E-Book

Guide to

Kanchipuram (Kanchi)
THE CITY OF TEMPLES

By

Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran

About the Author:

Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes articles on

Management, Business, Ancient Temples and Temple Architecture to many
leading Dailies and Magazines.

His articles for the young is very popular in “The Young World section” of
THE HINDU.

He was associated in the production of two Documentary films on Nava Tirupathi

Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in Tamilnadu.

His books on Hindu Saints, and Temples of Pilgrimage centers have been well
received in the religious circle. His book “Guide to Chennai” – a comprehensive
Guide – is popular amongst tourists visiting the city.
Preface:

Though there are a number of books on Kanchipuram, this is a comprehensive

presentation giving details of historical, religious and commercial importance of
the City for the benefit of the visitor.

While every effort is taken to maintain the authenticity there can be certain areas
which are debatable, as references are collected from historical and
archaeological findings. Since there have been different versions in the religious
scriptures, views differ. The presentation in this book is made with the guidance
of learned scholars.

I express my thanks to the officials of archaeological, HR&CE and Co-optex

departments, Temple officials, Archakars and gurukkals for their support in
compiling the information, as well permitting to copy from their records.

Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran

Contents:

History

Major Temples

Vaishnavite Temples

Saivite temples

Kanchi Sankara Mutt

Commercial importance

Kanchipuram (Kanchi)

The existence of Kanchipuram popularly known as Kanchi and Conjeevaram

could be traced to the Sangam period. It was the capital of Tondaiman Ilantiriyan,
a Tiraiyan chieftain of the Sangam Age, who ruled the Northern Tamil country.
Much historical evidence is available of the Pallava and the Chola period. In his
travelogue Hieun Tsang, the Chinese traveler refers to the stupa erected by the
Mouryan kings in Kanchipuram. Manimekalai the Buddhist nun of the post
Sangam period has made references to this city, as one of the important centers
for Buddhism.

The ancient topography of Kanchipuram is known from the,” perumbanarrupadi”,

a work of the Sangam period (Second century AD). Kanchipuram is considered as
one of the reputed Mukthishetra. Kanchipuram gained fame after the third century
AD, when it became the seat of learning and a prominent Buddhist center. Along
with Varanasi, Nalanda, Takshasila and Valabhi, Kanchi was one of the greatest
centers of learning during this period. Since many of the Pallava kings belonged
to Jainism, Kanchipuram turned an important landmark in the history of the Jains.
The temples of the Jain Tirthankaras in this place were built in the Ninth Century
A.D. These temples contain several fresco paintings and a grand image of
Bhagwan Mahaveer.

A Tamil poem of the second century AD describes the existence of the temples in
Kanchi at Kamakottam of the Goddess and at Urakam of Vishnu. The earliest
Kamakottam still exists near the present Skanda temple, where a seated Goddess
with matted hair holding a noose, goad, and skull is found exhibiting the gestures
of fearlessness.

Though religious traditions to Tamilnadu may be traced back to prehistoric period

little is known about the temples built in this region prior to the seventh and
eighth century AD. At that time Kanchipuram was the Capital of Pallavas and many
of the temples have the royal foundations bearing the names of the Pallava kings.

The city of Kanchipuram is also known as the Temple City of South India (Nearly
1008 temples are referred to have been found in the city and out of these only 200
or so remain now). There are 650 stone inscriptions in Kanchipuram belonging to
different dynasties and different periods. There was a famous poet by name
Bharavi in the court of King Harshavardhana who praised Kanchi as the best city
during that period, in his poem as under.

"Pushpeshu Jaathi; Purusheshu Vishnu; Naareeshu Rambha; Nagareshu Kanchi"

which means the best among flowers is Lotus, among men Vishnu the Almighty,
among women Rambha the dancer in the court of Indra, the lord of Devas, and
among the cities Kanchipuram.

There is a saying in Tamil, on Kanchi:

“Kanchiyil nadai azhagu, vadai azhagu, kudai azhagu”
It means the steps of the devotees carrying the deity Sri Varadaraja, the pepper
vadai prasadam of the temple, and the temple umbrella are graceful.

