Kamakshi

The goddess Kamakshi is a form of Tripura Sundari, who in turn is a form of the universal mother goddess worshipped by Hindus. The main abode of Kamashi is the Kamakshi Amman temple at Kanchipuram. Other important forms of goddess Tripura Sundari are Meenakshi of Madurai, Akilandeswari of Thiruvanaikaval and Vishalakshi of Varanasi. There are other famous temples for Kamakshi including the one at Ramnathi-Santeri of the Saraswats in Goa and the Kalikambal Temple at Madras (Now Chennai). The main temples of Kamakshi Devi in Goa are the Kamakshi Rayeshwar temple at Shiroda and the Shanta Durga temple at Kavlem.

Goddess Kamakshi is considered to be the representation of Shri Vidya - Shri Lalita Maha Tripurasundari - she reigns supreme in Kanchi. The image of the goddess has been carved out of a Salagrama shila and the Meru in the temple is also made of Salagrama, believed to be consecrated by sage Durvasa who was one of the renowed Shrividya upasakas. Kanchi is one of the most powerful pithas of the Devi. Many literary and musical compositions have been made on this great Devi and many devotees have been blessed by her.

= Shri Kamakshi and Tripura Sundari =While to many westerners it might seem that Kamakshi must be different from Tripura Sundari as they appear to have different names. However in the Hindu pantheon, the "names" of the deities are more descriptions than names. Tripura Sundari, like many of the forms of the supreme, has 1000 names assigned to her and these can be found in the Lalita sahasranama text. One of the names in this text is "Kamakshi" which means "She whose eyes awaken desire, or She who has beautiful eyes".

= Shri Kamakshi Temple, Goa =

Shri Kamakshi temple located at Shiroda was built between 1564 and 1568. The other shrines in the temple complex are that of Shree Shantadurga, Shree Laxmi Narayana and Shree Rayeshwar. Boarding and Lodging for the pilgrims are provided by the temple authorities.