Kanchipuram, known as the city of a thousand temples, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples in the main city and a few more in the outskirts.

The city was the capital of the Pallavas and Cholas. Kanchipuram was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage. To day the city is famous for its silk industry. The best quality of silk sarees are produced here. The silk scarf are very popular with the forign tourist.

What to see in Kanchipuram

Ekambareswarar Temple

Originally built by the Pallavas, this large temple was later reconstucted by the Chola and Viyanagara kings. The temple is spread over 20 acres of land,it has a magnificent 1000 pillered hall and a towering gopuram with a height of 185 meters, one of the tallest in South India. The gopuram is a 11 storey strcture full of sculptures.

There is a Mango tree and belived to be more than 2000 years old.

Varadarajaperumal Kovil

It has a beautiful pavillion in its courtyard, a splendid 100 pillar hall that is a work of art and a 31 meter tall 7 - storey gopuram. ( Rules are made and changed every day. I was unfortunate and was not allowed to photograph the beautiful pillers).

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple

The Vaishnavite temple dates back to the 8 th centuary AD and was built by Nandi Varma. Battle scenes depiciting Pallava varlour are carved on the pannels of the temple.

Devarajaswamy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built by the Vijanagar kings and the prsiding deity is Devarajasamy. The 96 - pillared hall of this temple displays the mastery of the sculptors of vijayanagara. ( Here too I was not allowed to photograph , I was told later, a tip a polite word for corruption, to the security guard would have changed the laws)

Kailasanath Temple

It was constructed inthe 8 th centuary. Repairs to the temple started in 1990 (my third visit was not complete in 2001 my last visit).

Anna Memorial

Kanchipuram is the birthplace of Dr C N Annadurai, the scholar,wrighter,orator, founder of DMK, one time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, died poor while as chief Minister. He introduced the concept of *Kadamai, Kanniyam, Kaddupadu* translated into *Duty, intergrity,Dicipiline*. Those who followed him changed into *Corruption, Corruption, Corruption*. You can experience this concept at the temples too.

How to visit?

If you are making a day trip, take the one day conducted tour my Tamil Nadhu Tourist Development Corporation (TTDC) from Chennai.

Route of the tour ( refer map) Chennai - Kanchipuram - Thirukalumkundram - Mahamalapuram - Chennai

If you don/t want to be rushed, hire a car at Chennai and make the trip. It may cost about 20 - 30 US $. If you are looking for reliable and safe car, contact Moon travels. This is my personnel view. I have used their service since 1966. For other details refer article on Mahabalapuram.