Kanchipuram Temple in Tamilnadu

Kanchipuram Temple

Kancipuram or Kanchi, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centres in India, renowned for ancient temples. It is around 80 kms from the capital city of Chennai and is home to a number of temples built by different dynasties. The temples of Kanchipuram are significant for their Dravidian style and here one can see the evolution of South Indian style of temple architecture.

History and Legend This ancient city is believed to have been established in the 4th century A.D. by the rulers of Pallava kingdom. This town flourished during the reign of different rulers of this kingdom during 4th and 9th century. This was one of the major cultural and learning centres under the Pallavas. Also several rulers of dynasties like Cholas and Vijaya Nagar, who were great patrons of art, architecture and learning, contributed in the cultural development of this place.

Kanchipuram Temple Architecture Most of the temples of the city were built during the rule of different south Indian dynasties like the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Chalukyas and the Vijayanagar. The city is home to around 126 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. All the temples represent the south Indian style of temple architecture. The prime architectural features of temples include shikharas, gopurams, pillared halls, lingams and various sculptures. Shikharas are the prominent roofs that surmount the inner sanctum of the temples and gopurams are the beautifully carved gateways.Some of the important temples of Kanchipuram are given below :

Ekambaranatha Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. The temple is notable for its architecture with a 57-meter-tall gopuram and the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or the hall with thousand pillars. The inner walls of the temples are decorated with an array of 1008 Shiva Lingams.

Kailashnath Temple The Kailashnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by the Pallava king Rayasimha in the late 7th century AD. The temple also houses several shrines dedicated to different God and Goddesses. Also one can see some remains of beautiful murals symbolizing its original beauty.

Kamakshi Aman Temple This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Kamakshi or the goddess of Love. The main shrine in the inner sanctum of this temple can be reached by passing through a large hall (mandapam) with decorated pillars.

Ekambaranatha Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. The temple is notable for its architecture with a 57-meter-tall gopuram and the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or the hall with thousand pillars. The inner walls of the temples are decorated with an array of 1008 Shiva Lingams.

Kailashnath Temple The Kailashnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by the Pallava king Rayasimha in the late 7th century AD. The temple also houses several shrines dedicated to different God and Goddesses. Also one can see some remains of beautiful murals symbolizing its original beauty.

Kamakshi Aman Temple This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Kamakshi or the goddess of Love. The main shrine in the inner sanctum of this temple can be reached by passing through a large hall (mandapam) with decorated pillars.