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Chitraguptaswamy Temple
Chitragupta Temple located in Kanchipuram is dedicated to Chitragupta who is a Hindu Deity. It is a rare temple in India that is dedicated to Chitragupta who is also known as the assistant of The God of Death, Yamaraja. The temple is a striking work of traditional architecture that is found in most of the temples in South India. It has Rajagopuram which is three-tiered and a sanctum sanctorum. According to Hindu mythology, Chitragupta was born from a painting that Lord Shiva drew in detail and was appointed to keep an account of the good and the evil deeds of humans on earth to help maintain Dharma. He was therefore named Chitragupta, Chitra (painting/ picture) and Gupta (accountant). The elegant temple was built during the 9th century by the Chola Dynasty. Further renovation and expansion work was taken over by several other kingdoms which ruled Kanchipuram after the Chola Dynasty. Today, the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department maintains the temple and promotes it as a major tourist attraction of South India.
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DevrajaSwamiTemple
The Devarajaswami Temple was constructed by the Vijaynagar kings. It is devoted to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu. There are ornamented engraved pillars that can be seen inside the temple. This scrupulous temple has a marriage hall that was built in remembrance of the marriage between Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. There is also a water tank that contains a large statue of Lord Vishnu inside the water. The tank is debilitated every 40 years and it is at that time, the 10 meter high statue can be seen, and is then established for darshan for 48 days before it is immersed in water again. There is also an enormous chain that was engraved out of one single stone.
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Ekambaranatha Temple
The Ekambaranatha Temple is the largest temple in Kanchipuram. It covers a massive area of 20 acres. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and was built by the Pallavas and then in turn was renovated by both the Cholas and the Rayas. One notable feature of this temple is the fact that the 1000 lingas are all carved out of one solitary stone. Also, there are one thousand pillared halls found within the temple. Outside of the Ekambaranatha Temple there is a mango tree that is around 3500 years old. There are four separate limbs found on the tree that represent the Four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana). Tradition has it that the fruit from each limb tastes different even though they all are on the same tree.
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Jain Temple
The Jain Temples of Kanchipuram are of immense religious importance for Jain devotees located in the village of Thiruparuthikundram in Kanchipuram. One of these temples is dedicated to Bhagwan Mahavir, and the other is dedicated to Jain Teerthankaras. The temple architecture is mainly 9th-century Dravidian type of structure. These ancient temples are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting deities and stories of the Jain culture/ Jain style of art. Most of these paintings have been restored, but the beauty of the temples is very well preserved. As one explores the architecture, they are sure to feel enthralled with the beauty of fresco and the mural paintings. This structure draws not just the Jain devotees but also art and architecture lovers from all over the world.
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Kachapeshwarar Temple
It is at the Kachapeshwarar Temple that the Lord Shiva can be seen being worshipped by Lord Vishnu in the form of a tortoise. This image can be viewed on sculptures and engravings that have ornated this beautiful temple from start to end. This concept of a temple to be dedicated to one Hindu god, in this case Lord Shiva, and then show another god worshipping that entity makes this temple extremely unique. The exquisite interiors of the temple is just as impressive as the exterior.
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Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is an important religious site is located on the banks of the Vedavathi River, at the western limits, facing the east side in the Kanchipuram city of Tamil Nadu. The temple holds great significance and value for the Hindu devotees and is visited by a large number of tourists all year round, but the number of visitors increases drastically at the time of the Mahashivratri. The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is embellished with beautiful paintings and fantastic sculptures. The Temple is the most ancient temple from amongst all the temples that are located in Tamil Nadu and was built during 685 A.D. and 705 A.D. The construction of this grand structure was started by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha, whereas his son Mahendra Varma Pallava completed it. The architecture of the temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of construction, and the temple is carved out of sandstone. The architectural beauty of this temple is remarkably different from that of all the other temples in Tamil Nadu. A striking feature is the sixteen-sided Shiva lingam that is made up of black granite at the main shrine.
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Kamakshi Amman Temple
Southern India is well-known for its cultural heritage, and the Kamakshi Amman Temple represents an important gem from the past. Set in the midst of Kanchipuram, also known as the City of Temples, this place of worship is home to the divine Goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility and strength. The Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred shrines built around the falling body parts from the corpse of Goddess Sati from heaven. It is believed the naval part of her body fell at this site, thus making it a holy abode. Shaktism is based on a Hindu tradition focused on worshipping the Goddess. In the name Kamakshi, the letter 'Ka' represents Saraswati (the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom), 'ma' represents Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity), while 'akshi' refers to gracious eyes. Together, these three Hindu Goddesses or Devis form the holy trinity of the female transcendental energy of the universe.
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Kanchi Kudhil
Highly influenced by the Hindu religion, many of the temples here can be seen are in fact Hindu temples. The ancient culture as well as the cultural heritage of Hinduism is shown at Kanchi Kudhil. It is a small house that shows exactly how the Hindu religion is intertwined into India's history and modern day way of life. This delightful place of discovery is open to visitors. There is no fitting way for a person of another faith to apprehend and acknowledge the captivating religion of Hinduism than to visit the Kanchi Kudhil.
