The legend of Aroopa Lakshmi at Kanchipuram

[Guest guest]

Dear Ganapathi,

 

There is a sanctum of Lord Vishnu called “Kalvar” within the premises of Devi

Kamakshi in the Gayatri Mandapam.

 

During the churning of milky ocean for Ambrosia (samudra manthana), due to the

scorching and poisonous radiation of Halahala, Lord Vishnu became dark in

colour. When Goddess Lakshmi emerged out of the milky ocean, her hue was golden

in colour. Devatas offered the hand of Lakshmi to Vishnu in the marriage.

Goddess Lakshmi during the casual talk with Vishnu, out of her arrogance for

golden complexion, made fun of Vishnu’s dark complexion. Irritated by her proud

attitude, Vishnu cursed her to lose her beauty forthwith. Lakshmi, distressed

by the curse, sought the refuge of Mother Kamakshi and prayed her to grant the

lost beauty. Kamakshi consoled Lakshmi and asked her to remain at the left side

of her sannidhi inside the Gayatri Mandapam. Kamakshi assured Lakshmi that the

devotees visiting the Kamakoti Peetam, after receiving the Kumkuma Prasad from

the Kamakshi Temple would offer the same to this Lakshmi. By the efficacy of

the Kumkuma which is the Prasad of

Kamakshi, the Lakshmi would regain her lost beauty. Devi Kamakshi asked the

Lakshmi that in turn, the Lakshmi would bestow all the prosperity to the

devotees who would offer Kumkuma. Goddess Lakshmi submitted to the Kamakshi’s

will and regained her lovely and beautiful form. This is the legend of the

transformation of the Aroopa Lakshmi to Saundarya Lakshmi.

 

Lord Vishnu came to know that his consort had regained the original beauty.

He came to Kanchipuram stealthily to have a glance at the beauty of his consort.

Goddess Kamakshi too notice of Vishnu who came “like a thief” to have a glance

at his wife. And thus, she addressed him as “KALVAR” which means “Thief”. And

thus, the name stuck. This Kalvar sannidhi is also adjacent to Saundarya

Lakshmi in Gayatri Mandapam.

 

With regards,

Sriram

 

Namah Savitre.

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

A few elders say that this is the only place where Lakshmi can be seen with the

folded 2 front hands, instead of the abaya and vara hasthams. This is done to

show that she has left her " proud " nature. Vishnu is suppose to have come here

to see this pose of Lakshmi.

 

The Vishnu sannidhi is one of the 108 divya kshethrams of Him.

 

kAmAkshi sharaNam.

Gopi

 

 

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