Fifteen of the temples in Kanchipuram are designated divya desams, or special

“divine sites” for Srivaishnavas. These divya desams have been sung in praise by
the Azhwars. Kanchipuram is the home of the great saint Ramanujacharya. It is
said that, Lord Varadaraja, the presiding deity of Kanchipuram, spoke the basic
principles of vishishtadvaita philosophy to Ramanujacharya. through one of his
gurus, Kancipurna. It is also the birth place of Vedanta Desika, the most prominent
Srivaishnava acharya after Ramanuja. Chanakya who has authored “Artha sastra”
(Niti-shastra - civic laws) and a minister of the Maurya Empire, and Parimelazhagar
who has written commentary on Tirukkural are said to belong to Kanchipuram. It
is recorded that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, and Madhvacharya
visited Kanchi.

The temples of Kanchipuram were built during different dynasties, each enriching
and refining the architecture further. One can clearly see the evolution of the
south Indian style of temple architecture (Dravidian style) in these temples. It also
had the unique fame of being the centre for education in India during that period.
The then rulers patronized Sanskrit literature and supported Buddhism and
Jainism, which spread in this region during this period. Positioned at the cross
roads of land and sea trade, the Pallavas mediated culturally and religiously
between North and South India as well transmitting Indian civilization into
Thailand, Cambodia, Java and Vietnam. The harbour at Mamallapuram encouraged
maritime and trade with South East Asian countries. 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 continued to carry forward the
temple building activities started by the Pallava dynasty.

Kanchi, is sacred as one of the three Sakti peetams of India. Kamakshi is said to
be goddess Parasakti, having Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati as her eyes.

As the Sakthi sthalam, legend has it that Uma (Parvati), in a playful mood, once
closed the eyes of Lord Siva with her palms. This caused universal darkness for a
while. All the devas, rishis and humans stumbled and were terrified. Lord Siva was
angered and He ordained Shakti to be born on earth and remain there to atone for
her act. Shakti accordingly was born as Kamakshi in Mangadu and was awaiting
the arrival of the Lord, to marry Her, as promised by Him. As this did not happen,
she decided to perform a penance. She lit fire on all sides, in five homa kundams
leaping tongues of flame and stood on her left toe and went into a divine trance in
the kundam at the centre, for ages. Lord Shiva then asked her to go to
Kanchipuram, where He said He would marry her. She went to Kanchi where the
Lord apprared before her and married her.

Mangadu is situated close to Kanchipuram. People congregate in thousands to

this temple for a darshan of the presiding deity, Kamakshi, installed by Sri
Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, the paramacharya of Kanchi.

It is believed that Parvati, in Her hurry to leave for Kanchi to join Lord Siva, did not
put off the fire that She had lit. When Adi Shankara came to Mangadu, as part of
his pilgrimage all over India, the people of Mangadu and its vicinity who could not
bear the heat requested him to help them by putting off the heat emanating from
the Homa kundams.

Adi Sankara installed the “Ardha-Meru Sri Chakra” and thus nullified the heat. The
Sri Chakra established by him has the shape of a koorma (tortoise) as its base.
There are three steps over the base and a 16 petalled lotus and a yantra have been
installed over the steps. The Sri Chakra has 43 triangles, representing 43 devatas.
Since it is made of eight different herbs, abishekam is not performed to the Sri
Chakra. Puja is performed with sandal paste etc., along with kunkuma archana.
The Sri Chakra established by Adi Shankara is the speciality of Mangadu.

Entrance to Mangadu temple

Even after the establishment of Sri Chakra, people were afraid of going to the
temple, because of the awe-inspiring posture of Kamakshi in penance, standing
on fire on her left toe, installed in the sanctum sanctorum known as Adi
Kamakshi.

This idol was later consecrated in a separate structure, to the left of the temple, by
His Holiness Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi. He installed in its place an idol of
Kamakshi holding a parrot in one hand and sugarcane in the other.

There are four major temples in Kanchipuram.

KailashnatharTemple
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 Kancheepuram the lions stand on their
hind legs. 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. The temple is built of red sandstone and has innumerable carvings of
Pallava art, of which the Urdhva Tandava dance of Siva and the laughing face of
Parvati are worth seeing. There are a number of small shrines within this temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and their sons Ganesh and Murugan
(Subramanya)
Ekambareswara Temple.

