Tourist Places in Kanchipuram
The reference to the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu can be traced back to the Mahabharata. According to legend, it may have been a part of the Dravida Kingdom. Kalidasa, too, reported it as 'The Best among Cities.' Later on, it was ruled by the Cholas, Pallavas, later Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and even the Britishers, who called it 'Conjeevaram.' Historically, Kanchipuram was considered the hub of education and an important religious center. It happens to be an important site for Hindu pilgrimage. It is also called the 'The City of Thousand Temples' because of the various temples situated here. These temples are famous for their huge towers and intricate designs. The hand-woven silk sarees of Kanchipuram are famous worldwide, so a major workforce is directed towards this task.
The place is of interest to not just tourists who are Indian nationals but also foreigners. Kanchipuram is one of the most important places in South India. The major worth-visiting spots of Kanchipuram are listed below-
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kamakshi Amman Temple is one of the important emblems of the rich cultural heritage of Southern India. This temple is located in Kanchipuram, aka the City of Temples. The principal deity here is Goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to have been an avatar of Parvati. Parvati is a Hindu goddess, an embodiment of love and fertility.
A Shakti Peeth is a sacred shrine built in places with fallen body parts of Goddess Sati. There are 51 of these in India, and Kamakshi Amman temple is one of them. This is where it is believed that the naval portion of her body fell, making it a pious place.
Shaktism was founded on a Hindu tradition that worshipped the Goddess. The name Kamakshi literally means 'One with Loving Eyes'. The syllables' Ka' symbolize Goddess Saraswati, 'Ma' is referred to Goddess Lakshmi and 'Sakshi' is representative of Goddess Parvati. These three Hindu Goddesses form the holy trinity for the female transcendental energies of the universe.
Timings: 5 AM - 12:15 PM, 4 PM - 8:15 PM
2. Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is one among the 108 Divya Desams that is devoted to Lord Vishnu, and it is of great religious significance. This temple is believed to have been visited by the Alwars, or poetic saints. It is an impressive temple complex that was constructed during the rule of the Chola Kings. It is, therefore, of historical significance.
The temple is visited by devotees from all walks of the globe to receive blessings in Vishnu Kanchi, especially during the Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam (10 days), Purattasi Navaratri (10 days), and Vaikunda Ekadasi (10 days). The temple's marvelous architecture and intricate carvings will amaze everyone. This temple is filled with a serene, unspoken atmosphere that one can witness only upon visiting.
Varadharaja Perumal temple is part of the trio Mumurtivasam, which also includes Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman temples. Considered highly sacred in Vaishnavism, Varadharaja Perumal temple is also called Perumal Koil. The temple complex, which contains 32 shrines and many other features that are built in the style of ancient temple architecture, is open to visitors. The temple houses a wood-carved idol of Lord Vishnu.
A silver box houses the idol, and it is submerged in water. Locals believe the area received good rainfall because the idol was submerged completely in water. Many stories related to the temple have found a reference in Vedanta Desika and Thirtha Prabandha Peyalvar as well as Bhoothathalvar and many compositions by Tyagaraja Dikshitar and Muthuswami in the 18th century.
Timings: 6 AM - 11 AM, 4 PM - 8 PM
3. Devarajaswami Temple
Vijaynagar rulers built the Devarajaswami Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a Hindu god. Inside the temple, you can see ornamented and engraved pillars. The temple's marriage hall was constructed in memory of the union between Lord Vishnu (the god) and Goddess Laxmi. A huge chain that has been carved out of a single rock piece forms a significant feature of the temple. A magnanimous statue of Lord Vishnu is housed in the water tank. Every 40 years, the idol is taken out of the tank. At that point, the statue of Lord Vishnu, which is 10 meters high, can be seen. It is then set up for darshan for 48 consecutive days before being immersed again in water.
Timings: 6 AM to 2.30 PM; 6 PM to 8.30 PM
4. Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is an important religious location. It is situated on the fringes of the Vedavathi River. It is a temple of great importance and significance for Hindu devotees. Tourists flock to the temple all year, but it gets more attention during the Mahashivratri.
Beautiful paintings and amazing sculptures embellish the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. This temple is the oldest temple among all temples in Tamil Nadu. It was built between 685 A.D. & 705 A.D. Rajasimha, the Pallava ruler, started the construction of this magnificent structure, while Mahendra Varma Pallava, his son, was responsible for its completion.
The temple's architecture is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. It is made up of sandstone. There are beautiful murals that are similar in fashion to those found at Ajanta caves in Aurangabad and Vaikuntha Perumal temple in Kanchipuram. This temple's architectural beauty is quite distinct from all other temples in Tamil Nadu. It consists of 58 little shrines, all dedicated to various configurations of Shiva. The sixteen-sided Shiva Lingam, which is composed of black granite at the main shrine, is a striking feature.
Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM; 4 PM - 7 PM
5. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, a monastic institution of the Hindu community, is situated in Kanchipuram, which is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas. The Pancha Bhuta Sthalas represent five essential materials: Earth, Sky, Water, and Fire. Kanchipuram is Earth, Chidambaram represents Sky, Thiruvanaikoil symbolizes Water, Tiruvannamalai represents Fire, and Kalahasti stands for Air.
The institution is often a peaceful haven for visitors. It is rare to find a purer environment in the modern world. Traditional management practices are still followed. The Ananda Prasadam is served to all visitors at noon, which will instantly fill your soul with calmness. People of all castes and races are welcome in the temple to attend the Pooja practice. There is no discrimination of any sort!
