--> Skip to main content


Adi Kamakshi Temple – Old Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram – Adi Peeteswari Kamakshi Devi temple

Adi Kamakshi Temple, or Adi Peeteswari Kamakshi Devi temple, is the old Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and is adjacent to the currently popular Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi and is associated with Adi Shankaracharya as he established a Sri Chakra in the temple. This original temple is known as Adi Peeteswari or the Adi Peeta Parameswari.

Adi Kamakshi Temple is located adjacent to the Kumara Kottam Sri Subrahmanya Temple in Kanchipuram and is near to the famous Kamakshi Temple.

The original Sri Chakra established by Adi Shankaracharya can be found in a narrow depression in the temple.

The murti of Goddess Kamakshi that was originally worshiped in the temple was a fierce form. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya changed the fierce form and made her the all providing Mother in a loving form.

The murti of Goddess Kamakshi has four hands and she holds Ankusa, Pasa, and a Kapala. One hand is in Abhaya Mudra posture. The murti is more related to Tantric worship and the murti is also known as Kirtimati and Devagarbha.