Sri Ekambaranathar temple is 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.

This is one of the most revered temples to Siva located in Kanchipuram, and also
one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the element of earth – Prithvi Lingam.

The presiding deity is Ekambara Nathar, Ekambreswarar and the Ambal Elavar
Kuzhali, Kamakshi. The great saivite saints Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar
composed the Pathigams, (hymns) in praise of the Lord.

Legend has it that Parvati worshipped Siva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam,
improvised out of sand, under a mango tree. When the neighboring Vegavati River
overflowed and threatened to engulf the Siva Lingam, Parvati or Kamakshi
embraced the Lingam to protect it from being destroyed. By the touch of Parvati,
Siva materialized in person and married her. It is in this context Siva is referred to
as 'Tazhuva kkuzhainthaar' in Tamil.

The mango tree in the temple, which is still green, is believed to be 3500 years old,
and is considered to be the embodiment of the four Vedas, and as evidence the
tree is said to bear fruits of four different tastes in each season.

The Saint poet Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have recovered sight of his left
eye, upon offering worship at this shrine. The great texts, Tiruvacakam,
Tirukkovaiyaar, Kanchipuranam, Manimekalai speak the glory of Kanchi city

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.

The worship of Goddess in the Kamakottam sanctum follows the “Sowbhagya

chintamani system Shakta Agama” as revealed by Sage Durvasa. The rites in the
sanctum are addressed to the Srichakra yantra in front of the Goddess image and
this yantra is believed to have been installed by Sri Adi sankara. The sanctum
sanctorum faces southeast in the centre of Gayatri Mandapam. The tradition says
that there was a delightful grove of Champaka trees around the main temple now
known as Gayatri Mandaparn.
Varadarajaswami Temple

The huge Varadarajaswami temple also called Devarajaswami temple, Hastagiri

and Attiyuram built by the rulers of the Vijaynagar kingdom is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. 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.
Inside the temple tank, there is an idol of 10 meter high statue of Vishnu, made of
wood of a "Fig" tree. This idol is taken out once in 40 years for worship.

In 14th century another Prakaram and a gopura (Tower), huge and beautifully
carved, was built by the later Chola kings. This temple is one of the 108 Divya
desam. Lord Varadharaja Swamy resides in the upper prakaram. Beneath the
sannidhi there is a shrine for Lord Narasimha. There is a separate Shrine for
Perundevi Thayaar. Sudarshanaazhwar's Shrine is near the temple tank and it is in
the outer prakaram.

The Legend is that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Varadharaja Swamy in Krita
Yuga, Gajendra in Treta Yuga, Brihaspati in Dvapara Yuga and Ananta Shesha in
Kali Yuga. It is believed that Airavata, the elephant of Indra in the form of a hill
bears the image of Lord Varadharaja Swamy. The wonders and the greatness of
this temple and the Lord Sri Varadaraja, who is also in other forms in the nearby
temples in the Kanchipuram, are very much elaborated in the sacred text called
"Sri Hastigiri Mahatmayam". Garuda Seva, in this temple is considered to be one
of the important festivals attracting a very large crowd of devotees.

Bhoothathazhwar, Peyazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar have composed many

paasurams in praise of Lord Varadharajaswamy. Vedanta Desika has composed
lots of scripts praising the Lord. Thirukkachi Nambi, a noted devotee in this
temple, and one of the acharya of Sri Ramanuja, is believed to have served the
Lord here with Tiru Aalavattam (fan) daily. It seems the Lord used to speak to him
regularly.
One of the ornaments decorating Lord Varadaraja, even at the present time, is
called the Clive necklace. Robert Clive, the British governor of Madras during the
1700s, presented this necklace in appreciation to Varadaraja deity after his victory
with the Muslim Nawab of Arcot. On the way to Arcot, Clive stopped in Kanchi. due
to severe stomach pain, and was laid up for several days. He was worried about
the outcome of the impeding battle. The priests gave him holy water and
sanctified food, from the temple. Upon taking these he was relieved from the pain.
In gratitude, he decided that he would present the Lord the most valuable thing
that he would capture from Arcot treasury. The Jewelry presented by Lord Blasé,
one of the Governors of the British Empire, adorns the head dress of the deity.