Timings: 12 AM - 12 PM
6. Kanchi Kudil
Kanchi Kudil displays both the ancient culture and the cultural heritage of Hinduism. It is a small hut-house that is like a museum depicting the intertwined nature of the Hindu religion, India's history, and current-day life. It is more than 100 years old and is a famous tourist spot in Kanchipuram. It houses many ancient sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. You can find replicas of the indigenous people sitting out to welcome you, all dressed up in their traditional outfits. Popular for its traditional food and shopping centers, this is indeed a delightful place for visitors. Visit the Kanchi Kudil to learn more about Hinduism.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 10/-
7. Ekambaranathar Temple
The Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram is the largest in the city. Built-in a spacious way, it spans over an area of 20 acres. This temple, consecrated to Lord Shiva, was originally built by the Pallavas. Later on, it was refurbished both by the Cholas and the Rayas.
A remarkable feature of this temple is that all 1000 lingas were carved from one single stone. The temple also contains one thousand pillared halls. There is a legendary tree of Mango outside the temple, which is approximately 3500 years old. It is a living symbol of the Vedas mentioned in Hinduism. The tree has four limbs that represent the four Vedas (Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda). Tradition says that each limb's fruit tastes different, even though they are all on the same tree.
Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM; 4 PM to 8:30 PM
8. Vaikunta Perumal Temple
In the 7th century, the Pallava king Nadivarman II built the Vaikunta Perumal Temple. This temple is dedicated solely to Lord Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the inscriptions in the temple narrate the democratic practice of selecting representatives in the village councils during the reign of the Chola dynasty.
The image of Lord Vishnu can be seen in three positions: sitting, reclining, and standing. These forms can be seen all over the temple. The engraved walls narrate stories of both the temple as well as the city. The India Archaeological Survey of India maintains this temple.
Timings: 8 AM to 1 PM; 2 PM to 5:30 PM
9. Thennangur Panduranga Temple
This temple is situated in the Tiruvannamalai district in Kanchipuram. The town is named the birthplace of Goddess Meenakshi. Thennangur Panduranga Temple is devoted to the god Panduranga as well as his companion Rukmayee. It draws tourists from across the globe due to its religious importance as well as its distinctive design and architecture depicting glorious images of the gods- Lord Panduranga and Rukmayee.
Temple's prime shrine was erected by Swami Haridas Giri, which he had managed to bring rom Pandharpur approximately 500 years back. The temple is also home to an Achyutraja Perumal idol which is as scarce as a hen's teeth. According to the legend, there is no temple in India with the Achyutraja Perumal idol, which makes it a unique site in the world.
Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM; 4 PM - 8 PM
10. Kachapeshwarar Temple
In Kachapeshwarar Temple, Lord Shiva can be seen in the form of a tortoise, being honored by Lord Vishnu. The image can be seen on engravings and sculptures, which have embellished this gorgeous temple from beginning to finish.
The idea of a temple that is dedicated to a single Hindu god which is Lord Shiva, and then displaying another god who worships the same entity is what makes this temple special. The beautiful inner spaces of this temple are as stunning as the exterior.
Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM; 5 PM to 8 PM
11. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Ulagalanthar Perumal Temple, consecrated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the 108 Divya Desams. It is of major spiritual and historical significance and is visited regularly by devotees from all over the world. It is situated close to Kamakshi Amman Temple, which is located in the city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Vishnu is the principal deity in the temple whose idol is in the shape of Vamana that stands around 35 feet tall, with a width of 24 feet. His posture shows Lord Vishnu with one foot on the earth and another on the sky. The foot pushing toward the sky is the one that pushes King Bali towards Patala (the Hell).
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
12. Jain Temple, Kanchipuram
The Jain Temples located in Kanchipuram are of great significance for the Jain devotees who reside within the village Thiruparuthikundram in Kanchipuram. One of these is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, while another is devoted to the Jain Tirthankaras.
The temple's architecture is majorly 9th-century Dravidian fashion. These temples from the past are adorned with exquisite paintings depicting gods and stories from the Jain culture and Jain type of artwork. Most of the paintings have been restored; however, the splendor of the temples is exceptionally well preserved. When one looks around the structure, one will be amazed by the stunning frescos and murals. The structure attracts not only Jain devotees but also architecture and art enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Timings: 8 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
13. Shri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple
Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple serves as a temple of worship dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and is situated in the Kanchipuram district. The temple is adorned with a unique statue of Lord Venkateshwara, who is standing on the Shivalinga. The magnificent temple was constructed approximately 500 years ago. It has a significant religious significance for people of the Hindu community, particularly those who follow Lord Perumal.
This type of representation isn't seen elsewhere around the globe, and it is a sign that Lord Venkateshwara/Perumal as well as Lord Shiva are alike and impart the same belief and ways of living. It's only their forms that are different. The belief is that the god is very humble, kind, and giving and can grant every request that is made with sincerity.
The devotees can be seen lighting diyas (lamps) of ghee, performing Tulsi Archana, and offering festoons and flowers as a token of their love and reverence for Lord Perumal. The temple air is filled with serenity and divinity. Tourists come here in large crowds to seek the blessings of the Lord, particularly on Vaikunta Ekadasi. A huge procession to honor Lord Perumal is held on Vaikunta Ekadasi, which falls during the Hindu month of Dhanu between December and January each year.
Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM; 3 PM - 8 PM