 Kanchipuram,
the Golden City of a thousand temples, and one of the seven sacred
cities of India, is 71 km from Madras. It was, successively, the
capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar.
During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples in the
city were built by the Pallavas.
The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya,
Appar, Siruthonder and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked
here. Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for
its handwoven silk fabrics.
How to Reach
Connected by road to Madras (71km). Connected by rail to Madras.
The nearest airport is Madras.
Sights to Visit
Sakkiswarar Temple
Built by the Cholas, this temple is located near the Kamakshi
Amman Temple.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
An important Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King Nandivarman
Pallavamalla, in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are
found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas
and the Chalukyas.
Kailasanatha Temple
Built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra the 3rd, in the 8th centuryAD.
Ekambareswarar Temple
Another ancient temple, renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas
and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one
of the tallest towers in South India.
Devarajaswamy Temple
Also known as Varadarajar temple, it is a massive and impressive
edifice. The shrine of Devarajaswamy is located on an elephant-shaped
rock called Hastagiri.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
This is one of the three holy places of Shakti worship in India.
The other two are in Madurai and Varanasi. The temple in its present
form was built by the Cholas, during the 14th century AD.
Festivals
The festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show, are
the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam and the Chariot festival.
|
