South India is known for its beauty and culture and that is why it holds a special place in tourism. The temples here are a part of the culture of South India which are one of the favorite places of tourists. Today in this episode we are going to talk about the temples of Kanchipuram, the oldest city of Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, considered one of the seven holiest cities in India. There are many temples to see in Kanchipuram. The magnificent architecture, religious significance, and rich history of these temples attract devotees, and archaeological and religious enthusiasts from all over the world. When you also go to visit Kanchipuram, then definitely visit these temples mentioned here.
Ekambareshwar Temple
Ekambareshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is counted among the famous temples of Kanchipuram. This particular temple has been much described by Tamil poets of the 2nd century. The temple has undergone many structural changes since its initial times. During the reign of the Pallava kings, the initial original form of this temple was removed and given a new form. Many changes were made in this temple even during the rule of the Chola dynasty. The last change in the structure of the temple was done during the time of Krishnadevaraya. Krishnadevaraya is considered the most famous king of South India. The 40 feet tall huge doors of the temple are worth seeing. This grand temple presents a unique example of ancient architecture. There is a mango tree in the temple premises which is said to be about 3500 years old.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
This temple is located in the center of Kanchipuram and is one of the places to visit in Kanchipuram. On one side of the temple is Shiv Kanchi which has Shiva temples, on the other side is Vishnu Kanchi which has Vishnu temples. The annals of history about this temple date back to the time when Adi Shankaracharya installed the Sri Chakra inside the temple. Goddess Kamakshi Amman is sitting in Padmasana in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is believed that King Dasharatha also came here to pray for his children. In front of the idol is a curved stone, known as Sri Chakra. If you visit this temple in the month of Phalgun, i.e. February to March, you can see the wedding celebration of Shiva and Kamakshi.
Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailashnathar Temple is an important religious site located on the banks of the Vedavathi River, on the western border, towards the east in the city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple holds great importance for Hindu devotees and you can see a large number of tourists here throughout the year, especially during Mahashivratri. Kanchi Kailashnathar Temple is adorned with beautiful paintings and magnificent sculptures. The construction of this grand temple was started by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha, and completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava.
Devarajaswamy Temple
Devarajaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. It has a 10-meter-high idol of Vishnu. This temple has two towers or gopurams. These towers are said to be about 1000 years old. Different rulers from different dynasties have contributed to the construction of this temple. These include Chera, Chola, Vijayanagara Empire etc. There are five big corridors in the temple. Apart from this, there are two tanks named Golden Lotus Tank and Ananda Saar. The magnificent corridors and large tanks add to the grandeur of the temple complex. There is also a large chain made of a single rock. Along with the idol of Lord Vishnu, there is another deity known as Lord Ashthi Varadar made of Ashthi wood. Once in 40 years both the idols are taken out of the water so that devotees can have darshan of the Lord. The annual Brahmotsavam is organized in the temple for 10 days.
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
“Ulagalantha Perumal Temple” dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the major tourist places and temples of Kanchipuram. This temple is also known as one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu which was built and rebuilt during the times of the Chola Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, and Madura Nayak kingdom. Let us tell you that there is another idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Vaman installed near the main deity in the temple. One of the 108 Divyadeshams established in India, this temple holds important historical and religious importance in Kanchipuram tourism, due to which thousands of tourists and devotees from all over the world visit this famous temple every year.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
The Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram has immense religious significance. It is one of the most important places for people practicing Vaishnavism. This huge temple It was built by kings who were devotees of Lord Vishnu. Lakhs of people participate in the 10-day Brahmotsavam festival held at this temple every year. The majestic architecture and intricate carvings on the temple are major attractions for tourists. There are a total of 32 temples in this huge complex. The idol of Lord Vishnu installed here is made of wood and is kept in a silver box.
Chitragupta Temple
Chitragupta Temple located in Kanchipuram is dedicated to the Hindu deity Chitragupta. Chitragupta is also known as the assistant of Yamraj, the god of death. In the temple, you can see the wonderful work of traditional architecture, which is found in most of the temples in South India. According to Hindu mythology, Chitragupta was born from a painting that was painted by Lord Shiva and was appointed as the accountant of the good and bad deeds of humans.
Jain temple
The Jain temples located in Thiruparuthikundram village of Kanchipuram hold great religious significance for Jain devotees. One of these temples is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, and the other to Jain Tirthankaras. These ancient temples are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting deities and stories of Jain culture/art style. Most of these paintings have been restored, but the beauty of the temples is very well preserved. This structure attracts not only Jain devotees but also art and architecture lovers from all over the world.
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