Kanchipuram

The Element of Nature - Earth...

This temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the largest temple in Kanchipuram, covering 12 hectares. It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 6th Century and then expanded by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Kings. The presiding deity Shiva is worshipped here as Prithvi Lingam (Lingam of Earth). The 57 metres high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. This temple has 5 spacious corridors with beautiful massive pillars. A big temple complex houses the 108 Shiva lingas, the symbolic representation of the Shiva. Annual festival lies in the month of March and April. This temple has an holy mango tree under where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place. This belief has a strong effect among the newly wedded couple.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 06:00 am to 12:30 pm & 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm

Camera Ticket - Rs.20/- Video Ticket - Rs.100/-

The''loving- eyed'' Kamakshi Amman...

The Kamakshi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati. It is located in the historic city of Kanchipuram. The main deity, Kamakshi, is seated in a majestic Padmasana, an yogic posture signifying peace and prosperity. It has four colorful gopuras and the main sanctum has a gold-plated roof. Here the goddess is worshipped in the form of Chakra placed in front of the idol. It is one of the three holy places of Sakthi worship in India while the other two being Madurai and Varanasi.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 05:30 am to 12:00 pm, 04:00 to 09:00 pm

Artistic Sand Stone...

The oldest and grandest structured temple in Kanchipuram built in the early 8th century by the Pallava kings. This temple is surrounded by the 58 tiny shrines, each with the splendid carvings of the various representations of Shiva. The sanctum has a circumambulatory passage with great symbolic meaning - seven steps (indicating seven births) lead to a dark passage (indicating the journey of life) and a narrow outlet (indicating death). On the walls of the temple, one can see the fresco paintings and rich sculptures made out of sandstone surrounding the temple which shows the artistic skills of the early empires. This temple is under the maintenance of Department of Archaeology.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 06:00 am to 06:00 pm,

Camera Ticket - Free of cost, Video Ticket - Free of cost.

Exquisite Sculptures...

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is one of the 108 main shrines in India. Originally built by the Chola in the 9th Century and then restored by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th century. The 100 pillared hall which is left after passing the main tower is an extra ordinary one with eye catching sculptures that shows the reincarnations of Vishnu. The ornamental rings carved out of a single stone in a chain at the four corners are the special features of the hall. The riders on horseback, beautiful sculptures of Rathi and Manmatha, exquisite temple jewellery are other notable features. The festive season lies in the month of April and May.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 06:00 am to 12:00 pm & 04:30 am to 08:30 pm

Entrance Ticket - Rs.5/- for visiting the 100 pillared hall, Camera Ticket - Rs.50/-, Video Ticket - Rs.100/-

Inscriptions speak the History...

This Vishnu temple was built in the 8th century by the pallava kings has a three layered sanctum. It was built by the Pallava ruler. It has great sculptures and inscriptions which speak the history and the history of the city itself. The lower hall is surrounded by the panels of sandstone sculptures that depicts the genealogy, real life of the Pallava kings. The main shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is on three different levels and contains the images of Lord Vishnu in standing, sitting and reclining postures.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 06:00 am to 12:00 pm & 04:30 pm to 08:00 pm