 2026
Nearby Places
- Ulagalantha Perumal TempleA Divya Desam where Vishnu is worshipped as Ulagalantha Perumal.0.3 km away
- Ekambareswarar TempleThe earth-element (Prithvi) Shiva temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.0.8 km away
- Kailasanathar TempleA Pallava Shiva temple built around 700 CE, among the oldest monuments in the town.1.5 km away
- Varadharaja Perumal TempleA 23-acre Vishnu temple at the eastern edge of the town, one of the 108 Divya Desams.3.4 km away
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, kancheepuram.nic.in · checked 22 Oct 2026
Questions Visitors Ask
Is there a dress code at Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple?
Choose modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Confirm the temple's current dress requirements before entering; a specific current dress notice was not verified.
Can I take my phone inside Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple?
Camera phones may be carried in only if switched off, under the Tamil Nadu rule for 52 major temples. A ₹5 deposit counter with token is also available.
Who is worshipped at Kamakshi Amman Temple?
The temple honours Goddess Kamakshi. Its official site describes her seated in padmasana, the lotus posture.
When does the temple hold golden-chariot processions?
The official puja page lists Fridays, the first day of Tamil months, new moons and full moons. Confirm the programme for your visit.
Are published puja times the same as visiting hours?
The trustee institution's visitor guide lists 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–20:00 for general visits. The Devasthanam separately lists later rituals; do not assume these extend general admission. Confirm full-moon late darshan locally.
Do I need to pay for special darshan at Kamakshi Amman Temple?
The Devasthanam says darshan is free and it does not sell special-darshan tickets or accept advance darshan bookings. Separately listed pujas have fees payable at the Devasthanam office cash counter.