Kanchi stands as a holy and historically significant destination, boasting a wealth of predominant Hindu temples and awe-inspiring ancient architecture. Explore its rich cultural heritage and sacred sites in our travel guide.
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Kanchi Overview
Kanchi, also known as Kanchipuram or Conjeevaram, is a district in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned as the “City of a Thousand Temples.” This vibrant locale boasts imposing temple towers, majestic 1000-pillared halls, and the world-famous Kanchipuram silk sarees. The name “Kanchipuram” derives from the Tamil words ‘Kanchi’ and ‘Puram,’ signifying ‘Brahma’ and ‘residence’ respectively. It refers to the sacred site where Brahma once worshipped Lord Varadaraja Perumal.
Nestled along the serene banks of the Vegavathi and Palar rivers, Kanchipuram exudes spiritual allure. It served as the capital city of the Pallava kingdom and also functioned as the headquarters of Kanchi Matha, a Hindu monastery founded by Guru Adi Shankaracharya. According to the Puranas, it holds the esteemed status of being one of the cities that offers liberation.
The city is divided into two sections: Shiva Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi. Shiva Kanchi, also referred to as Big Kanchi, constitutes the larger of the two divisions and predominantly features grand Shiva temples alongside a few smaller Vishnu temples. On the other hand, Vishnu Kanchi, known as Little Kanchi, lies on the eastern outskirts of the city and boasts significant Vishnu temples complemented by smaller Shiva temples. With a concentration of Shiva temples in Shiva Kanchi and Vishnu temples in Vishnu Kanchi, Kanchipuram stands as a notable pilgrimage site catering to both Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Temples of Kanchi
Kanchi is home to many famous temples, with the most prominent being the Kamakshi Amma Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple, Kumarakottam Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Ulagalanda Perumal Temple. Varadaraja Perumal, alongside Ekambaranathar and Kamakshi, holds significant reverence and is known as the “abode of the trio,” or Mumurthivasam.
Adi Kamakshi Amma temple
The Adi Kamakshi or Adi Peeteswari Kamakshi Amma temple stands as the original Kamakshi temple, situated adjacent to the Kumara Kottam temple. It is close to the Makaleshwar and Kamakshi temples. This revered site pays homage to Goddess Kamakshi, embodying the divine energies of Shakti, Mahalakshmi, and Saraswati. According to legend, Devas prayed to Mother Goddess for protection from the demons on Earth. Manifesting as Kali, she killed the demons and acquiesced to the Devas’ plea to remain here. Adi Shankaracharya later enshrined the Sri Chakra within the temple to appease the Goddess’s fury.
Formerly known as Kali Kottam, the temple echoes its earlier identity. The Kamakshi idol in this temple is depicted with four hands, three of which hold Pasha, Ankusha, and Kapala, while the fourth hand is in the Abhaya mudra. Additionally, the temple houses a Shakti Linga, which resembles Parvati’s face and is worshipped as the ‘Arthanareeswara Linga’. Devotees often visit this temple to pray for blessings related to marriage and children. Apart from the main deity, the temple also features shrines dedicated to Durga Devi, Annapoorneshwari, and Saptha Kanniyar. Despite being the original shrine of the Goddess, this temple is usually less crowded than the Kanchi Kamakshi temple. Moreover, its serene ambiance and cleanliness make it an ideal place to immerse oneself in divine tranquility.
Kanchi Kamakshi Amma temple
The Kamakshi Temple, the most renowned landmark in Kanchi is a significant place of worship. Located near the Adi Kamakshi Temple, this new temple of Goddess Kamakshi is where the main worship is conducted now.
Kamakshi Amma is the main deity of the temple. Spanning a vast 5-acre expanse, this temple holds a prestigious position among the Shaktipeethas, numbering 51. Beyond its profound religious importance, the temple’s architecture is a testament to its grandeur. Adorned with four imposing gopuras on each side, crowned by the resplendent gold gopura adorning the Kamakshi amma shrine, the temple is a sight to behold.
