Kanchipuram - Tamilnadu

Tourism

Kamakshi Amman Temple:

India has three major cities where the Goddess Shakti is worshipped. Kanchipuram holds the most important rank among the three. Other two are Madurai and Kashi. The Kamakshi Amman temple is the hub of all religious activities in Kanchipuram. The temple is near to the Shankara Mutt. The kings of the Chola Empire established this temple in 14th century AD.

The main tower over the sanctum of the temple is gold plated. Also of significance is the Golden Chariot in this temple. The Golden Chariot is taken in a procession around the temple on Friday evenings around 7.00 p.m. This temple also features an Art Gallery with pictures depicting the history of Sri Adishankaracharya and the Shankara Mutt.

Kailashanathar Temple:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kailashanathar is one of the earliest temples established by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha Pallava and was completed by his son, Mahendra Varma Pallava in the 8th century AD. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India. The temple is situated among several low-roofed houses just over 1-km west of the town center. Hence, it is never crowded with locals.During Shivaratri festival large crowds visit the temple and there could be hours of waiting in long queues.

Ekambareshwar Temple: Ekambareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, spreading over an area of 12.14 hectares. This ancient temple is enclosed by a huge stonewall established in the early 16th century during the Vijayanagar Empire. Ekambareshwar temple is of hoary antiquity, beginning as a small fane, it has grown over the centuries into a large one with innumerable shrines, Mandapams, Gopurams and Tanks. It is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in India and has been in existence even prior to 600 AD.

Kumara Kottam: Kumara Kottam is situated between the Kamakshi and Ekambareshwar temples in the Somaskanda formation in the town of Kanchipuram. It is a well-visited temple with two Prakarams and a complete pantheon of Parivara Devatas enshrined in their respective shrines.

Here only honey is used for ablutions. When one comes out after worshipping the main deity, one can see the festival idols. In the front part of the temple in the mirror room one can see the marble figure of Ramalinga Swamigal.

Varadaraja Temple: The Varadaraja temple is one of the important shrines of Sri Vaishnavites, also called as "Hastigiri" and is one of the celebrated Vaishnava Divya Desams, situated in Vishnu Kanchi or "the Little Kanchi". Originally it was known as "Attiyuran". The main deity here is Varadaraja Perumal in a standing posture facing west and the Lord here is also known as "Devaraja", "Pranatharthihara", "Deva Perumal", "Athiyooran" and "Perarulalan". Varadaraja temple with superb art has a magnificent history, which is associated with Sri Ramanuja, who used to serve here. Many miracles are said to have occurred. It was with his ministry that the temple, then already several centuries old, began to gain fame.

Ulahalanda Perumal Temple: Ulahalanda Perumal temple located about half a kilometer from the centre of the town near Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. The deity Ulahalanda Perumal in this temple represents the "Vamana Roopam", an incarnation of Lord Vishnu taken to save the Devas from the Demon king Mahabali. The deity Ulahalanda Perumal is depicted by a huge image of about 35 feet high.

How to reach Kanchipuram

By Air: Chennai is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram.

By Rail: Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore.

By Road: Kanchipuram is 75-km away from Chennai and has a good network of roads from Chennai, Bangalore and other places.