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Kanchipuram
 Kanchipuram
is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities. Kanchipuram was, one of
India's seven sacred cities. Kanchipuram was the historical capital of
the Pallavas. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and
later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and
the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and
religious background for centuries.
Kanchi is also known
centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has
magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent
testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established
his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). Kanchipuram is the birth place of
C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu affectionately
called as "Anna" by the people of Tamil Nadu.
Places
of interest
Vaikuntam
Perumal Temple
This is one of the important Vishnu temples which was built by Pallava
King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th century A.D. Numerous
inscriptions are found in this temple relating to the wars between the
Pallavas and Challukyas. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in
sitting, standing and reclining postures.
Kailasanathar
Temple
This Pallava temple was constructed in the 8th century and has an
attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi in the midst of one of
their innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of this temple
resembles the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram.
Ekambareswarar
Another ancient temple of Kanchipuram, it has been renovated by the
Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar Kings. The 57 metres
(188") high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South
India. The 2,501 - year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches
each yielding different varities of mangoes. This temple has five
spacious corridors (prakrams) and a beautiful 1,000 - pillar hall.
Varadarajar
Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built by the Vijaynagar
kings and the presiding deity is Devarajaswamy. The 100-pillared hall of
this temple proves the mastery of the sculptors of Vijayanagara in fine
artists. Among the best pieces are the severed halves of a large chain
carved out of a single stone and the figures of the God of Love and his
consort astride a swan and a parrot.
Kamakshi
Amman Temple
This is one of the three holy places of Sakthi worship in India, the
others being Madurai and Varanasi. The temple in the present form was
built by the Cholas during 14th centuary A.D.
Anna
Memorial
Kanchipuram is the birth place of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, the scholar
statesman, affectionately called Anna - The Elder Brother - by the
general public. His ancestral house located here has been converted into
a memorial.
Enathur
(5 kms )
Rustic rural setting adorn this village. Kanchi Sankara Mutt, has set up
a University for Advanced learning at Enathur. Library with ancient
books, palm leaf manuscripts on various subjects are housed in this
University comlex. 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.
Handloom
Industry
Kanchipuram's exquisite silk sarees are woven from pure
mulberry silk in contrasting colours and have an enviable reputation for
texture, lustre, durability and finish. More than 5,000 families are
engaged in this industry and their spectacular creations are marketed by
a number of co-operative socities, located all over the state. The Tamil
Nadu Handloom House offers attractive rebates.
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