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Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam is a monastic institution for the Hindu community located in one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas, the city of Kanchipuram. The Pancha Bhuta Sthalas represent five materials essential for our existence, namely - Earth, Sky, Water, Fire and Air. Out of these, Kanchipuram represents Earth, Chidambaram represents Sky, Thiruvanaikoil represents Water, Thiruvannamalai represents Fire and Kalahasti represents Air. Visitors often find the institution a place to find peace. The management still follows the traditional practices in a pure environment which is rarely seen in today's world. They serve the Ananda Prasadam to all the visitors during noon which will put the soul to rest instantly. People from all castes and creed are welcome to visit and to attend the traditional poojas without any discrimination.
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Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple
The Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Venkateswara located in the district of Kanchipuram. This resplendent temple has a unique idol of Lord Venkateswara which is seen standing on a shivalinga. The glorious temple was built about 500 years ago and is of immense religious importance to the Hindu community, especially the followers of Lord Perumal. This kind of a representation is not seen anywhere else in the world, and it signifies that Lord Venkateswara/Perumal and Lord Shiva are equal and that they teach us the same beliefs and way of life in different forms. It is believed that the deity is highly powerful and grants every wish that is sincerely asked. Devotees often light clarified butter (ghee) lamps, perform Tulsi Archana, and offer flowers and garlands to please Lord Perumal. The temple has a serene and divine vibe that visitors often talk about as it takes them a step closer to the almighty. Tourists flock here in large numbers seeking blessings from the Lord especially on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. A grand procession of Lord Perumal is held on this day that occurs in the Hindu month of Dhanu in between December and January every year.
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Thennangur Panduranga Temple
Thennangur Panduranga Temple is located in the Thennangur village in the district of Tiruvannamalai in Kanchipuram. The town is also known as the birthplace of Goddess Meenakshi. Thennangur Panduranga Temple is dedicated to Panduranga and his consort Rukmayee. It attracts tourists from all over the world for its religious importance, its unique architecture and the divine idols of Lord Panduranga and Rukmayee. The main idol of the temple was installed by Swami Haridas Giri which he had brought along with him from Pandharpur about 500 years ago. The striking temple also houses an idol of Achyutraja Perumal which is a rare find India. It is said that no temple in India has an idol of Achyutraja Perumal, making it a unique find in the country.
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Ulagalanthar Perumal Temple
Ulagalanthar Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the 108 Divya Desams, is located very near to the Kamakshi Amman Temple in the city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is of great historical and religious importance and is visited by followers from all over the world. The temple deity has an idol of Vishnu in the form of the Vamana which stands about 35 feet tall with a width of 24 feet in a pose that depicts Lord Vishnu has one foot on planet earth and the other on the skies. It is believed that the foot that pushes towards the skies is the foot that pushing King Bali to Patala (the hell).
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Vaikunda Perumal Temple
The Vaikunda Perumal Temple was built by the Pallava king Nadivarman II during the 7th century. This is particular temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In fact, Lord Vishnu's image can be seen in standing, sitting and reclining forms on towering vimanas that can be seen throughout the temple. There are also many beautiful lion pillared cloisters as well as several bas ? reliefs in the main shrine of the temple. Inscriptions that tell of the history of the temple as well as the history of the city itself can be seen on the walls. India's Department of Archeology cares for this temple.
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Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple located in the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is of immense religious importance. It is also believed that the Alwars or the poetic saints visited this temple. The temple complex is expansive and is a work of worship that was built during the reign of the Chola Kings. It is, hence, also of great historical importance. Devotees of Lord Vishnu from all over the world visit the temple to seek blessings in Vishnu Kanchi especially during the 10-day Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam, Purattasi Navaratri and Vaikunda Ekadasi. The majestic architecture of the temple complex and the intricate carvings are sure to mesmerise one and all. The serene vibe of this scared spot is so surreal and unexplainable that one really has to visit the temple to experience it. Varadharaja Perumal Temple is a part of the trio Mumurtivasam along with Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman Temples. The temple is also known as Perumal Koil and is believed to highly sacred in Vaishnavism. Visitors can explore the enormous temple complex that has 32 shrines and other features built according to the ancient temple architecture. This temple has a unique idol of Lord Vishnu made of wood. The idol is kept in a silver box and is immersed in water. Locals believe that the region received good rainfall after the idol is wholly submerged in water. The temple and stories related to it have been mentioned in the Vedanta Desika, Thirtha Prabandha Peyalvar, Bhoothathalvar and several compositions created by Muthuswami and Tyagaraja Dikshitar in the 18th century.
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Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Kanchipuram spread across a massive are of 74 acres is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India, and has been fiercely protected and kept well preserved by the local population for well over 250 years. It is a paradise for bird lovers and people who are keen on photography and bird watching. With its small lakes the park attracts a huge variety of birds and is a home to thousands of nests. Vedanthangal is a home for migratory birds such as pintail, garganey, grey wagtail, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper and many more and is a delight to watch especially in the early hours of the day.
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Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Vijayaraghava Perumal located in the town of Kanchipuram. This glorious temple is the 57th of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of the Pandya rulers. Certain inscriptions on the temple walls denote the era it was constructed. The temple architecture is similar to the traditional temples found in Kanchipuram. The Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple complex has two different shrines for the main deity, Vijayaraghava Perumal, and for Margathavalli Thayar. The idol of Vijayaraghava Perumal is seen standing in between Sridevi and Bhudevi facing east. One can see Jatayu resting on his thigh. Tourists also flock to the temple to see the unique Kuthirai Vahanam which spins on its axis.
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