Another time, while Lord Varadaraja was being fanned, Clive expressed his doubts
about the deity feeling hot. Upon hearing this, the priest fanning the Lord wiped
the deity’s face with a small towel and gave it to Clive, who was amazed to find it
wet.

As per the puranas, since Lord Varadaraja appeared from the sacrificial fire
performed by Lord Brahma, it is believed that the Lord acquired the pinkish spots
on His face, which is visible on the vigraha.

With temples spread over the whole city Kanch is divided as Vishnu Kanchi,
comprising the Vaishnavite temples and Siva Kanchi which has the Saivite shrines

Other Vaishnavite Temples in Kanchipuram:

Ashtabhujakaram – Adikesava Perumal temple

This temple of Sri Pushpavalli samedha Ashtabhuja Swami temple is one of the
important 108 holy places (divya desams) of Vaishnavites. The Lord here is also
known as Adikesava Perumal, Ashtabhujakaran, Ashtabhujanga Swami,
Chakradharar and Gajedra Varadan and His Consort is known as Alamelumangai,
Pushpavalli Thayar and Padmasini. The temple tank is Gajendra Pushkarani.

Apart from Thirumangai Azhwar, Manavala Mamunigal, Vedanta Desikar and

Pillaiperumal Iyengar have sung in praise of the Lord here.
The Moolavar image of the Lord has eight arms (Ashtabhujakaram) with weapons
such as the bow, arrow, sword, shield, mace, and a lotus, conch, and chakram.

The image of Goddess Mahalakshmi is on His right chest and He is seen wearing
the huge saligramam garland round his neck.

Tiruttankaa – (Tooppul) – Deepa prakasakar temple

The Moolavar here is Deepaprakasar, also known as Vilakkolipperumaal,

Divyaprakasar - in a standing posture. Taayaar here is Maragatavalli. This temple
has a 3 tiered rajagopuram and 2 prakarams. There are shrines to Lakshmi
Hayagreeva, Aandaal, the Azhwars and Desikacharyar.

The story has it that the demons darkened the world in an attempt to disturb the
yagna (ritual) conducted by Bhrama. Vishnu is said to have manifested himself as
bright light, to enable the yagna to continue unimpeded, hence the name
Deepaprakasar.

Tiruttankaa is the birthplace of Vedanta Desikar, whose image is enshrined here

along with that of Lakshmi Hayagreevar, which he held in worship. Murals
depicting the life history of Desikacharyar are seen in the circumambulatory
passage in this temple.

Tiruvelukkai – Azagiyasingar temple

The Moolavar here is Azhagiyasingar or Mukunda Nayakar in a standing posture,

while the Taayaar is Velukkaivalli or Amritavalli. This temple has a three tiered
rajagopuram and a single prakaram. There are also shrines to Aandaal and the
Alwars.

Legend has it that Narasimhar while in his Hastisaila cave (the Attigiri sanctum hill
in the Varadaraja Perumaal temple, has a cave shrine to Narasimhar), manifested
himself yet again as Narasimhar, and proceeded westward to banish the asura
demons from the vicinity, where he stood in the posture of Yoga Narasimha, in
what is known now as Tiruvelukkai. The word Vel means desire; since Narasimha,
out of desire for this place, resided here, this shrine is known as Tiruvelukkai.
Legend also has it that Bhrigu muni was blessed with a vision of Narasimha at
this shrine.

Tiruneeragam – Jagadeeswarar

This Divya shetram is represented by a small shrine in the northern prakaram of

Ulagalantha Perumal temple in the temple town of Kanchipuram.

The moolavar is Jagadeeswarar. Though there is no moolavar vigraham and it is

not known of the exact location of the old temple and the moolavar vigraham,
There is now only a Utasava vigraham. The Thayar is Nilamangaivalli. The
Theertham is Akroora Theertham and the Vimanam Jagadeeswara Vimanam.

Tirupaadakam – Pandavadhoota Perumal temple

The moolavar is Pandava Dhootaperumaal, which is an imposing 28 feet image, in

a seated form. Thayars Rukmani and Satyabhama are also enshrined. The
Theertham is Mathsya Theertham and the Vimanam Bathra Vimanam.

