Our priests will travel to one of the ancient temples in the Kanchipuram area and perform an evening abishekam yagya for Kanaka-Durga; the form of the Divine Mother that combines the giving of Lakshmi and the protection and purity of Durga.  As Kanaka, the goddess gives wealth (Kanaka means a gold coin in Sanskrit), and also helps to protect us and all the we have in this life.

This yagya is intended to enhance our financial karma and remove obstacles to developing material wealth. In addition, by performing the yagya for Durga, it brings protection and balance so that the material world remains in balance and doesn't upset our spiritual journey.

There is a traditional story about Kanaka that took place in Kanchipuram.  Shankara, the great saint was wandering through the village begging for alms because sanyasi's are not allowed to cook food.  So they can only eat what is offered to them.

He stopped at the house of an old woman, but she was so poor that she had nothing to offer; no food, no cloth; nothing.  So, hiding behind her door, she stuck her hand out and dropped a single amala fruit into Shankara's hand.  It was all she had.

Sri Shankara was deeply touched by her plight, and he composed the Kanakadhara Stotram on the spot so that those who recite it or cause it to be sung will gain the blessings of abundance from Kanaka Devi..

Lakshmi was so moved that she showered down golden amala fruits for the woman and this story has always be told to emphasize the importance of simplicity and sincerity.

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