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Kanchipuram |
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ABOUT
KANCHIPURAM
Ancient Kanchipuram, the city of
thousand temples, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the
Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its
outskirts. The city was the capital of the Early Cholas as far back as the 2nd
century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries
Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai and is well connected by a good network
of roads.
Area 11.6 Sq. Kms (4.5 sq. miles)
Altitude Sea level
Rainfall : 87cms (35") Average
PLACES TO SEE
Kailasanatha
Dedicated to Siva, Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples. It was built by
the Pallava king, Rayasimha, in the late 7th century, though its front was added
later by his son, King Varman III. It is the only temple at Kanchi which isn't
cluttered with the more recent additions of the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers,
and so reflects the freshness and simplicity of early Dravidian architecture.
Fragments of the 8-th century murals which once graced the alcoves are a visible
reminder of how magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built.
The temple is run by the Archaeology Department and is very interesting, Quite
unusually, non-Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctrum.
Sri Ekambarnathar Temple
The Sri Ekambarnathar Temple is dedicated to Siva and is one of the largest
temples in Kanchipuram, covering nine hectares. Its 59 m high gopuram and
massive outer stone wall were constructed in 1509 by Krishna Devaraja of the
Vijayananagar Empire, though construction was originally started by the Pallavas
and the temple was later extended by the Cholas. Inside are five separates
enclosures and a 1000- pillared hall. The temple's name is said to be a modified
form of Eka Amra Nathar -- the Lord of the Mango tree. and in one of the
enclosure is a very old mango tree with four branches representing the four
Vedas. The fruit of each of the four branches is said to have a different taste,
and a plaque nearby claims that the tree is 3500 years old
Kamaskhi Amman Temple
The Kamaskhi Amman Temple- dedicated to the goddess Paravati, this important
temple is the site of the annual Car Festival, held on the 9th lunar day in
February -March. When not in use, the ornately carved wooden car is kept
partially covered in corrugated iron halfway up Gandhi Rd. The temple has a
golden gopuram in the centre.
EXCURSION
Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram, situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is an ancient sea-side
town. The Pallava art at this place emphasises robust earthy beauty, imbibed
with life. The Pallavas have created many marvelous monuments sculptural panels,
caves, monolithic rathas and sculptural temple Mythological episodes, epic
battles, demons, gods, animal, all vividly depicted on the wall sculptures are
breathtaking real and artistic. These monumental splensours and the sunny beach
attract tourists from all over the world.
Vendantangal Bird Sanctuary
About 35 km of Chengalpattu, this is one of the most spectacular water-bird
breeding grounds in India. Cormarants, egrets, herons, storks, ibies,
spoonbills, grebes and pelicans come here to breed and nest for about six months
from October/November to March, depending on the monsoons. At the height of the
breeding season , there can be up to 30,000 birds at once. The best times to
visit are early morning and late afternoon. The only place to stay is the
three-roomed Forest Department Rest House at Vedantangal village.
TRAVEL INFO
Air Nearest is Meenambakkam Airport in Chennai.
Rail It has a railway station on the Chengalpattu - Arakkonam line. Can
be reached via Chengalpattu from Chennai.
Road Connected with all major cities by road.
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