As per the sthala purana Vaisampayana was narrating Bhagavatham to

Janamejayan, and was referring to Lord Krishna’s visit to Hasthinapuram as
Pandava’s Dhoota (Ambassador). Desiring to have the Vishwaroopa darsana they
performed Ashwamedhayagam at Kanchi. On completion of the yagam the Lord
gave darshan as Pandava Dhoota. There are shrines for Ramanuja and Manavaala
Maamuni.

Tirunilaattingal Tundam – Chandrachooda Perumal temple

This Divya shetram is a small shrine within the inner prakaram of Sri
Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram.

The moolavar is Nilaattingal Tundattan also called Chandra chooda Perumal in a

standing posture. The Thayar is Nilaattingal Tundattaayar. The Theertham is
Chandra pushkarini and the Vimanam Purushasookta Vimanam.

According to the sthala purana, Shiva tested Parvathi’s commitment in performing

Tapas by setting fire to the mango tree under which she was seated. Parvathi
prayed to her brother Lord Vishnu, who caused waves of nectar to cool down the
scorching rays. Lord Vishnu as Vamana continues to stay at this shetram at the
request of Parvati. It is also believed that at the request of Lord Vishnu the moon
adorning Shiva alleviated the discomfort of heat that emanated during the
churning of the milky ocean. Hence the name, Nilaa-tingal tundattan.

Tiru Ooragam – Trivikramar temple

It is also called Ulagalanda perumal koyil.

The moolavar is Trivikrama called Ulagalanda perumal and the Thayar

Amudhavalli Nachiyar. The Theertham is Naga Theertham and the Vimanam
Sarasreekara Vimanam.
According to the sthala purana Bali chakravarthy could not have the darsan of the
Lord during Trivikrama Avatharam, as he was under Lord’s foot. Acceding to the
request of King Bali Lord Vishnu appeared as Trivikrama at this shetram. The
presiding deity is 35 feet high and 24 feet wide. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu
is said to have manifested Himslef as Adisesha in a small shrine at Oorakam.

Tiruvegka – Yatotkari perumal temple

The presiding deity is Yatotkaara perumal, also known as Sonnavannam Seida

perumal in a reclining posture. (It is a unique posture, of the head to the devotees’
right unlike in other shetrams). The Thayar is Komalavalli Thayar and Saraswathi
is also seen in the sanctum. The Theertham is Poikai pushkarini and the Vimanam
Veda saara Vimanam.

According to the sthala purana the Devas surrendered to the Lord when Vegavathi
(Saraswathi River) was forced by Asuras to flood and destroy the yagna of
Brahma. Responding to their prayers the Lord lay in the way forming a dam and
helped Brahma to complete the yagna. Hence this place gained the name Vegavati
anai, which in due course changed to Vegka.

Legend also has it that Poikai Azhwar was discovered on a lotus flower in the
Poikai pushkarini. It is also believed that Kanikannan, a disciple of
Tirumaisaiazhwar was banished from the kingdom by the then ruler of the place.
When Tirumaisaiazwar also accompanied his disciple the Lord joined them. Later
when the king revoked the order, at the request of Tirumaisaiazhwar the Lord
returned to His original shrine. Hence the Lord is called Sonnavannam seidha
perumal as He acted as per the request of the Azhwar.

Tirukkarakam – Karunakara perumal temple

This Divya shetram is in the prakaram of Ulagalanda perumal temple in

Kanchipuram.

The Utsava murthy is Karunakara Perumal. The Thayar is Padmamani Thayar.

Details of the original temple, sthala pushkarini are not available, excepting from
the pasuram of Tirumangai Azhwar, where in it is mentioned that the moolavar is
in a standing posture. The Theertham is Akraya Theertham and the Vimanam
Vamana Vimanam.
Tirukaarvanam temple

The Divya shetram is located in the prakaram of Ulagalanda perumal temple in

Kanchipuram. Details regarding the original temple, sthala and pushkarani are not
available excepting from the pasuram of Tirumangai Azhwar. It is found that the
moolavar is Kalvar in a standing posture and the Thayar Kamalavalli also called
Taamaraiyaal. The Theertham is Gowrithadakam and the Vimanam Pushkala
Vimanam. The Utsava murthi is found at this shetram.

