Kanchipuram is called the city of temples owing to its huge number of temples than any other city in India. But a fact exists, strange yet true, that despite of numerous temples in Kanchipuram there is one and only one temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati that is Kamakshi Amman temple. The fact that there is only one temple dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the forms of Goddess Parvati, makes it very important temple to visit for devotees in Kanchipuram. In the word “KAMAKSHI” letter “KA” represents Goddess Saraswati ,”MA” represents Goddess Lakshmi  and “AKSHI” refers to the gracious eyes. Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati are referred as the two eyes of Sri Kamakshi Amman deity.

Kamakshi Amman temple was built by the Pallavas during the 6th century and is around 2000- 3000 years old. The original Kamakshi Amman Temple that was built by the Pallavas is presently known as Adi Peeteswari or the Adi Peeta Parameswari, which is near to the presently famous Kamakshi Amman temple. The present Kamakshi Devi temple is known as Bhoga peetam.