Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu, Hindu temple in Mangadu, Tamil Nadu, India

The Kamakshi Amman Temple in Mangadu is built in the Chola style, with a seven-tiered Raja Gopuram facing south as its main entrance. Inside, the Ganapati shrine stands to the left of the entrance, and the central sanctum holds the Ardha Meru Maha Yantra alongside an idol of Goddess Kamakshi. A shrine to Tapas Kamakshi, installed at the behest of Kanchi Paramacharya, and the Sapta Matrikas in the outer courtyard lie along the circumambulation path.

The temple is linked to the legend of Parvati closing Shiva's eyes and being sent to perform penance here in fire, after which Adi Shankaracharya installed the Ardhameru Chakram to cool the ground. The Chola-style temple is now administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu, and its Raja Gopuram is a recent addition.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, whose name in local tradition connects to 'one with gracious eyes.' Many visitors come here to participate in ceremonies and spend time in the quieter areas within the complex.

Visitors should plan for the site to open at sunrise and close at sunset, with prayer ceremonies held at various times throughout the day. It is best to wear loose, modest clothing and remove shoes before entering, as is customary at such places.

The chief divinity here is not a stone image but the Ardhameru Sri Chakram, a yantra made of herbs, so only kumkuma archana is offered to it and no abhishekam. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have installed it to cool the fire of Kamakshi's penance, and an abhishekam is still performed to it each Vijaya Dashami.