Maa Kamakshi
The Goddess of Love and Desire
“Kamakshi means 'She whose eyes awaken desire' (Kama = desire, Akshi = eyes).”
Maa Kamakshi is the benevolent and fierce form of the Divine Mother, embodying love, beauty, compassion, and ultimate power. Worshipped as the supreme deity in Kanchipuram, she is an incarnation of Tripura Sundari and a form of Adi Shakti.
Core Attributes
Alternative Names
Key Mantras
Primary Info
Gender: Female
Nature: Supreme Goddess, Compassionate yet Fierce, Tantric Deity
Energy: Shakti – the creative force of the universe
Planet: Venus (commonly associated with love and beauty)
Skin Color: Golden
Arms: 4
Mount: Parrot (symbolic of desire and speech)
Posture: Seated in Padmasana over the Sri Yantra
Expressions: Graceful, Serene, Commanding
Divine Implements:
Symbolism Explained:
- sugarcane Bow: Symbol of desire controlled by the mind
- five Arrows: Control over the five senses
- pasha: Bond of illusion and karma
- ankusha: Spiritual discipline and awakening
Meaning of Name: Kamakshi means 'She whose eyes awaken desire' (Kama = desire, Akshi = eyes).
Abode: Sri Chakra within Kanchipuram Temple
Parents: Self-born or aspect of Adi Parashakti
Origin Story: Maa Kamakshi is considered a form of Lalita Tripura Sundari, who emerged to defeat the demon Bhandasura. She appeared from the third eye of Lalita Devi in the Sri Chakra Mandala.
Symbolic Role: Represents the creative force of the universe and divine love that transcends desire. She grants both worldly and spiritual fulfillment (Kama and Moksha).
Mentioned In:
Notable Forms:
Major Festivals:
Prominent Temples:
Kamakshi Amman Temple (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu)
Main temple and spiritual center of Kamakshi worship. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
Mangala Gauri Temple (Gaya, Bihar)
Shakti Peetha related to Kamakshi’s energy.
Mantras & Stotras:
Kamakshi Moola Mantra
ॐ ऐं क्लीं सौः कामाक्ष्यै नमः॥
Meaning: Om – the universal sound, Aim – for wisdom, Kleem – for attraction and love, Sauh – for liberation. Salutations to Goddess Kamakshi.
This is a potent seed mantra used in Sri Vidya worship and for invoking Maa Kamakshi’s grace.
Kamakshi Stotram
A beautiful devotional hymn describing the divine beauty and power of Kamakshi.
Philosophical Insights:
- divine Feminine: Maa Kamakshi represents desire that leads to liberation – transcending material lust and transforming it into divine longing (Mumukshutva).
- relation To Tridevi: She reflects the combined energies of Saraswati (wisdom), Lakshmi (abundance), and Parvati (power).
- associated Concept: Sri Vidya – the highest tantric tradition in Shaktism
- inner Battle: Teaches control of desires not through suppression, but through conscious transformation and channeling.
- liberation: Maa Kamakshi is the bestower of both worldly desires (Kama) and final liberation (Moksha).
Cultural Influence:
- Literature: Prominently featured in Sri Vidya texts like the Lalita Sahasranama, Tripura Rahasya.
- Dance Forms: Many Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance performances feature her tales.
- Art & Sculpture: Often shown with Sri Yantra backdrop and in meditative seated posture.
- Media: Her story and temple are featured in many South Indian spiritual TV series.
Related Deities & Animals:
Deities: Tripura Sundari, Lalita Devi, Kameshwara (Shiva in Sri Vidya), Bala Tripurasundari (child form).
Animals: Parrot, Lion (in fierce forms), Elephant (symbolic of royal presence).
Modern Relevance:
- Women Empowerment: Represents divine sovereignty and inner strength, embodying beauty, power, and wisdom.
- Spiritual Balance: Symbol of balancing Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation).
- Festivals & Unity: Worshipped widely across South India and by Sri Vidya practitioners globally. Seen as a bridge between Tantra and devotion (Bhakti).
Further Reading:
Closing Note:
“The divine gaze of Maa Kamakshi awakens the seeker’s desire—not for the world, but for the eternal. May she bless your path with wisdom, beauty, and liberation.”