Tourist Attractions and Places in Kancheepuram
Introduction of Kancheepuram
Kanchipuram is one of India's holiest sites, also known as the city of thousand temples. The sacred seat of the Shankaracharya, Kanchipuram is situated about 70 Kms from Chennai, on the Northern East coast of Tamilnadu. Kanchipuram, Kanchi, or Kancheepuram (also sometimes Conjeevaram) is a municipality and headquarters to Kancheepuram district. In ancient times it was called Kachi and Kachiampathi.
Kanchipuram is one of India's holiest sites, also known as the city of thousand temples. The sacred seat of the Shankaracharya, Kanchipuram is situated about 70 Kms from Chennai, on the Northern East coast of Tamilnadu. Kanchipuram, Kanchi, or Kancheepuram (also sometimes Conjeevaram) is a municipality and headquarters to Kancheepuram district. In ancient times it was called Kachi and Kachiampathi.
Kancheepuram is renowned as a city of thousand temples and is among the most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There are now about 126 temples here and some more on the periphery of the town. Kancheepuram is also known for being one of the Saat Dhaam destinations i. e. the 7 pilgrimages that one must undertake to attain eternal salvation. The place is also known for producing some of the finest silk sarees that are made in India.
Major Tourist Attractions and Places in Kancheepuram
City of Thousand Temples
Kanchipuram is one among the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The city has some of the most grand and majestic temples to sweep you off your feet, with their striking architectural marvel. These temples are not only sacred sites, but also a study of the architectural evolution within South Indian style of temple architecture. These temples reflect architectural experimentations, restructuring and refinement that underwent under different dynasties that ruled the city.
Kanchipuram is one among the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The city has some of the most grand and majestic temples to sweep you off your feet, with their striking architectural marvel. These temples are not only sacred sites, but also a study of the architectural evolution within South Indian style of temple architecture. These temples reflect architectural experimentations, restructuring and refinement that underwent under different dynasties that ruled the city.
Temples of Kanchipuram
As one of the seven holiest cities of India, Kanchipuram housed thousand temples of which only 200 are extant. These temples are the epitome of flourishing Pallava art and architecture with the embellishments from the Chola, the Vijayanagara and Chalukyas kings. Some of the most important temples are as follows:
Ekambaranathar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekambaranathar Temple was built by the Pallavas and later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings. This temple makes excellent trip to Kanchipuram. Sprawling over 11 stories and one of the tallest temple towers in South India, it has some of the most awe-inspiring sculptures, and features a thousand pillared mandapan (hall).
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
Dating back to the 8th century, Vaikuntha temple was built by Nandivarma Pallava and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are scenes from battle carved on the panels encircling the main parikrama of this Vaishnavite temple. These scenes depict the bravery of Pallava kings.
Varadaraja Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped as Devarajaswamy here. This temple has a 100-pillared hall, built by the Vijayanagar kings presenting the skillfulness of their artists.
As one of the seven holiest cities of India, Kanchipuram housed thousand temples of which only 200 are extant. These temples are the epitome of flourishing Pallava art and architecture with the embellishments from the Chola, the Vijayanagara and Chalukyas kings. Some of the most important temples are as follows:
Ekambaranathar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekambaranathar Temple was built by the Pallavas and later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings. This temple makes excellent trip to Kanchipuram. Sprawling over 11 stories and one of the tallest temple towers in South India, it has some of the most awe-inspiring sculptures, and features a thousand pillared mandapan (hall).
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
Dating back to the 8th century, Vaikuntha temple was built by Nandivarma Pallava and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are scenes from battle carved on the panels encircling the main parikrama of this Vaishnavite temple. These scenes depict the bravery of Pallava kings.
Varadaraja Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped as Devarajaswamy here. This temple has a 100-pillared hall, built by the Vijayanagar kings presenting the skillfulness of their artists.
Kamakshi Amman Temple :
This temple was built by the Pallavas and was later renovated in fourteenth and seventeth centuries. The result is a structure which is a combination of many architectural styles. The temple is dedicated to Shakti and is a very important shrine. Goddess Kamakshi is a local form of Parvati who is revered for the fact that she forged the bond of the locals with Lord Shiva.
Ekambareswarar Temple :
It is the largest temple of the temple city Kancheepuram and is among the most important of shrines of Lord Shiva. The massive gateways of the temple are easily visible on the skyline of the city. There are many smaller shrines also around the main shrine.
Kailasanathar Temple :
Kailasanathar Temple :
It is built in the Pallava architectural style with soft sandstones and is located in the west of the town. The temple has simple carvings which make it stand apart in terms of style from other temples. The temple is a hub of activity during the celebrations of Mahashivratri.
Devarajaswamy Temple :
Devarajaswamy Temple :
Also known as Vardarajaswamy Temple, this temple has a massive structure. There are two high towers in the temple – in the east as well as west. The hall which has 1000 pillars is famous for the intricately carved sculptures here.
Vaikunta Perumal Temple :
Vaikunta Perumal Temple :
It is a highly significant temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here he is shown in reclining and standing poses. The temple was built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th century.
Tiruttani
Very close to Kanchipuram, Tiruttani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, perched on a hilltop. The temple has 365 steps, leading to the hill, with each step representing the days of the year.
Sriperumbudur
Situated about 29 kms from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur is the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, the father of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy of Vaishnavism. This is an important pilgrim center for the Vaishnavites.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Those in love with birds may plan an exclusive trip to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, situated about 60 km from Kanchi. The sanctuary is home to many migratory birds like the sandpiper, white ibis, spoonbill, swan and gray wagtail etc. Plan your visit between November and February.
Elagiri Hill
An isolated yet a popular picnic spot in the Eastern Ghats, Elagiri Hill is about 1000 mts high. Harboring a healthy climate, natural beauty and a Murugan temple Elagiri Hill is a must visit place.
Very close to Kanchipuram, Tiruttani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, perched on a hilltop. The temple has 365 steps, leading to the hill, with each step representing the days of the year.
Sriperumbudur
Situated about 29 kms from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur is the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, the father of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy of Vaishnavism. This is an important pilgrim center for the Vaishnavites.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Those in love with birds may plan an exclusive trip to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, situated about 60 km from Kanchi. The sanctuary is home to many migratory birds like the sandpiper, white ibis, spoonbill, swan and gray wagtail etc. Plan your visit between November and February.
Elagiri Hill
An isolated yet a popular picnic spot in the Eastern Ghats, Elagiri Hill is about 1000 mts high. Harboring a healthy climate, natural beauty and a Murugan temple Elagiri Hill is a must visit place.
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