Tirukkalvanoor – Aadi Varaha perumal temple

This Divya shetram is located within the Kamakshi Amman temple in Kanchipuram

The moolavar is Aadi Varaha perumal in standing posture and the Thayar
Anjilaivalli Nachiyar. The Theertham is Nitya pushkarini and the Vimanam Vamana
Vimanam.

The legend has it that Parvati standing on one foot meditated upon Siva under a
mango tree to be united with him in marriage. She sought the blessings of her
brother Lord Vishnu and her prayers were answered. There is another story that
Parvarti sighted Lord Vishnu overhearing the conversation between her and
Lakshmi, upon which she addressed Him as Kalvan.

Tiruppavalavannam – Paavalavannan temple

There are two shrines of Pachhi Vanna perumal and Pavala Vanna perumal, and
both these shrines are considered as one Divya shetram.

The moolavar Pavalavannan is in a standing posture and Pachivannan in a seated

posture on Adisehsa, also called Paramapada Nathan. The Thayar is Pavalavalli
and the Theertham Chakratheertham and the Vimanam Pravaala Vimanam.

The legend has it that Brigu Maharshi worshipped at this shrine and had
pratyasha darsan.

Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple Tirupputkuzhi

This temple of Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal is one of

the 108 Divyadesams where Lord Rama is said to
have performed the funeral rites for Jatayu, the
giant bird which valiantly fought to prevent Ravana
from abducting Sita, the wife of Lord Rama to
Lanka.

The main deities are Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal

and Maragathavalli.
Ramanuja had his initial lessons from Yadavprakasa here. Vedanta desika has
sung a hymn Paramartha Sthuthi" in Praise of the Lord. Alwars have rendered
hymns on this Kshetra.

Other Saivite Temples in Kanchipuram:

Sri Kacchapeswarar Temple

Although it is believed that this temple was built by

the Pallava dynasty, the precise timeframe of the
construction of this temple is unknown. This temple
is located in the centre of Kanchipuram. This
temple is also called "Kaccheeswarar Temple". This
stands for Kachi and Eswarar - "Lord of Kanchi".
Kachi is another name for Kanchipuram.

The main deity in this temple is called Kacchapa

Eswarar. "Kacchapam" is Sanskrit for "Turtle". Lord
Shiva was worshipped by Lord Vishnu in the form
of a Turtle. Hence the name Kacchapeswarar
Temple.

Sri Subramanya Swami temple

It was built in its present form around 1915. But, the shrine of Sri Subramanya
Swami in Kanchipuram finds a significant place. For Devotees on a pilgrimage
trip, this temple is a mandatory place to visit. It gains its significance due to its
location.

Lord Shiva, in the "Soma Skandha" posture seated with the Goddess Shakthi to
his left, and His son Lord Subramanya seated between them. The Kandakottam
temple is located, right in between the shrine of Lord Shiva (Sri Ekambaranathar)
the shrine of Shakthi (Kamakshi Amman).

Onakanthan Tali temple

This Shivastalam is a small temple, to the West of the Ekambareswarar temple

near the Sarvatheertham. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is closely associated with
this shrine. Shiva is said to have been worshipped here by Onan and Kanthan,
commanders of Vanasuran

Kachi Anaikthangapadam temple

This is a small shrine located in the North Western part of Kanchipuram. Legends
holds that Kubera and Ganapati worshipped Shiva here. The fields in the vicinity
are known as 'Aanaiyurittaan Vayal'.

Kachi Nerikaaraikkadu Temple

There are two prakarams and a three tiered Rajagopuram in this temple, and a
tank which is known as Indra Theertham and Budha Theertham. Legend has it that
Indra the King of the Devas and Budhan worshipped Shiva here. It is believed that
sesame oil offered during ablutions are absorbed by the Shivalingam.

Kuranganilmuttam temple

This small shrine in Kanchi is also known as Satyavratam.

Vaali worshipped Shiva at the entrance to the temple while a squirrel worshipped
from the South and a crow from the North, hence the name Kuranganilmuttam.
Hanuman is also believed to have worshipped Shiva here. Images relating to these
legends are seen in the temple.

