Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi or Kancheepuram is among the seven sacred towns in Tamil Nadu. It is located on the north-eastern shore of Tamil Nadu, near to the Bay of Bengal and Chennai City. Kanchipuram is a holy pilgrimage site by Hindus and traditionally a major centre of religious education for the Hindu, Jainism and Buddhism faiths. The religious town has a strong historical background, which dates back during the Pallavas and Cholas dynasty. The town is also known as the Silk City and quite many times fashionistas utter the word ‘Kanchipuram’. The major occupations of Kanchipuram are agriculture and traditional centre of silk weaving and handloom industries for producing Kanchipuram Sarees.
Some of the wonderful attractions of Kanchipuram are:
Ekambaranathar Temple: With covering about 20 acres of land, Ekambaranatha is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built by the Pallavas. The 1000 lingas, carved out of solitary stone and the 3500 years old Mango tree are the major attractions in the temple complex.
Kamakshi Amman Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the temple was built by the Pallavas, sometime in the 7th century. The shrine was later renovated in the 14th century by the Cholas. Beside the holy deity, the temple complex also has a shrine devoted to a Hindu saint, Shri Shankaracharya.
Karchapeswarar Temple: As the name indicates, the temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Tortoise. The image is beautified with sculptures and engravings. Both the interior and exterior portion of the temple projects the impressive Hindu architectural style.
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple: Devoted to Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kasi Visalakshi, the temple is one of the triad of temples in the world. Visitors can enjoy the vivid paintings exhibited in the temple wall. The main focus draws on the massive sculpture of Kamakshi, creatively designed in color and intricate work.
Other attractions of note in Kanchipuram are Kailasanathar Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kudhil, Devarajaswami Temple and Varadaraja Temple.