Check our post on Kamakshi temple for further details of Kamakshi temple.
Kanchi Peetham
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, also known as Sri Kanchi Matha, Sri Kanchi Monastery, and Sarvagna Peetham is a Hindu monastery in Kanchipuram. It is located in proximity to the Kamakshi and Kumarakottam temples. This sacred institution traces its origins back to the illustrious Advaita scholar, Adi Shankaracharya, who established it as a branch of the Sringeri Math.
The Peetham occupies a congested and bustling area, lacking nearby parking facilities. However, you’ll immediately sense the serene ambiance contrasting the external hustle and bustle upon stepping inside. Your mind will be soothed by the positive vibes emanating from what once served as Jagadguru Shankaracharya’s abode. Welcoming you at the entrance is a spacious meditation hall, featuring a life-sized statue of Jagadguru Chandrashekhara Saraswathi. Continuing, you’ll encounter another meditation hall opposite the former Jagadguru’s samadhi sthala. You can meditate peacefully in the hall. Also, a well-maintained Goshala or cow shelter is present adjacent to the meditation hall. Notably, the entire area exudes cleanliness, with restroom facilities available nearby. Additionally, food is served for free daily at 12:30 pm.
Hanuman Temple
Hanuman Temple stands as a small shrine directly across the street from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, housing a majestic Hanuman idol. Judging from its intricate pillar carvings and imposing floral-patterned entrance doors, this temple exudes an aura of antiquity. It hints at its status as one of the oldest structures in the vicinity.
Ekambaranatha temple
The Ekambaranatha Temple, also known as Ekambareshwara Temple, reveres Lord Shiva. This sacred site symbolizes the earth element and is one of Shiva’s Pancha Bhoota Stalas. The deity manifests as a Linga within the sanctum, with his consort Parvati depicted as Elavarkuzhali. Notably, the temple houses a thousand-year-old mango tree steeped in legend.
Check our post on Ekambaranthar temple to know more about the temple’s architectural marvels, legendary tales, and historical significance.
Kanchi Kumarakottam temple
The Kumarakottam temple, famous as the Subramaniya Swami temple, houses the sanctum of Lord Murugan, a Hindu war god and the son of Shiva and Parvati. Despite its proximity to the Ekambaranathar and Kamakshi Amma temples, each boasts a distinct religious identity. Positioned between the temples of his parents, Lord Shiva (Ekambaranathar) and Goddess Kamakshi (a form of Parvati), the Murugan temple symbolizes Somaskandha’s iconography, portraying child Murugan seated amidst his parents. The main gopura stands tall above the sanctum, adorned with intricate peacock carvings that embellish the pillars and ceilings. Additionally, surrounding the main shrine are the shrines of Ganesha, Valli, Devasena, Shiva, Navagraha, and numerous other deities, further enriching the spiritual ambiance of the temple complex.
Ulagalanda Perumal temple
Lord Vishnu is revered at the Ulagalanda Perumal temple, also known as the Trivikrama temple. Originally constructed by the Cholas, this temple underwent expansions by the Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks in later years. Its impressive eleven-tiered rajagopuram stands tall at 59 meters, sprawling across 5 acres, securing its position as the third tallest in Tamil Nadu. According to legend, Vamana, a Brahmin dwarf embodying Lord Vishnu, manifested here to vanquish King Bali. He humbly requested three paces of land from Bali, which the king granted. In a dramatic revelation, Vamana expanded to cover the entire cosmos, from heaven to earth to the netherworld. Bali offered his head for the third step in a gesture of humility. Touched by Bali’s generosity, Vamana granted him immortality. Vamana is worshipped as Trivikrama in the colossal form, hence the temple is also called Trivikrama temple.
