About Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram - The City Of Thousand Temples
Kanchipuram is an exceptionally gorgeous city in Tamil Nadu. This impressive city is known as an abode of ancient temples. Famous as Kanchi in South India, this city has recently become one of the most visited destinations by families and pilgrims. Travelers who are in search of quaint cities where they can take a replenishing break can make Kanchipuram their next holiday destination. There are no shortage of places to visit in Kanchipuram, and this city also houses remarkable hotels where you can stay. Make your vacation all about early mornings, where you attend the grand prayer ceremony at the temples, and later explore this city and interact with the locals. If a relaxing vacation is on your mind, then Kanchi is the place to be!
Popular Places In Kanchipuram
Kanchi is home to a lot of beautiful temples, and most of the attractions that you can explore are temples. Here is a list of the most amazing places to visit in Kanchipuram that will make your vacation memorable!
SRI EKAMBARESWAR TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Prithvilingam, a form of Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswar Temple is the most popular and the largest temple in Kanchipuram. It is said that the temple dates back to nearly 600 to 700 years, and three major dynasties—the Chola, the Pandavas, and the Vijaynagar Empire—contributed to the construction of this temple. The temple is also considered one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalam (five elements) temples existing in Tamil Nadu.
KAILASANATHA TEMPLE
Built in limestone, the Kailasnatha Temple is one of the oldest places of worship in Kanchipuram. The presiding deity here happens to be Lord Kailashnathar, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple was built by King Rajasimha of the Pallava Dynasty. Later, his son Mahendra built the gopuram of the temple. Upholding astonishing Dravidian architecture, the Kailasnatha Temple is a must-visit if you are on a tour of Kanchipuram.
VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE
History lies deep within every wall of the Varadharaja Perumal Temple—a major reason why it is considered one of the must-visit places in Kanchipuram. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built by the Vijaynagar Empire in the 10th century. The temple is famous for its 1000-pillared hall, known as Kalyanamandapam. Each of these pillars reiterates the life of Lord Vishnu with the intricate carvings adorning it.
KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE
One of the first memories that a traveller would cherish on a trip to Kanchipuram is a visit to the Kamakshi Amman temple. The presiding deity here is Goddess Kamakshi, who is found to be in a seated position here. Adi Sankaracharya is also associated with the temple, whose portrait is placed inside the shrine. The astounding Dravidian architecture of the temple leaves travellers and pilgrims absolutely awestruck!
SHRI KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETHAM
Associated with Sri Sankaracharya, the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, or temple, is a Hindu monastic institution. Built in the 8th century, the temple's presiding deity happens to be Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Durga. Apart from offering simple homage, one can visit the gurukul (school system) supported by the temple authorities. While the architecture might not exude grandeur, the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is worth a visit, at least for an experience.
SRI ULAGALANDAR TEMPLE
If you are on a tour of Kanchipuram and want to visit all the religious shrines, then the Sri Ulagalandar Temple is a must-visit for you. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is thronged by devotees every day. The presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, is projected in Vamana form in the temple. However, the statue of Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar is so gigantic that devotees are often left in awe of it.
CHITRAGUPTA SWAMY TEMPLE
Built in the 9th century during the Chola Dynasty,. This temple is one of the rare religious shrines dedicated to Chitragupta, the chief accountant of Lord Yama, the Hindu god of death. The idol here is seen in a sitting posture, holding a pen in the right hand and a palm leaf on the other. There is also the Utsava Panchaloka version of Chitragupta seen along with his consort Karnikambal.
DEVARAJASWAMI TEMPLE
Lying on the eastern edge of Kanchipuram, the Devarajaswami Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One of the older temples in the region, the shrine was built during the Vijaynagar Empire. The presiding deity is Varadaraja, a form of Lord Vishnu, meaning King, who bestows benediction. The temple is known for its jewels, and one of them is a huge necklace carved out of stone. It attracts a lot of devotees throughout the year.
KACHAPESHWARAR TEMPLE
If you want to make memories of your trip to Kanchipuram, a visit to the Kachapeshwarar Temple is a must. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a unique one. It is where one can find Lord Vishnu worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of a tortoise. Just like other south Indian temples, it is also built in the Dravidian style of architecture and leaves travellers in awe of its grandeur.
VAIKUNTHA PERUMAL TEMPLE
One of the popular tourist destinations in the temple city of Kanchipuram happens to be the religious shrine Vaikuntha Perumal Temple. It is one of those temples that attracts both travellers and pilgrims alike. The temple was built in the 7th century by Pallava King Nandivarman II and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The architectural brilliance of the temple comprises several lion-pillared cloisters with beautiful inscriptions narrating tales from mythology.
