Description

Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Devi Temple is located in a small town called Mangadu (literally means a forest of mango trees) between Kundrathur and Poonamallee. The distance from Chennai is hardly 25 kilometers and a lot of people from Chennai regularly go for a glimpse of Devi Amman.

History

It is said that once Lord Siva and Parvathy Amman were spending leisure time in the garden of Kailasa. Devi closed the eyes of Lord Siva in a playful mood. However, there was a severe result of it. The entire universe fell in complete darkness causing a severe threat to life. Devi realized her fault and asked Siva to forgive her. Siva told that she had to take a �Prayaschitta� (penance) at Panchagni. It is the place where she took penance. The idol is very unique. Devi is folding her right leg, and the left leg rests on the right one. Her left hand is raised above the head holding a Jambala in it.

Importance/Significance

It is the beauty of Hindu religion that it associated miracles, mythology and special characteristics with each temple or shrine. It is believed that if unmarried girls visit the Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Devi Temple, then Devi Amman and Lord Shiva get pleased with the devotion, and they bless with a happy married life. Even childless couples also worship Devi Amman for blessings in the form of a baby. The serene location and lush green mango trees make this place superbly special and mystique.

Facts/Mythology

According to mythology, once Goddess left the place, and there was complete havoc in the region. There was a massive fire that went on for years. Then, Adi Sankara came and installed a special chakra known as Sri Ardhmeru Chakram. It is a rare and greatly auspicious creation. People perform Pooja of this chakram, but there is no Abhishekam (holy bath). Lord Siva, who is supposed to please quickly with rituals performed without any pomp and show became happy with the devotion of Parvathy Amman and married her again at Kanchipuram.

Festivals/Events/Gatherings

There have been two great holy baths (Maha Kumbabhishegam) in 1987 and 2001 where thousands of people attended holy bath of the idol in the auspicious presence of Sri Jayendra Saraswati and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati. These two events were graceful, religious and rare The temple is always buzzing with devotees who come from remote places to get blessed with showers of �Anukampa� by Devi Amman. During full moon day, there are Homam and Abhishekam performed by knowledgeable priests. Other than these special events, regular Abhishekam are there on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sundays between 1100 hrs to 1300 hrs. Temple opens at 5 o'clock in the morning and closes at 10PM on the above days. On other days, it opens at 6 o'clock and closes at 9.30PM.Full moon day of Chitrai month, Adi Pooram, Navrathri, Niraimani Katchi , Deepam, Arudhra Dharshan, Thai Poosam are a few important festivals. A huge gathering takes place during these events.