The sanctum features a wooden portrayal of Ulagalanda Perumal, holding Shankha in his right hand and Chakra in his left. Positioned to the deity’s right are images of Mahalakshmi, Prahlada, and Mahabali, while to the left, you’ll find images of Shukracharya, sage Markandeya, and three Mudhal Alvars. Additionally, the premises house sanctums dedicated to Durga Devi, a Saligrama stone image of Krishna, Venugopala, Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Narasimha, Seetha Rama, Anjaneya, Shukracharya, and Alvar Andal. Notably, the Vishnudurga shrine stands out as one of the temple’s distinguishing features. The temple is also home to roughly 16 temple tanks, including Chakra Theertha Kalyani which is located right outside the temple grounds.
Varadaraja Perumal temple
The Varadaraja Perumal temple stands out as one of the most prominent temples on the Vishnu Kanchi side, offering reverence to Lord Vishnu and his consort, goddess Lakshmi, in the form of Perundevi Thayar. Locals also refer to it as Palli Temple, translating to Lizard Temple. This nickname stems from a unique belief: touching the silver and gold lizards within their confines can absolve sins. Renowned for its spiritual significance, it remains one of Kanchipuram’s busiest temples, drawing countless devotees seeking solace and blessings.
Delve deeper into the fascinating tales of the Varadaraja Perumal temple here.
Pandava Thoothar temple
The Pandava Thoothar or Pandva Dhoota temple honors Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The major deity, Krishna, is worshipped as Pandava Dhoota and his consort as Rukmini. Built by the Pallavas, this temple is one of Kanchipuram’s oldest structures, with subsequent contributions from the Cholas and Vijayanagaras. Legend intertwines with its ancient walls, recounting tales from the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. Krishna journeyed to the Kaurava capital, Hastinapura, as an envoy of the Pandavas. Confronted by Duryodhana’s wrestlers in a vast pit, Krishna, embodying Lord Vishnu’s avatar, bestowed upon them his cosmic form, Vishwaroopa. Hence, the temple is also known as Thirupadagam temple, where “pada” signifies grandeur and “agam” denotes residence, symbolizing the abode of Vishnu in his colossal manifestation.
The main sanctum of the temple houses a 25-foot-tall image of the presiding deity, seated in Arda Padmasana, with the right leg bent and two hands depicting abhayamudra and varadamudra. One unique feature of the temple is its large image of Krishna, which stands out for having only two arms, unlike other temples where the deity typically has four or more arms. Adjacent to the shrine, the temple tank, Matsya theertham, is situated on the northeastern side, along with Chakratalavar and Narasimha shrines on either side.
Makaleshwar temple
The Lord Makaleshwar temple stands just behind the Kamakshi Amma temple. Legend states that Shiva cursed Makalan, the Snake King, in Kalahasti. Seeking redemption, Makalan fervently worshipped Lord Shiva as Makaleshwara, hence the temple’s name. Once liberated from the curse, Makalan returned to Kalahasti. One of the temple’s distinctive features is the presence of shrines dedicated to each navagraha and their respective consorts. Besides, Rahu and Ketu, symbolizing the dragon tail and head, are honored with individual shrines within the temple premises.
Kachapeshwar temple
Lord Shiva reigns as the principal deity of the Kachapeshwar temple, while his consort, Parvati, is revered as Antanatchi and Kanniyumaiyal. This temple stands as one of Kanchi’s oldest, boasting a legacy dating back 1600 years. It is often regarded as a twin temple alongside the nearby Marundeeshwar temple. Within its sacred walls, Lord Vishnu venerates Shiva as a tortoise, symbolizing Kachapa during his Kurma avatar. Hence, the temple earns its name, Kachapeshwar or Kachabeshwar, signifying “Eshwara who graced a tortoise.” The temple hosts shrines dedicated to Subramanya alongside Valli and Devasena, Pancha Sandhi Vinayaka, Saraswati, Chandramukheshwara, Sooriyan, Bhairav, Vishnu Durga, and Adikeshava Perumal. Legend has it that immersing oneself in the temple tank, Itta Chitha Theertham, can alleviate sufferings and pave the path towards eternal salvation.
