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Attraction in Kanchipuram
Ekambaresvara Temple
- Ekambareshvara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is
one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, spreading
over an area of 12.14 hectares. This ancient temple
is surrounded by a huge stonewall built in the early
16th century during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Ekambareshwar temple is of hoary antiquity, beginning
as a small fane, it has grown over the centuries into
a large one with innumerable shrines, Mandapams,
Gopurams and Tanks. It is considered to be
one of the most ancient temples in India and has been
in existence even prior to 600 AD.
Kailasanatha
Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kailashanathar
(also spelt as Kailashnatha) is one of the earliest
temples built by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha Pallava
and was completed by his son, Mahendra Varma Pallava
in the 8th century AD. It is the oldest structure
in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture
in South India. Of all the temples in India, no other
edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the
64 aspects of Lord Shiva. The temple is unique in
its architecture and is viewed more as an architectural
wonder than as a holy place. Hence, it is never crowded
with locals. But, once in a year during Shivaratri
festival large crowds visit the temple and you can
expect hours of waiting in long queues.
Kumara Kottam
- Kumara Kottam is located in between the Kamakshi
and Ekambareshwar temples in the Somaskanda formation
in the town of Kanchipuram. It is a well-visited temple
with two Prakarams and a complete pantheon of Parivara
Devatas enshrined in their respective shrines. In
the sanctum, Muruga is in a seated pose. Valli, Deivayani
are absent here, but their festival idols are kept
here. In accordance with the function of Creation
he has assumed, his right arm is in Abaya pose, the
upper hand holds the rosary, and the lower left arm
is on the thigh in Katyavailambita pose with the left
arm holding the Kamandalam. The posture is also called
Brahma Chattam.
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Varadaraja
- The Varadaraja temple is one of the
important shrines of Sri Vaishnavites. Also
known as Hastigiri, it is located in
Vishnu Kanchi or "the Little Kanchi".
Originally it was known as Attiyuran.
The main deity here is Varadaraja Perumal in
a standing posture facing west and the Lord
here is also known as "Devaraja",
"Pranatharthihara", "Deva Perumal",
"Athiyooran" and "Perarulalan".
Varadaraja temple with superb art has a magnificent
history, which is associated with Sri Ramanuja,
who used to serve here. Many miracles are
said to have occurred . It
was with his ministry that the temple,
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then already several centuries old, began to
gain fame.
Kamakshi Amman -
India has three main cities where the Goddess
Shakti is worshipped. Kanchipuram holds the
most important rank among the three. The Kamakshi
Amman temple is the hub of all religious activities
in Kanchipuram. The main tower over the sanctum
(Vimanam) of the temple is gold plated. Also
of significance is the Golden Chariot in this
temple. |
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Quick Getaways near Kanchipuram
| Sriperumpudhur
(29kms) - It is the birth place of Saint
Ramanujar, the Father of Visishtadvaida philosophy
of Vaishnavism and hence an important pilgirim
centre for the Vaishnavites.
Vandalur
(35kms) - The new sprawling Anna Zoological
Park at Vandalur, the biggest in South India,
has, among other species, a superb collection
of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles. The
animals are in huge natural enclosures enabling
them to move freely.
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Thirunthani
(42kms) -Thiruthani, lying to the west of Chennai,
is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. 365 steps
lead to the hill which represent the days of the year.
Thiruthani is said to be the place where the Lord
married Valli - one of his two consorts. The Karthigai
festival which falls in December is celebrated with
great pomp here and it is one of the most crowded
periods of the year.
Vedanthangal (48kms) -
Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sancturies
in India. It is a marshy park with a lake visited by
over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority
of these birds can be seen between November and February.
The variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills,
Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants, Blue
winged teals and Swans.
Festivals in Kanchipuram
Some of the important festivals celebrated in Kanchipuram
are the Brahmotsavam -Varadaraja temple in May; Garuda
Sevai- Varadaraja temple in June; Float festival -Varadaraja
temple in February and November; Kamakshi Ammam Festival
- February; Mahashivaratri festival - Kailashanatha
temple in February; Panguni Uthiram -Ekambareshwara
temple in March-April.
Getting There & Away to Kanchipuram
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Chennai is the nearest
airport to Kanchipuram. |
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Trains for
Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu,
Tirupati, and Bangalore. |
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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. |
Getting
Around in Kanchipuram
For local transportation bicycles can be hired from
the shops near the bus stand. Cycle Rickshaws and
auto rickshaws are also available on hire to move
in and around the city.
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