Tirumaakaral temple

This Shivastalam is located at a distance of about 10 miles south of Kanchipuram

near Uttiramerur.

Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a giant golden lizard to Rajendra

Cholan here and in another legend, an Udumbu (giant lizard) is said to have
worshipped Shiva in an ant hill. Indra is said to have worshipped Shiva here.

Tiruvothur temple

This Shivastalam is within an hours drive from Kanchipuram and it is known for
its association with Sambandar

Shiva is said to have revealed the Vedas to the Gods and Rishis from under a
banyan tree here. The four palm trees represent the 4 vedas. Sambandar, arriving
from Tiruvannamalai is said to have transformed a male palm tree to a female one,
responding to the pleas of an anxious devotee. There are several legends
connected with Sambandar here. Shiva is said to have appeared as a snake
charmer to save Sambandar from the clutches of a snake.
Panankattur temple

Taalapureeswarar and the Ambal Komala Pataambaal. This is a small temple with
a 3 tiered gopuram and a prakaram. A gajaprishta vimanam adorns the sanctum.
(The image above is that of the gajaprishta vimanam at Tirumazhisai near
Tiruvallur also in Tondai Naadu). This temple has been designed to echo the
voices of visitors. There are two shrines here, said to have been worshipped by
Agasthyar and Pulastiar. (Taalagireeswarar and Kripanatheswarar), bothfacing
east. Both the Ambal shrines adjacent to each other face the south. This temple is
rich in sculptural wealth

Jain Temples at Tirupparuthikkundram

Kanchipuram is an important landmark in the history of the Jains. Many of the
Pallava kings belonged to Jainism.The temples of the Jaina Tirthankaras were
built in the Ninth Century A.D. The temples contain several fresco paintings and a
grand image of Bhagwan Mahaveer.In addition to
its importance to the Hindus, and the Buddhists,
Kanchipuram is also an important landmark in the
history of the Jains. Many of the Pallava kings
belonged to Jainism. Two of the best known
ancient Jain Acharyas, Samantabhadra and
Akalanka have been associated with Kanchi.

Tirupparuthikkundram (Pronounced Tiru-paruthi-

kundram), is a village on the banks of the Palar
river, a little off the Pillaiyaar Palayam suburbs of
Kanchipuram. In Tirupparuthikkundram stand two
great monuments of Kanchipuram's ancient period
of Jainism's flourishment. In addition to the
existing Siva Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi, this area
can be termed Jina Kanchi.

The two temples of the Jaina Tirthankaras were

built in the Ninth Century A.D. The temples contain
several fresco paintings and a grand image of Bhagwan Mahaveer. Tirthankara
"Chandraprabh" an ancient Tirthankara, long before Lord Mahaveer, is the main
deity in one of the temples.

It is believed that Simha Vishnu and his queen

allotted land to the Jains in the 5th Century AD. The
Jain commentator Suranandhi had lived there
during the 10th Century. Irusappar, a Jain monk,
established a musical manram at the place. Rajaraja
Cholan and Rajendra Cholan had allotted some
land on which the two temples were built.

Today, these temples remain mostly inaccessible to

the public. They are underpublicised and
unmaintained. These temples are under the charge of the Tamilnadu Archeology
department. The main Vimaanam of the first temple is in a damaged state.
However local people of the village have taken steps for renovation of the interior
structure and preserving the deities and other articles. The second temple is in a
highly deteriorated state.

The temple has exquisite paintings on the wall, worth seeing. Unfortunately they
have faded due to exposure to weather conditions and want of proper
maintenance. Very recently the Archaeological department is taking necessary
steps to restore them to the original condition.

Chitragupta temple:

This shrine of Chitagupta is in the heart of the City.

Chatur Varga Chinthamani of Hemadri stipulates that Chitragupta
should stand to the right of Yama, along with Yama duthas. But here
he is bestowed the unique glory of being a Main deity. The Deity is
in Sukasana (sitting) pose, one leg bent and the other hanging and
resting on a lotus bloom. As if to indicate his functions, he is
provided with a stylus in his right hand and a sheaf of cudjan leaves
in the left.