Chitragupta temple
The Chitragupta temple is a small temple dedicated to Chitragupta, the assistant of Yama, the Hindu god of death, making it one of the rare Hindu god temples in Kanchipuram. Legend has it that Chitragupta emerged from a painting while Shiva was explaining to Parvati the need for someone to monitor the actions of people on Earth. Hence, the name Chitragupta originates from the words Chitra (picture) and Gupta (accountant). He serves as the custodian of all good and bad human deeds. Within the temple, there is a small sanctum where the Chitragupta idol resides, depicted holding a pen in his right hand and scripts in his left. During our visit, the temple was undergoing renovations so we couldn’t explore it completely.
How To Reach Kanchi
From Bangalore:
Kanchipuram lies approximately 278 km from Bangalore.
By Road
Bike/Car:
- To reach there, take NH48 through Hosur, Krishnagiri, Vellore, and Ranipet, which typically takes about 5 hours.
Bus:
- There are numerous buses connecting Bangalore and Kanchi, operating both during the day and overnight. Selecting a bus based on its arrival times for overnight journeys is advisable to ensure you don’t arrive in the middle of the night.
By Rail
- Numerous trains run from Bangalore to Kanchipuram, with departures available in the morning and night. However, it’s essential to check your arrival schedule carefully, as most night trains arrive around midnight, with the journey taking approximately four and a half to five hours.
By Air
- For those flying in, Kanchi’s nearest international airport is Chennai, around 73 km away, taking nearly two hours to reach. Travelers reaching Bangalore International Airport can either opt for a flight to Chennai or a cab directly to Kanchi.
- If you opt for a cab, you’ll have the chance to stop at Vellore along the journey to explore its historic fort and the stunning Sripuram Golden Temple.
Travel Tips
- Most temples in Kanchi are open daily from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8.30 pm. So, plan your visit accordingly.
- When visiting Kanchipuram’s temples, it’s advisable to dress traditionally. For women, the preferred attire is a saree or half-saree with a blouse or churidar paired with pajamas and upper clothes. Men should wear shirts and pants, dhotis, or pajamas with an upper cloth.
- Given Kanchi’s consistently warm climate throughout the year, it’s wise to plan your trip during the winter months, from November to February, to escape the scorching heat.
- Kanchipuram offers a variety of lodging options. Most are conveniently located near the Kamakshi temple or main bus stop.
- Additionally, the area boasts numerous vegetarian restaurants, with Adyar Anand Bhavan and Arya Bhavan standing out as good options.
- If you’re short on time, consider hiring an auto to transport you to Kanchipuram’s major temples, including Kamakshi, Ekambaranathar, Ulagalanda Perumal, and Varadaraja Perumal, for around 700 rupees. You can customize your route by requesting stops at other temples of interest.
- Opting for auto travel, even if you have your vehicle, is preferable due to limited parking availability and congested roads in certain areas.
- Alternatively, if you have the luxury of time, take advantage of public transportation and explore nearby temples on foot.
Kanchi Silk Sarees
- Kanchi is famous for its silk sarees, with numerous stores offering handloom varieties. These sarees are highly sought after by women in South India, especially for weddings and other special occasions.
- Shopping in Kanchipuram for silk sarees and fabrics is a delightful experience. You can explore handloom cooperatives and branded shops for a wide selection of exquisite silk sarees. Additionally, don’t miss visiting the Handloom Weavers Service Center or local shops to learn about the intricate art of saree weaving.
- To ensure authenticity, inspecting the fabric before purchasing or seeking out the ‘Silk Mark’ certification exclusively awarded to genuine Kanchipuram silk sarees by the Silk Board of India is crucial. Alternatively, you can explore reputed branded stores for a reliable selection of sarees.
- Besides silk sarees, you’ll find an array of souvenirs such as fruit baskets, jewelry boxes, decorative items, and idols crafted from stone, bronze, and copper.
In conclusion, Kanchipuram is a captivating blend of ancient spirituality, architectural marvels, and vibrant traditions. Plan your pilgrimage or cultural expedition to this historic city, where every temple tells a tale and every silk saree weaves a story.
