Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram This famous temple city is located at a distance of 75 Kms from Chennai. Good road connects this place with Chennai. Known as the town of one thousand temples this place is also famous for handlooms and particularly for silk saris. The age old handloom industry produces one of the best quality silk of the country. At the center of the town there are many handloom centers where tourists can see the looms and workers working and buy best quality silk dress materials.

Nearest airport is Chennai.

Kancheepuram is also famous for one of the seat of Sri Shankaracharya the famous religious head of Hindus. This place was under Pallavas and became citadel of Cholas, and Vijayanagar Kings. These kinks have constructed many temples at Kancheepuram & now they became famous pilgrim place for Hindus.

Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple.

This temple was constructed by Cholas in 14th Century. This temple is associated with Aadi Sankaracharya. There is an art Gallery with pictures of Sri AdiShankaracharaya and the Shankara Mutt. Many religious and social charity programs are taken up by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.

Cameras are allowed inside the temple complex but not to the main sanctum. There is a queue arrangement to have dearshan of the goddess. There is a golden chariot procession ( festival ) is organized during Vasanta Utsavam or Vaikasi during Jun- July months. The main tower of the temple is gold plated.

Sri Ekambareswarar Temple

This is a famous temple of Lord Shiva, Here Shiva is worshiped in the form of Earth Linga. At a height of 192 feet the main temple tower is one of the tallest temple structure of south India. The main structures has many big stone pillars with carvings. By the side of the main structure there is a mango tree. As per legend Devi Parvati performed penance on the bank of Kamba river under this mango tree. The four branches of this tree represents the four Vedas and each branch bears fruits of different taste. Here Siva and Parvathi got reunited so the name Ekambaranatha ( Eka – one, amra-mango & nath-lord ) given here to Lord Shiva. Every year the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi celebrated here.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

This temple is famous for its massive structure and hundred pillared hall. This hall was erected by cutting rocks during Vijayanagara empire. This temple is also called as Devaraja Swamy temple. Varadaraja Perumal is the main deity here. There is a ticket system to visit the temple, there will be a long queue during puja and auspicious days. This temple is associated with famous Saint Ramanuja. The holy tank inside the temple complex is known as Ananthasaras Pushkarani.

There are many other temples located within and outside the city. Some famous ones are Kailasanathar temple, Ulahalanda Perumal temple, Sri Pandava Duthaperumal temple, Sri Vaikuntha Perumal temple, Sri Astabuja Perumal temple, Sri Yathokthakari Perumal Temple, Kacchapeswarar temple.

This article is written by go2india.in team.