Kanchipuram is one of the holiest cities of India and is famous for its shrines. It is said that Kanchipuram, was once the home of a thousand temples and is therefore called the city of temples. One can clearly see the architectural evolution of the south Indian style of temple architecture (Dravidian style) in the temples of Kanchi (as Kanchipuram is popularly known). The temples of Kanchipuram were built by different dynasties, each enriching and refining the architecture further.

Architecture

All the various temples in Kanchipuram belong to the south Indian style of temple architecture. As one nears the city of Kanchipuram, one is greeted by a cluster of temple shikharas (prominent roofs that surmount the sanctum sanctorum of the temples) and gopurams (tall and elaborately carved temple gateways), which are typical of the south Indian style of building temples.

Kanchipuram gained fame after the third century AD, when it became the seat of learning and was also a prominent Buddhist center. It became the imperial capital of the Pallava rulers from the sixth to eighth century AD. The rulers of the Pallava dynasty were great patrons of art, architecture and learning and under their reign, the first south Indian stone temples were built at Mahabalipuram. The evolution of the south Indian style is clearly visible in the temples at Mahabalipuram. The Pallavas also built a number of temples in Kanchipuram. Subsequent kingdoms of the Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijaynagar rulers carried forward the temple building activities started by the Pallava dynasty. New temples were built, and old ones were renovated and extended.

The temple city of Kanchipuram is one of the seven holiest cities of India, though out of the original thousand temples only 200 or so remain now. There are 650 stone inscriptions in Kanchipuram belonging to different dynasties and different periods. Although the city reached its zenith during the Pallava rule, their lithic records number a mere 12. The temples here reflect the maturity and efflorescence of the Pallava art, while the Chola, Vijayanagara and Chalukyan kings produced the ornate and often imposing embellishments later turning transient royal whims into monumental endurances. The important temples of Kanchipuram are the following.

Kailashnatha Temple

The Kailashnatha temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple of Kanchi. It reflects the freshness and simplicity of the early Dravidian style of temple architecture and was built by the Pallava king Rayasimha. It can also be described as the worthy successor of the rock temples at Mahabalipuram, which were also built by the Pallava rulers. The bases of the pillars in the temples at Mahabalipuram have seated lions while at Kanchipuram; the confident grimacing lions stand on their hind legs, as if ready to pounce on anyone trying to harm the temple. This temple was constructed in the late seventh century AD and Rayasimha's son added the front portion later. The eighth century remains of murals within the temple are an indication of the magnificence of the original temple. There are a number of small shrines within this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati (Lord Shiva's consort) and their sons Ganesh and Murugan.

Sri Ekambaranathar Temple

The Sri Ekambaranathar temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest temples in the city of Kanchipuram, and sprawls in an area of 12 hectares. The origin of this temple goes back to the time of the Pallavas and the Chola rulers extended it later. The great ruler of the Vijaynagar empire, Krishnadevaraya, built its 59 meter high Gopuram or gateway and massive outer walls in the early 16th century. The highlight of this temple is its thousand-pillared mandapam (hall).

Kamakshi Amman Temple

The impressive Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Kamakshi or the goddess of Love. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple can be reached by passing through a large mandapam (hall) with ornate pillars.

Devarajaswami Temple

The huge Devarajaswami temple, built by the rulers of the Vijaynagar kingdom is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principle Hindu Gods. The temple has an exquisitely sculpted pillared hall. It also has a similar marriage hall, commemorating the celestial wedding of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. One of the interesting features of this temple is that it has a huge chain carved out from a single piece of stone. The large tank of water within the precincts of the temple also contains a 10-meter high, immersed statue of Lord Vishnu. The water of this tank is drained out every 40 years, so that the statue may be viewed.

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple

The Vaikuntha Perumal temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built shortly after the construction of the Kailashnatha temple. The covered passages inside the outer walls of this temple are supported by lion pillars, which are representative of the first phase in the architectural evolution of the grand thousand pillared mandaps built later within numerous south Indian temples. The sculptures within the temple depict the history of the temple, with explanatory details in an eighth century script. The main shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is on three different levels and contains the images of Lord Vishnu in standing, sitting and reclining postures.

Facts File

Built in : Different Times

Built by : Various Rulers

Location : Kanchipuram (Tamilnadu)

How to Reach

Kanchipuram does not have an airport of its own and the nearest one is in Chennai, which is 71 km from the city. Kanchipuram is well connected by road to the important places in south India. The bus service between Kanchipuram and the important centers within Tamil Nadu is good and the travel time between Chennai and Kanchipuram is about 2 hours. Kanchipuram is connected by rail to Chennai via Chingelpet. Travelers interested in visiting the temples of Kanchipuram can either rent bicycles or use cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws within the city.