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Situated at a
distance of 70 kms to the south of Chennai,
Kanchipuram is regarded as one of the most sacred
pilgrimage sites by the Hindus. The temple city of
Kanchipuram is also the seat of the Sankaracharya.
Devotees throng the holy city all round the year
from both India and abroad in spite of the sultry
weather conditions for most part of the year. The
city was the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas and the
Vijayanagar rulers during different times in
history. All of them invested lots of time, energy
and fortune in building the magnificent Kanchi
temples.
Accommodation and Connectivity
The Chennai airport is nearest to Kanchipuram.
Chennai is some 70 kms away from Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram figures in the rail map of India. There
are trains to the place from Chennai, Chengalpattu,
Bangalore and Tirupati. Chennai is directly
connected to Chennai by road. The city is also
accessible from most other towns and cities of Tamil
Nadu.
Kanchipuram has good accommodation facilities for
tourists. But as the temple city remains full of
visitors for most part of the year, it would be
advisable to avail advance booking benefits for
convenience of stay.
Tourist
attractions
The Seat of Sri Adi Sankara
Kanchipuram is most famous for being one of the four
seats of Sri Adi Sankara, the revered Hindu sage.
The seat here is known as Kanchi Kamakotti Peetham.
Kanchipuram preserves the great Dravidian heritage
of Vaishnavites and Shaivites.
Vaikunta Perumal Temple
The Vaikunta Perumal is a Vaishnavite temple built
by Nandivarma Pallava in the 8th century. In the
main parikrama of the temple, many battle scenes
depicting Pallava valour have been carved on the
panels.
Ekambaranathar Temple
The Ekambaranathar Temple built by the Pallavas is
famous for the worship of Shiva as Prithvi (earth).
It is worth mentionable that Prithvi is regarded as
one of the five basic elements of the physical
world. The temple is spread over a whopping 20-acre
and has 11 storeyes. The temple has one of the
tallest towers among temples in India.
Varadaraja Temple
This is a Vishnu temple but Vishnu is worshipped as
Devarajaswamy here. The temple was built by
Vijayanagar kings and the best attraction of the
temple is a 100-pillared hall. The temple is well
credited for its architecture.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Parvati in
her incarnation as Kamakshi. This temple may be
regarded as another architectural delight of
Kanchipuram.
Kailasanathar Temple
The architecture of Kailasanathar Temple is almost
akin to the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram. The
temple has a very attractive panel that depicts Lord
Shiva and Parvati in a dance sequence.
Excursion
delights
Tiruttani
Tiruttani is regarded as one of the six abodes of
Lord Subramanya. The temple is located on a hilltop
and 365 steps symbolising the 365 days of the year
have to be climbed to reach the temple. According to
ancient scriptures, the Lord had married Valli, one
of his consorts at the place. The Karthigai festival
held in the month of December is celebrated here in
a big way.
Sriperumbudur
Sriperumbudur is the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar,
the propounder of Vishishtadvaita philosophy. As
such, the place becomes an important pilgrimage
centre of Vaishnavites.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has come up naturally
around a village tank and is surrounded by many
trees. Many different species of migratory birds
like the sandpiper, spoonbill, swan and gray wagtail
come to this place. Most of the birds can be spotted
during the October-February period. A number of
fairs and festivals are held in Kanchipuram all
round the year.
Some of the prominent festivals held here include
the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam, and rath
festivals. The mysticism in Kanchi air can always be
felt as devotees continuously sing paeans in the
many temples dotting the landscape of Kanchipuram.
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