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How To Pray To Goddess Kamakshi? In Hindu Religion

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Introduction to Goddess Kamakshi

Goddess Kamakshi is one of the many manifestations of the Divine Mother, Parvati. She is particularly revered in the city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, where the famous Kamakshi Amman Temple is located. Kamakshi is a form of the goddess Tripura Sundari, and she embodies love, beauty, fertility, and divine grace.

The name "Kamakshi" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Kama" meaning desire or love, and "Akshi" meaning eyes. Thus, Kamakshi represents the goddess who fulfills all desires with her benevolent gaze.

Symbolism

  • Goddess Kamakshi is often depicted in a seated posture, known as the Padmasana (lotus position), symbolizing meditation and the attainment of spiritual knowledge.
  • She is shown with four hands, holding a sugarcane bow, flower arrows, a noose, and a goad, symbolizing control over the mind and desires, as well as love and devotion.
  • The Sri Chakra, a sacred geometric symbol associated with the goddess, represents the divine feminine energy and the universe's power.

Puja Steps to Worship Goddess Kamakshi

  1. Preparation:

    • Purify yourself: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Preferably, wear white or yellow, which are considered auspicious.
    • Set up the altar: Place an image or idol of Goddess Kamakshi on a clean cloth, surrounded by flowers, particularly red and yellow, which are her favorite. Light a lamp with ghee or sesame oil.

  2. Invocation (Dhyana):

    • Sit in a comfortable position facing east.
    • Close your eyes and visualize Goddess Kamakshi seated in her divine form. Imagine her compassionate gaze, bestowing blessings and fulfilling your desires.
    • Chant the following Dhyana mantra:
      Kāñcīpuranilayām Kāmākṣīm Karuṇālayām
Kāmarūpiṇīm Kalyāṇīm Kāmakotikapūjitām
      This translates to: "Salutations to Kamakshi, who resides in Kanchipuram, the embodiment of compassion, who fulfills desires, and who is worshipped by countless beings."

  3. Offerings (Upachara):

    • Fruits, sweets, and naivedya: Offer fruits like bananas, coconuts, and sweets like jaggery, as these are preferred by the goddess.
    • Water: Offer water for drinking and bathing (symbolically).
    • Flowers: Offer fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus, as they are believed to please her.
    • Incense and lamps: Light incense sticks and wave them in a clockwise motion before the goddess. Offer a lit lamp.

  4. Chanting Mantras:

    • Chant the Kamakshi Ashtotra Shatanamavali (108 names of Kamakshi) or the Lalitha Sahasranama (1000 names of Goddess Lalitha, a form of Kamakshi).
    • You can also recite the Kamakshi Stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya.

    Here's a sample mantra to chant:

    Om Kamakshi Namah

    Chant this mantra 108 times using a rosary (mala) for concentration and devotion.

  5. Meditation and Prayer:

    • After the puja, sit quietly and meditate on the goddess. Focus on her divine energy and grace. Pray for her blessings in fulfilling your righteous desires, overcoming obstacles, and attaining spiritual growth.

  6. Arati:

    • Conclude the puja by performing an arati, waving a lit camphor in front of the deity while chanting prayers or singing bhajans (devotional songs).

  7. Prasadam Distribution:

    • Distribute the offerings (prasadam) to family members and neighbors as a mark of sharing divine blessings.

Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Kamakshi

  • Lord Shiva: As Kamakshi is a form of Parvati, it is auspicious to worship Lord Shiva, her consort.
  • Sri Chakra (Lalitha Tripura Sundari): Since Kamakshi is associated with the Sri Chakra, devotees often worship this sacred geometric form as well.
  • Lord Ganesha: Begin the puja with prayers to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, before worshipping Kamakshi.
  • Saraswati and Lakshmi: As Kamakshi is often associated with Shakti, worshipping Saraswati (wisdom) and Lakshmi (prosperity) is also considered beneficial.

Mantras for Worship

  • Kamakshi Gayatri Mantra:

    Om Kāmarājāya Vidmahe
Kāmarūpiṇyai Dhīmahi
Tanno Kamakshi Prachodayāt

  • Kamakshi Moola Mantra:

    Hreem Aim Kamakshyai Namah

Rare and Relevant Facts about Goddess Kamakshi

  • Adi Shankaracharya and Kamakshi: It is believed that the great sage Adi Shankaracharya established the Sri Chakra in the Kamakshi temple to pacify the fierce form of the goddess and transformed her into the benevolent Kamakshi we worship today.
  • Kamakshi's Temple in Kanchipuram: The Kamakshi Amman Temple is one of the three major Shakti Peethas in Tamil Nadu, alongside Meenakshi in Madurai and Visalakshi in Varanasi.
  • Sri Chakra Worship: Devotees believe that worshipping the Sri Chakra within the Kamakshi temple grants them liberation (moksha) and material prosperity.
  • Kamakshi and Navaratri: During the festival of Navaratri, special prayers and rituals are dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, especially on the day of Durga Ashtami.

Conclusion

Worshipping Goddess Kamakshi involves devotion, pure intent, and a heart full of love and respect. Whether through elaborate rituals or simple prayers, the goddess is believed to respond to the sincere calls of her devotees, blessing them with prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.