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Kanchipuram, known as the “City of a Thousand Temples,” is a renowned pilgrimage destination which not only has places of high religious significance but even architectural splendor. These temples include Kamakshi Amman Temple, which is beautifully constructed in likeness of goddess Parvati, noted for the intricate gopurams and calmness within the temple. The Ekambareswarar Temple, also the biggest one in the area, is praised for its impressive gopura and embodies the five elements of nature. The temples in Kanchipuram have a spiritual and historic value that draws many pilgrims and visitors.
10 Temples In Kanchipuram
The city of Kanchipuram has a number of very old temples as a reflection of its cultural and spiritual heritage. Here are the top 10 temples in Kanchipuram that are a must visit:
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is situated in Kanchipuram and is one of the most important temples to Goddess Kamakshi, the incarnation of Parvati. It is different from many of the temples where the goddess is shown standing, as in this temple, she is depicted sitting in an asana lotus position in look of tranquility and abundance. The temple was constructed during the Pallava dynasty and its entire structure can be appreciated through the ancient Dravidian architecture.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Panguni Uthiram Festival, Golden Chariot Procession
2. Ekambareswarar Temple
Photo: the Archive Team / Wikimedia Commons
Ekambareswarar Temple is the tallest in Kanchipuram and is also a temple of Shiva. This is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas and this temple represents the earth. The archaeological space contained in the temple is extensive as it also contains a 1000 pillared hall, a sacred mango tree which is approximately 3500 years old and is said to embody the four vedas. It is claimed that the tree in question bears four different seasonal varieties of mangoes.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: 3,500 – year-old mango tree, Panguni Uthiram Festival
3. Kailasanathar Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram is the oldest known temple constructed during the 8th century by the Pallava dynasty and also an outstanding example of the early Dravidian style of architecture. This temple is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. The entire temple is constructed out of sandstone with ornate decorative panels and high relief sculptures of gods, devils, and fantastical beasts. One of the best experiences which every visitor looks forward to is the festival of Maha Shivaratri.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Maha Shivaratri, Sandstone Sculptures
4. Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Photo: Kishore1610 / Wikimedia Commons
Varadaraja Perumal Temple of Lord Vishnu is one among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. The temple is constructed on the Hastagiri Hill, where the temple is a brilliant piece of architecture and has towering gopurams, intricately done carvings, and beautifully painted ceilings. One odd thing about the temple ceiling is the presence of lizards made of gold and silver, on which worshippers are said to help alleviate their ill-fated life and picture curses by simply touching the lizard.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Brahmotsavam Festival, Carved Lizards
5. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu, is well known for its distinctive portrayal of Hindu deity Vishnu in his enormous form as Trivikrama. Here the idol of the deity is among the tallest in Kanchipuram located at a height of 35 feet with one leg raised to measure the skies in symbolizing victory thus heightening the feelings of devotion. The tranquility of the temple along with its historical and religious value also serves the purpose of making history seekers and spiritually inclined people visit the temple.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival, Trivikrama Form of Vishnu
6. Vaikunta Perumal Temple
Photo: Nandhinikandhasamy / Wikimedia Commons
The Vaikunta Perumal Temple is an iconic structure built in the name of Lord Vishnu which is located in the city of Kanchipuram. The temple, which was built in the 7th century by the Pallavas, has a distinct architectural design of the three tier system, where Vishnu is shown in three different forms: standing, seated and lying down. The temple is famous for the richly carved stone slabs that illustrate the beautiful stories of the Pallava empire which makes it significant in the society not only in religious terms but also in history in contemporary times.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival, Three-tiered Vishnu Shrines
7. Devarajaswami Temple
Photo: djedj / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Standing bewitchingly beautiful in Kanchipuram, dedicated to Lord Devarajaswami, is the Devarajaswami Temple known to many as a temple of great admiration. As constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, the temple boasts tall towering temple gopurams and abundantly ornate carved support pillars. Another remarkable feature of this temple is the gigantic water reservoir that lies inside the temple, which gets emptied once in every 40 years to access a buried statue of Lord Vishnu.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Brahmotsavam Festival, Hidden Shrine Beneath the Temple Tank
8. Kachapeshwarar Temple
Photo: Rajendran Ganesan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Kanchipuram, the Karchapeswarar Temple is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva but lesser-known. As per the legend associated with the temple, it is believed that Lord Vishnu assumed the shape of a turtle (Kachapa) and prayed to Lord Shiva in this place in order to gather strength to hoist the Mount Mandara that was needed during the churning of the ocean. It is often sought after due to its tranquil atmosphere, along with the images of the underwater being engraved in its sculptures.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Shivaratri, Turtle Avatar of Vishnu
9. Muktheeswarar Temple
Photo: R.K.Lakshmi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another temple that should not be missed while visiting Kanchipuram is the Muktheeswarar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a simple but potent atmosphere, as it is also believed to be the place where one can seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death or moksha. People visit Kanchipuram especially to attend the gaiety of Shivaratri which is celebrated at the temple with great enthusiasm. The calming ambience coupled with the simplistic structure of the temple offers a serene atmosphere ideal for people looking to find peace and enrich their spirituality.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions: Shivaratri, Spiritual Liberation Belief
Temples in Kanchipuram are not just structures of hard work and artistry but also play a crucial role in the religious and cultural activities. From the engraved pillars within the Kailasanathar Temple, to the pious ambience within the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, these places provide commendable opportunities for pilgrims and tourists as well. Plan a visit with TripXL to these temples and enable entering the world of the spirit of Kanchipuram!
Cover Photo:Sri Kailashnathar Temple / Wikimedia Commons
