The Kamadchi temple has been steadily embellished since its consecration in July 2002. In 2003 and 2004, several wall paintings were added, two of which portray the chief priest Sri Paskaran worshipping his favorite deity (ishta-devata) Shri Kamakshi. The goddess is supposed to be particularly powerful and some temple visitors even attribute superhuman powers to Sri Paskaran. The painting on the right in the top photo depicts the priest performing the fire sacrifice (homa) and the goddess appearing in the fire. The painting on the left portrays the royal Shrividya goddess (Rajarajeshvari) sitting on Sadashiva and the four cosmic gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Ishana) who constitute the feet of her throne. The shricakra at her feet points to the separate puja room where special shricakra ceremonies take place during festivals such as the Tamil New Year (see plate 11). When worshipping Kamakshi Devi as the great Shrividya goddess, the priest follows the South Indian Shankaracaryas of Kanchipuram. The wall paintings above the temple entrance (bottom picture) visualize this programme: one depicts the ascetic philosopher Shankara, the other a scene from Shankara hagiographies. Outdoor paintings like these, relating to the Shankara tradition of Kanchi, have been constantly added since the wall paintings inside the temple were finished. Top photo: 14.6.2003; bottom photo: 5.6.2004.