Apart from his link with Yama, he is also an Adi devata for Kethu, the
last of the Navagrahas, who delights in casting a malign influence on
the victim. To get release from the clutches of Kethu, and to appease
Yama, the Lord of Death, the blessing of Chitragupta are sought

SRI SANKARA MUTT

It is believed that Adi Sankara settled in Kanchipuram after establishing four

Amnaya mutts in the four corners of India and it is considered as one of the
Sankara Peetams established by Sir Adi Sankara. The mutt became influential and
famous under the leadership of Shri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati.The
Brindavanam of Paramacharya Sri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi is now being
worshipped here. The present swamijis are Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri
Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi The followers of Kanchi math claim that this mutt
was temporarily shifted to Kumbakonam because of which it was known as
Kumbakonam Mutt for sometime, and that later the Mutt shifted back to
Kanchipuram

Enathur:

In a rustic rural setting of this village, Kanchi Sankara Mutt has set up a University
for Advanced learning at Enathur. A Library with ancient books, palm leaf
manuscripts on various subjects are housed in this University comlex. A 60 feet-
high statue of Adi Sankara is put up in the front of the University. Hundreds and
thousands of pilgrims and scholars frequent this place regularly.
KANCHEEPURAM IDLIS

This is a special prasadam available in the Varadarajaswami temple. It is a huge

Idli (Steamed Rice Cake) which is added with spices Kancheepuram Idlis are hot
and spicy. These differ from the normal Idlis due to the extra ingredients added
usually to make it a little more spicy. The extra ingredients added are whole
husked blackgram, Oil, Melted ghee, Whole black pepper, Cumin seeds and Fresh
thick curd. These Idlis are a little oily compared to the normal ones.

Kanchipuram Sarees

A saree is the traditional female garment in India, Pakisthan, Bangladesh, Nepal,

and Sri Lanka. A sari is a strip of unstitched cloth, ranging from four to nine
metres in length that is draped over the body in various styles. The most common
style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over
the shoulder baring the midriff. It is not cumbersome but a great antique that suits
to any occasion. The great Indian women in different spheres of life, the rich and
the poor admire and appreciate the style and strength of the sari.
The silk weavers of Kanchi settled more than 400 years ago and have given it an
enviable reputation as the producer of the best silk sarees in the country. Woven
from pure mulberry silk, the sarees in dazzling colours are embellished with fine
gold thread (zari) and are available in every imaginable design and variety, which
can make the job of selection quite challenging.

The sari both conceals and reveals, depending on the weaver’s whim and
conditioning. The versatile sari has its variety fashion in adorning in this
multicultural society of India .

Indian silk has been popular the world over - for its sheer variety of designs,
weaving and quality. This is largely due to the fact that India has the unique
distinction of producing different varieties of silk.

Silk is a protien fibre, produced by the silkworm for spinning around its cocoon.
This fibre (filament) is unwound to obtain silk. Yarn is produced by twisting the
fibre, which is then dyed, warped and finally woven to produce fabric.

The glamour of the Kancheepuram silk saree lies in its colour contrasts, and the
traditional designs of pyramidical temple borders, checks, stripes and floral
buttas. Kancheepuram silk sarees, are famous since the border, body and pallav
of the saree are woven separately and then interlocked together strongly, making
the saree to last long.
How to reach Kanchi:

One can motor down from Chennai in 2 hours time. There are regular buses, and
express trains operating from Chennai.

Where to stay?

There are a number of one star and budget hotels and It is difficult to find quality
accommodation in Kanchipuram. For those who prefer star hotels they can stay at
Chennai or at Mahabalipuram.

Hotel Saravana Bhavan has a branch at Kanchi, which maintains a high standard
restaurant.
Local Transport:
It may interest visitor to have a ride in a horse drawn vehicle, or a “Ricksha”, a
peddled Tricycle to go around the city.

There are also taxis (without meter) and auto rikshas, for faster transportation.
Local Transport: Bicycles can be hired from the shops near the bus stand for as
little as Rs 2 per hour. Cycle Rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also available on
hire to move in and around the city.

*More details can be collected from the Tamilnadu Tourism

Development Corpration at Chennai.
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