Kancheepuram_temples

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Kanchi is a historic city which served as the capital of some of the mightiest empires of the South. Between the 6th and 8th century it was the headquarters of the Pallava empire and several of the best temples here were built during this period. It later became the capital of the Chola and Vijayanagara empires and was a major seat of Tamil learning. It is the birth place of some of the greatest men in Indian history.

Ekambareswararwar Temple:
A fairly new temple dating to the 16th century, is the largest of the Shiva temples and sprawl over 20 acres and more. It has a magnificent 1,000 pillared hall and a towering gopuram, at almost 6,000 feet (185 metres) one of the tallest in South India.

Kailasanathar Temple:
Which is over 1,000 years old, is a Pallava creation dedicated to Lord Shiva. The narrow cells linking its courtyards have painting and sculptures dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, narrating the story of Shiva.

Vaikuntanathar Perumal Temple:
A perfect specimen of Pallava temple building is this temple, dating back to the 8th century. A unique frieze narrates the history of the Pallavas and the battles they fought against the Chalukyas. Of note here are three sanctums, one atop the other.

Kamakshi Amman Temple:
This is one ofthe three holy places of Sakthi worship in India. This temple is deicated to Parvati, “goddess with the eyes of love”, who playfully blindfolded her consort Shiva and had to do penance for her mischievousness. Parvati was eventually forgiven by him at the spot where the temple rose.

Varadarajaswamy Temple:
The temple with beautiful pavilions in its courtyard, a splendid 100 pillar hall that is a work of art and a100 feet tall 7 story gopuram of rare beauty. Some of the most beautiful sculpture in all Kanchipuram is to be found in this temple.

The richest saris in India: Kanchi’s other claim to fame is its production of silk saris, renowned for more than four centuries. Vibrantly contrasting colours, borders woven in gold thread, with traditional motifs such as peacocks, parrots, mangoes and leaves, made out of silk that is woven to last make these the richest saris in India and certainly the most sought after. The saris are priced according to their weight, taking into consideration the substance of the silk and the extent of the gold thread.

A unique system of weavers co-operatives makes and sells Kanchi saris. Shops are on the main street, and shopkeepers are as pleased as the weavers in the bylanes are to display their range and show the art and skills that have been handed down over the generations.