KANCHIPURAM: THE SILK CITY

One of the seven important pilgrimage centres of the south, Kanchipuram is blessed with several temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The various temples showcase the Dravidian architecture and the influence of its many rulers, the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas. In todays times, people come here for its numerous temples and fine quality handwoven Kanjeevaram silk sarees and other silk fabrics.

QUICK FACTS:

Location: Kanchipuram is situated on the Palar River, in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. It is around 80 km from the state capital Chennai.

Climate: The city experiences tropical climate with almost similar temperature throughout the year. The temperature varies in between 25 to 38 degree Celsius in summers (April-June) and between 20 and 30 degree Celsius in winters (October-February). The city witnesses a good amount of rainfall during monsoons.

Known For: Kamakshi Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple, Silk Sarees.

Best Time To Visit: October to March.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:

Kamakshi Amman Temple:

The main temple of the place, among the three devoted to Goddess Shakti, the other being Kamakshi temple of Madurai and Vishalakshi temple of Varanasi. The temple is in control of Shankaracharya Math of the great Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is adorned by an elaborate structure spanning to an area of 5 acres and a golden spire. The idol of Kamakshi Amman is in the Padmasana position symbolizing prosperity. The temple also has many images of Lord Vishnu and shrines of other Gods.

Ekambareshwar Temple:

Built during the reigns of Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th Century, the temple is the largest one in Kanchipuram. It is devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as Lord Ekambareshwar, who is worshipped here in the form of a sand lingam.

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati was once cursed by her husband Lord Shiva to become dark-faced 'Kaali', when she closed his eyes by mistake, which resulted in darkness on Earth. Goddess Parvati then did her penance on the land of Kanchipuram, where she made a shivling of sand and offered prayers to the Lord. The temple consists of several stone walls, shrines, tanks and mandapams.

Kailashnathar Temple:

Another ancient temple of Lord Shiva, Kailashnathar temple interestingly portrays 64 aspects of Lord Kailashnath. The frescoes in side the wall are worth observing and appreciating especially the one which depicts Lord Shiva in Tandava dance position. The temple gives a priceless sneak-peak into Pallava art and architecture.

Varadaraja Temple:

Devarajaswami or Varadaraja Temple is one of the temples devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is was built in the 11th Century by the Vijayanagar rulers. The stunning thousand pillar kalyanmandapam is an important attraction of the temple.

Other famous temples of the place are Vaikunda Perumal temple, Kachapeshwara Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple among others.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:

Brahmotsavam in May, Garuda Sevai in June, Mahashivratri in February and Panguni Uthiram in March/April are the main festivals celebrated in Kanchipuram.

SHOPPING:

Silk is the most exquisite item you can take back home from Kanchipuram. The famous Kanjeevaram Sarees are the finest and the prettiest of the sarees available in the world. These may be costly but the compliments will be worth its price. Handloom co-operatives are the best to buy silk sarees at the best rates.

Other items that will be arresting are souvenirs of jute, copper, bronze like jewelery boxes and baskets.

HOW TO REACH:

Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport to the city, at a distance of around 75 km. Regular flights to important cities of the world are available from here.

Rail: The Southern Railways serve the city and connect it with Chennai, Pondicherry and Madurai.

Road: Private tourist buses, Volvo buses, taxis and state run buses are significant in connecting the city to other important cities of the south.