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The Golden City of a thousand temples
Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, is 71 km from Madras. It was successively the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku, Bodhidharma, lived and worked here.
Today, it is known not only for its temples but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.
Travel Information
Climate
Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Winter ( Nov. To Feb.): Mildly warm and pleasant
Clothing
Throughout the year-Cottons
Getting There
Connected by road to Madras (71 Km).
Connected by rail to Madras.
The nearest airport is Madras.
Where to Stay
Hotel Tamil Nadu (TTDC)
Other unclassified hotels
What to see
The Ekambareswarar Temple
The temple is one of the tallest temple towers in South India, having a total of 11 stories which are adorned with beautiful sculptures. It is in this place that Shiva is worshipped as Prithvi or earth which is one of the five basic elements of the physical world. Its tall south Rajagopuram, which is at a height of 58 metres looms majestically into the sky. Another ancient temple, renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar Kings.
The Kailasanathar Temple
Besides the architecture which is similar to that of the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, this temple is famous for its attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvati engaged in one of their dances.
The Vaikunta Perumal Temple
An important Vishnu Temple build by the Pallava King Nadivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in this temple relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. The panels surrounding the main parikrama showcase battle scenes depicting the courage and valour of the Pallavas.
The Varadaraja Temple
is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped as Devarajaswamy here. This temple, which has a 100-pillared hall, was built by the Vijayanagar kings and displays the mastery of their artists. Among the best pieces are the severed halves of a large chain carved out of a single stone, and the figures of the God of Love and his consort astride a swan and a parrot respectively. It is a massive and impressive edifice. The shrine of Devarajaswamy is on an elephant-shaped rock called Hastagiri.
The Kamakshi Amman Temple
has an imposing structure and is dedicated to goddess Parvati in her incarnation as Kamakshi, the goddess of Love. Sakkiswarar Temple. Built by the Cholas, the temple is situated near the Kamakshi Ammand Temple.
Kailasanath Temple
Built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra III in the 8th century AD.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
This is one of the three holy places of Shakti worship in India. The other two are in Madurai and Varanasi. The temple in its present form was built by the Cholas during the 14th century AD.
Shopping
Kanchipuram's exquisite silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk in dazzling colours and have an enviable reputation for lustre, durability and finish. Most of the handloom co-operatives have their own retail outlets in the town that sell Kanchipuram silk.
Festivals
Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam and the Chariot festival.
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