| FACTS
& FIGURES
Area : 11.6 sq
km
Population : 184, 000
Languages : Tamil, Telugu, and English
Best time to visit : Throughout the year
STD Code : 04546
LOCATION
Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage
sites in India and the seat of the Shankaracharya. The
temple city of Kanchipuram extends from latitude 12°
50’ in the north to longitude 79° 45’
in the east. The city is situated around 70 km from
Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
CLIMATE
The climate of Kanchipuram is tropical
with an almost uniform temperature throughout the year.
During summers, the temperature ranges between 36.6°C
and 21.1°C. Winter months are slightly colder and
the temperatures remain between 28.7°C and 19.8°C.
The average annual rainfall in the city is 87 cm.
PAST
Kanchipuram or the Golden City of Temples
is one of the most important centers of Hindu religion
and also one of the most picturesque. The place is one
of India’s seven sacred cities and the second
holiest after Varanasi.
The city was once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas,
and the Vijayanagar rulers. It was under the Pallavas
from 6th to 8th century AD but, during that period,
was also briefly occupied by the Chalukyas, and the
Rashtrakutas. Many of the temples situated here are
the work of the Pallavas and later Cholas.
The remains of a few Buddhist stupas are indication
that Buddhism also prevailed here for a little while.
One of the four seats of Sri Adi Shankaracharya (a great
Hindu sage), the Kanchi Kamakotti Peetham is situated
here. It has been a center for Tamil learning and culture
for centuries and presents the glorious Dravidian heritage
of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) and Shaivites
(worshippers of Shiva).
SITES TO VISIT
The Ekambaranathar Temple in the city
was built by the Pallavas and was later reconstructed
by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings. Shiva is worshiped
here as Prithvi (earth), one of the five basic elements
of the physical world. The dimensions of the temple
are reflected in its 20-acre spread and its tall south
Gopuram, which soars to a height of 58.5 m. The temple
has 11 stories and one of the tallest temple towers
in South India. The structure is decorated with beautiful
sculptures.
The Vaikunta Perumal Temple dates back to the 8th century
and was built by Nandivarma Pallava. Battle scenes depicting
Pallava valor are carved on the panels surrounding the
main parikrama of this Vaishnavite temple.
The Varadaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who
is worshipped as Devarajaswamy here. This temple, which
has a 100-pillared hall, was built by the Vijayanagar
kings and displays the mastery of their artists. Among
the best pieces are the severed halves of a large chain
carved out of a single stone, and the figures of the
God of Love and his consort astride a swan and a parrot
respectively.
The Kailasanathar Temple was constructed by the Pallava
kings in the 8th century AD and has an attractive panel
depicting Shiva and Parvati in the midst of one of their
innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of
this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
The Kamakshi Amman Temple has an imposing structure
and is dedicated to goddess Parvati in her incarnation
as Kamakshi, the goddess of Love.
SITES NEARBY
Tiruttani near Kanchipuram is one of
the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Situated on a hilltop,
the temple is accessible by road as well as by train.
365 steps, which represent the days of the year, lead
to the hill. Tiruttani is said to be the place where
the Lord married Valli–one of his two consorts.
The Karthigai festival, which falls in December, is
also celebrated with great pomp here.
Sriperumbudur is 29 km from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram.
It is the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, the father
of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy of Vaishnavism and
hence an important pilgrim center for the Vaishnavites.
This is also the place where Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime
Minister of India, was killed in a bomb blast during
a public meeting in 1991.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (60 km from Kanchi) has
come up around a village tank, which is surrounded by
a grove of trees. Migratory birds like the sandpiper,
white ibis, spoonbill, swan and gray wagtail etc. can
be spotted here. There is also a sizeable population
of resident breeding water birds. The period between
October-February is the best time to visit Vedanthangal.
The Elagiri Hill is an isolated, attractive picnic
spot in the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of about 1000
m. The salubrious climate, scenic surroundings and a
quaint Murugan temple add to the beauty of the place.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
There are fairs and festivals all round
the year at Kanchipuram. Some important festivals include
the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam, and Car (rath) festivals,
which are held in the months of January, April, and
May respectively.
SHOPPING
Kanchipuram, the "silk paradise"
is world renowned for its hand-woven silk saris. The
exquisite silk saris are woven from pure mulberry silk
in contrasting colors and have an enviable reputation
for luster, durability and finish. They reflect a weaving
and dyeing tradition hundreds of years old, whose riches
and technique the west came seeking much before the
industrial age began. More than 5,000 families are engaged
in this industry today and their creations are marketed
by a number of co-operative societies located all over
the state
WHERE TO STAY
It is difficult to find quality accommodation
in Kanchipuram. Most of the lodges are situated near
the city bus stand. Some guesthouses also provide basic
facilities, and a serene environment to the travelers.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
Chennai is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram.
One can take flights for most of the important Indian
cities and important cities abroad from Chennai.
By Rail
Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai,
Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore. Trains for Chengalpattu
do not run on national holidays.
By road
Kanchipuram is 75 km away from Chennai and
is well connected by a network of roads. There are frequent
buses from the city to Chennai, Bangalore and other
places.
Local Transport
Bicycles can be hired from the shops
near the bus stand for as little as Rs 2 per hour. Cycle
Rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also available on hire
to move in and around the city.
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