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India » Kanchipuram
 City Guide
 
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 This City of a Thousand Temples is one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus. Only 126 temples remain in Kanchipuram now but the town still attracts visitors from around the country. Pilgrims, customers of silk, and the simply curious come to see the numerous carved temples and participate in the bustle of this busy town. The town is home to several important temples, and perhaps the most important among these is the Ekambareswar.
As far as shopping goes, it must be silks and more silks! The famous Kanjeevarams would be the least expensive and most authentic in the city where they are woven! Silk weavers settled in Kanchipuram 400 years back. Even today more than 5000 families are involved in this craft. The silks are from worms bred purely on mulberry and the end product is spectacularly shot through with gold threads (zari). `Kanjeevarams , as these saris are called are famous as the finest and most beautiful in the world. In India they are often passed from mother to daughter as heirlooms. |
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The nearest airport is at Chennai, which is 75 km. away by road. Kanchipuram is well placed on the road network. Cheap, and clean buses ply frequently between Kanchipuram and major cities like Bangalore (in Karnataka) and Chennai. The roads are good, you can rent a car and drive if you don t want to bus it. Kanchipuram is connected by rail to Chennai as well. Trains run frequently from the Madras Beach Station.
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Best Time to visit
October to March |
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Legend (and a panel in the temple) has it that the Ekambareswar Temple marks the spot where Lord Shiva forgave his wife Parvati after her penance. Her prank of covering his eyes for a second had plunged the mortal world in darkness for years. The Ekambareswar temple is best known for its gopuram (tower) that rises to 58.5 metres. The granite walls are covered with intricate sculptures of mythical figures and Shiva and Parvathi. Originally built by the Pallavas, it was later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. There is a thousand pillared hall , which is quite impressive. In the compound is an ancient mango tree, which has been grafted and now bears four varieties of fruit. Childless couples hang miniature cradles on its branches and pray for offspring.
The 8th century Vaikuntha Perumal Temple was built by the Pallavas and is adorned with carved panels showing the Pallavas in battle. This is a Vishnu (the Preserver) temple.
The Varadaraja Temple is testimony to the expertise of the Vijayanagar artisans. Its 100-pillared hall is exquisitely embellished with carvings.
The 8th century Pallava rulers made the Kailasnatha Temple. It has a panel that shows Shiva and Parvathi in the middle of one of their many dance competitions, and otherwise resembles the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is not dedicated to a single god but to the spiritual worldview of its founder, Shankara. The Shankara came soon after Buddha and revived the Advaita Vedanta ,that holds that the spirit or Self (atman) is a part of the Divine Spirit (Parmatman or Brahman). The Shankara spread his teachings throughout the country and constructed several `mutths (temples) of which Kamakshi Amman is one.
Like in other parts of the state of Tamil Nadu, the best time to visit is in the early part of the year. From January to March it is pleasantly cool. This is also the period when migratory birds are in residence at the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary 60 km. from Kanchipuram. Also during this period , the temple car (rath) procession takes place , when the gods are wheeled around the town in their chariots.
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 The marshy 30 hectares of Vedanthangal, 60 kilometres from Kanchipuram, are a haven for migratory birds. November to February is when cormorants, pelicans, swans, the blue winged teal, herons, spoonbills, the white ibis, sandpipers, and darters flock here in droves.
Elagiri Hills in the Eastern Ghats are really closer to Chennai than Kanchi but can be reached from Kanchi too. They reach a height of 1000 metres and are good for a spot of hiking or a picnic. For trekking in Elagiri Hills, get in touch with The Chairman, Youth Hostels Association of India, Tamil Nadu Branch, 24 Second Street, Balaji Nagar, Chennai-600 014. |
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