Settled on the banks of the Vegavathi River, Kanchipuram is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in India. The city holds great religious importance and is revered as the ‘golden city of thousands of temples in Tamil Nadu.
Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is home to several sanctified spots, well-known for their intricate designs and traditional architecture. The scenic surrounding and the serene ambiance of the place attract pilgrims and tourists in great numbers from all parts of the world.
The city has much to offer when it comes to attractions. Some important holy shrines in Kanchipuram are:
- Kailasanathar temple (with Dravidian styles of construction)
- Ekambaranathar temple (the biggest temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva)
- Vaikunda Perumal temple (Lord Vishnu as the main deity)
- Kanchi Kamakshi Temple (worship of Goddess Parvati)
- Devarajaswami temple (with a notable marriage hall, the temple is established in memory of Lord Vishnu and his companion Devi Laxmi).
Here you get to know some unique and interesting facts about these sacred shrines.
After that, you can make your visit more enthralling by participating in the important festivals of the place, namely Brahmotsavam, Pongal, Maha Shivratri, Garudothsavam, and Chariot.
1. Kailasanathar Temple
Among the top tourist attractions in Kanchipuram, Kailasanathar Temple is the prime one within the Land of Thousand Temples. It was built for Lord Shiva, also called Kailasanathar, during the Pallava Dynasty between 680 AD to 705 AD. This temple is renowned for its ancient Dravidian architectural style and is made with sandstone under the Pallava ruler Rajasimhar. The complex has 60 shrines; the highlight is the innermost pathway which circles the idol of Lord Shiva. It denotes the entrance of a person and his exit from paradise.
Timings: 6 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 7 pm
2. Ekambaranathar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva or Ekambaranathar (meaning “Lord of Mango Tree”), Ekambaranathar Temple is one of Kanchipuram’s oldest Hindu Temples. It was constructed during the reign of the Chola dynasty in the 8th century, whose architecture still lures thousands of visitors every year. There is a mango tree on site believed to be 3,500 years old. Its branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes. Ekambaranathar Temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples or Pancha Bootha Sthalams – each representing a natural element – Earth.
Timings: 6 am to 12.30 pm, 4 pm to 8.30 pm
3. Kamakshi Amman Temple
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati. It is believed that Sati’s naval part of her body fell at this site, making it a holy abode. As per the Tamil Hindu calendar, the month Maasi – February to March – is said to be auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva. Thus, an annual festival is held at the Kamakshi Amman Temple on the 7th of this month when Goddess Kamakshi is taken out of the sanctum for the procession in a silver chariot.
Timings: 5.30 am to 12.15 pm, 4 pm to 8.15 pm (Friday till 9.30 pm and Pournami day till 10:30 PM)
4. Devarajaswami Temple
Devoted to Hindu God Vishnu, Devarajaswami Temple is one of the best tourist attractions in Kanchipuram. It is one of the religious sites in Kanchipuram that attracts many devotees throughout the year. The pillars of the temple are engraved. Devarajaswami Temple has a marriage hall built to remember the marriage between Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. The temple premises have a water tank with a large statue of Lord Vishnu. This water tank is emptied every 40 years when one can see the 10-meter-high statue. And after 48 days, it is immersed in the water again.
Timings: 6 am to 2.30 pm, 6 pm to 8.30 pm
5. Vaikunda Perumal Temple
Built by the Pallava King Nadivarman II during the 7th century, Vaikunda Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can see Lord Vishnu’s image in standing, sitting, and reclining forms on towering vimanas throughout the temple. Many stunning lion-pillared cloisters in the main shrine of the temple. The walls have inscriptions of the temple’s history. India’s Department of Archeology is responsible for the maintenance of the temple.
Timings: 8 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5.30 pm
