As one of the seven sacred cities in India, Kanchipuram is filled with rich history and culture that allures its visitors through its beautiful stone-carving architecture and its religious shrines. With more than 1,000 temples, Kanchipuram is a treasure for many faithful pilgrims, as they make their journey for spiritual release and celebration inside the majesty and grandeur of the many temples that the city has to offer. Also called “The City of Silk”, the city thrives on more than 150 years of traditional weaving that has been made popular all over the world and is exclusively known for its sarees with rich gold borders and use of contrasting colors. Explore Kanchipuram and experience its ancient history and traditions which are still alive today. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Kanchipuram, India.
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1. Ekambareswarar Temple
With so many temples to choose from, scattered around the city, the Ekambareswarar Temple is one that you should not miss due to its sheer size and significance to the city. Covering a span of 25 acres (10 hectares), the temple is one of the largest temples in India, and the largest place of worship in the city. It is also famous for its “gopuram” - a monumental entrance tower - that is 55 meters (180 feet) high, which can be seen all over the city and is also one of the tallest towers in India. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, one of the three primary deities in Hinduism, and is considered as one of his five major shrines. The temple also celebrates the most popular festival in Kanchipuram called the Panguni Brahmotsavam that lasts 10 days between March and April, where celebrations, performances, and processions are conducted throughout the festival.
Ekambareswarar Temple
Address: Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502, India
2. Kanchipuram's silk weaving centers
With over 45,000 professional weavers in the city, silk weaving is the city’s pride and passion. This tradition has been passed down for over 150 years through many silk weaver generations, and this has produced elegant and regal patterns and designs, which is now known and made popular throughout the world. Its most popular product is the Kanjeevaram, a silk saree that is made from thick fabric, patterned after Kanchipuram’s signature design - hints of gold, complemented with deep colors. This saree is usually worn during festivals and celebrations to showcase its splendor and beauty for everyone to see. You will be able to find numerous silk weaving centers all over the city, wherein silk weavers will happily show you their process in creating the different complex designs and patterns of their sarees. Find one that you fancy? Wear it with pride like a local!
Kanchipuram's silk weaving centers
Address: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Website: Kanchipuram’s silk weaving centers
3. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Due to its prominence and historical significance, another can’t-miss temple in the city is the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. It is the oldest temple in the city, having been built from 685AD -705AD. It was the first temple built by the Pallava Dynasty when they established their kingdom in Kanchipuram. Built in a Dravidian architectural style, the structure of the temple was built using sandstone, as compared to wood and rock boulders at the time. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, its main attraction can be found in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, or the main shrine, where you can see a 16-sided Shivalingam (a symbol for Lord Shiva) that is made of black granite. The temple showcases the various forms and shapes of Shiva and has 58 small shrines within its compound, accompanied by minor deities.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Address: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
Website: Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
4. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
With the size of 30 hectares (74 acres) of protected areas, more than 40,000 birds from all over the world flock towards the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. It is one of the most important sites in Kanchipuram. Famous for its small lakes scattered across the area, migratory birds come and use these lakes as feeding and nesting grounds every year. Birds such as the blue-winged teal, common sandpiper, pintail, and the garganey, make the sanctuary their home during the migratory season. As early as the 18th century, the locals had identified that the birds that visit the sanctuary are an important part to their ecosystem, as they assure rich nutrients to the lakes and controls pests, and so local laws have ensured that the sanctuary is to be protected at all times. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and March since you’ll be able to see the birds creating their nests and maintaining them. If you’re in the city during this time, don’t miss this rare opportunity to do so!
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Address: Vedathangal, Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu 603314, India
5. Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple
Out of the 1,000 temples in Kanchipuram, the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple is the only temple that is devoted to a goddess. This temple is devoted to the goddess Kamakshi, the goddess of love and devotion. Within the temple, you’ll be able to see a statue of the goddess seated in a lotus position, surrounded by statues of the “Great Trinity”, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. According to legend, the goddess was praying under a mango tree in this position, waiting for her marriage to Lord Shiva. The temple covers an area of 2 hectares (5 acres) and is surrounded by a pond. There are four worship services held each day, and the temple’s festivals run from mid-February to mid-March. This is one of the more interesting temples to see as you traverse through the myriad of choices within the city.
Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple
Address: New No. 6, Old No. 144/A, Kamakshi Amman, Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502, India
Website: Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple
A mystical and spiritual experience
Kanchipuram offers many sights that are a feast for the eyes, with its great architecture and regal colors throughout the city. As you explore the city through its many temples, take a moment and find peace within yourself. Come out fresh and anew, full of memories, insights, and learnings about yourself as you take them home with you!
History
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