Kanchipuram is well known as city of 1000 temples. It is known for its temple architectures, 1000-pillared halls and huge temple towers
In Vaishnavism, Kanchipuram is one of the seven Tirtham (pilgrimage) sites. Besides innumerable temples, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Kumarakottam Temple are some very predominant temples located here. Of the 108 Divyadesams, 15 are located in Kanchipuram.
If started very early from chennai, all the temples can be covered in one day. The city is famous for Silk & textile. Eateries are a plenty. Do not miss the famours Kanchipuram Idli!
Arulmigu Kamakshi Amman Temple
Temple timings : 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM-3:30 PM - 8:30 PM-
Phone : +91 44 27 233433 - 2722 1214
One of the fifty one Shakti Peetas, Kanchi Kamakshi amman temple is situated at in a land area of about 5 acres of land with the main deity being Kamakshi Amman. It has four entrances and the main entrance to the temple on the left side has a Kalabhairavar deity and on the right is the Mahishasura Mardini. On entering in the centre there is a massive Dwajasthampa. Moving further there is Vinayaka. Moving straight, we get Goddess Kamakshi darshan. On the outer prakaram of Goddess Kamakshi, we can see deities of Ayyapan, Saraswati, Annaporani and Adisankaracharya on its outer prakaram. The Goddess also has Varahi, Arupalakshmi Kalvarperumal (one of the 108 Divya Desam of Vaishanavities), Roopalakshmi and Arthanariswarar in her Gayatri Mandapam.
The Santhanasthampam inside the prakaram of Goddess is called the Nabisthan of the Goddess. There is a Srichakra Yantra (Sri Kamakoti Peetam) installed by Jagadguru Sri Adisankaracharya in front of the deity. Temple tank is inside the premises. There has been a close relationship of the temple with the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and the Sankarcharyas. There is a gallery of Adisankarcharya's Life history inside the temple premises.. The temple is spelled as Nabisthana - Ottiyana peetam. The temple has a gold woven Gopuram atop the sanctorum of the Goddess Kamakshi deity.
Kamakshi offered worship to a Shivalingam made out of sand, under a mango tree and gained Shiva's hand in marriage..
Kamakshi is in a seated posture in the sanctum - and is called as the Parabhrama Swarupini, seated with Bhrama Vishnu Rudra Eswara and Sadasiva.
Kamakshi was originally a Ugra Swaroopini, and Aadi Sankaracharya, established the Sri Chakra, Pacified and personified her as the Shanta Swaroopini (see also Akhilandeswari at Tiruvanaikkaval). Since during the days of Adi Sankara, the presence of the Ugra Swaroopini was felt outside the temple precincts, Sankaracharya had requested her to remain within the temple. Symbolic of this, the urchava image of Kamakshi, takes leave from Sankaracharya, at his shrine in the inner prakaram, before she is taken out in procession every time.
The layout of the temple is complex. The temple tank, and several mandapams such as the 100 pillared hall, the dwajaarohana mandapam are all in the outer praharam..The golden vimanam can be viewed from the outer prakaram, which is designed with four entrances on all four sides. Images of Vishnu (Ninraan, Irundaan, Kidandaan) are seen near the temple tank.
To reach the sanctum, one has to enter the four pillared hall followed by inner prakaram, and then climb a series of steps. Immediately surrounding the sanctum are shrines for Ardhanareeswarar, Soundaryalakshmi, Kallar (Ref;Tirumangaialwar) and Varaahi. In this prakaram are shrines to Bangaru Kamakshi, Maha Saraswathi and Aadi Sankaracharya.
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Temple Timings : 7.00 am - 12.00 noon 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Phone : 91-94435 97107, 98943 88279,94439 03450, 94425 53820,97874 14773.
This is one of the three temples within one temple complex among the Divyadesams. There are three Divyadesams namely Tiru Ooragam, Tiru Neeragam and Tiru Karakam. It is said that barring Tiru Ooragam, the two other temples were located elsewhere earlier and were set together under one roof at a later period. Saint Tirumangai Azhwar had included all these Divyadesams in one Mangalasasanam hymn.
The associated purana is that the Demon King Mahabali ruled all the three worlds. The Devas jealous and were scarred of his growing power. Answering the prayers of the Devas, Lord Vishnu took the “Vaamana Avatar” and sought biksha from Mahabali that He needed three foot length of land where he can calmy meditate upon the Lord. Mahabali granted the wish and called upon him to measure and take the place he required. The Lord (Vaamana) rose to his Thrivikrama (Viswaroppam) form and by two foot measured the sky and earth and sought the space for his third foot. Mahabali offered his head and requested the Lord to put the third foot on his head. The Lord did so and pressed Mahabali to the pathala loka under the Earth. Hence the Lord Vishnu here is called as Thiruvikrama Perumal Or Ulagalandha Perumal
Vaikunta Perumal Temple
Temple Timings : 7.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon - 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Phone : 91-44 -37209752
Vaikunta Perumal Temple or Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram is a temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. It is one among the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vaikuntanathan (Lord Paramapadanathan) and his consort Lakshmi as Vaikundavalli.
Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. Sri Ramanujar and Sri Manavalamamunigal are said to have visited the temple. Sri Thirumangai Alvar has done Mangalasasnam in praise of the Lord here (10 Pasurams).
Arulmigu Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal Temple
Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Phone : 91-44 -37209752
When Thirumizhisai alwar was living in Kanchipuram, an old lady used to clean his house daily and do some small favours for him. He was very happy and changed her from an old lady to a beautiful maiden. Admiring her beauty, the king married the woman and made her his queen. On hearing this secret, the king was eager to meet Thirumizhisai Alwar.
He called Kani Kannan who was a great follower of the Thirumazhisai Alwar and told him that Thirumizhiasi Alwar should come and sing a song in praise of him. Kani Kannan informed him that Thirumizhisai Alwar sings for the Lord and belongs to him and he not come to the palace. The king got angry and banished Kani Kannan from Kanchi. Kani kannan went to Thirumizhisai Alwar, explained all the happenings and prepared to leave Kanchi. While they were going, Alwar sang a song on the Yadhothakari Perumal that, as Kani Kannan was leaving Kanchipuram, he was also going along with him and implored upon the Lord to get up from his Aadhisheshan(the holy snake), his bed, roll it and quit from Kanchi. The Lord also followed Alwar and Kani Kannan. On hearing this, the king and people of the kanchi begged Kani Kannan to return back to the Kanchipuram. Kani Kannan returned back to the Kanchipuram along with the Thirumizhisai Alwar. Alwar sang a song on Perumal saying that since Kani Kannan had returned back to Kanchi and he can go back and sleep on his Aadhiseshan in the temple. On hearing this, Shriman Narayana comes back to Thiruvekka temple and gives his sayana seva. Since the Lord obeyed the words, he came to be known as "Sonna Vannam seitha perumal".
Once , there was an as to who was greater between Sarawathi and Sri Lakshmi. Lord Brahma said that Lakshmi who is nestled in the heart of Sri Vishnu is the greatest. Next, Saraswathi asked which river is the big river. He answered that it is Ganga which is originating from the feet of Sri Vishnu. The angered Saraswathi quit Brahma loga, and went to the banks of river Ganga and started doing Tapas. Brahma wanted to do the great Ashwametha yajna in Kanchipuram and Saraswathi has to be with himto be along with him. So, he sent his son Vasishta to make Saraswathi come back to him but Saraswathi refused. After this, Brahma started the yajna keeping Savithri and all his other wives with him. A demon who wanted to destroy the yajna, went to Saraswathi and informed her of the happenings. Angered, Saraswathi started as "Vegavathi" river along the south direction and started flowing across the place of the yajna to destroy it. Lord Vishnu to protect the yajna stopped the river by lying across the path on Aadhiseshan. Because of this, Lord here is named as "Vaga Sethu".
The moolavar (prime deity) of this sthala is Sri Yathothakaari. Other names are Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal and Vegasethu. Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam (Bhujanga Sayana), facing west direction.
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Telephone : 91- 44- 2726 9773, 94439 90773
Lord Varadaraja Perumal in His standing posture facing west. Since Perumal was pleased with his Yajna granted a boon – Varam - to Lord Brahmma and hence glorified as Varadaraja Perumal. The place derived the name Athigiri as Iravadam elephant as a moount lifted Perumal. Athi-Mount. The 24 steps in the temple represent the number of letters of Gayatri Mahamantra.
The two sons of Sage Bringi were the disciples of Sage Gautama. The Guru cursed them when once they brought wated without noticing that two lizards had fallen into the water for the pooja. When they sought a relief, the Rishi told them that it lies in Kancheepuram. After a long journey, they reached Kancheepuram and begged Lord Perumal for salvation. Perumal said that their soul would reach Him while their mortal remains will be in lizard form. It is believed that those who worship the lizards would be relieved of all adverse aspects on theml. Perumal decreed that Sun and Moon would be witnesses to this boon.
There are two long Mandaps under the tank north of the 100 pillar mandap in the temple, where the 40 feet long Athi Varadaraja Perumal in his reclining posture is placed. The wooden idol is brought out for the darshan of the devotees once in forty years when special poojas are offered.
There are 24 steps to reach Athigiri.
Arulmigu Kachabeswarar temple
Timings : 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon - 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone : 91- 44 - 2746 4325,2746 3514,2723 3384, 93811 86389
In Tirukachur, near Chengalpet, There are two Shiva temples here one at the top of the hill, the other at the foot of the hill. Saint Sundarar had sung the praise of the Lords in a single Pathigam – 10 verses. Maha Ganapathy and Thalamoola Vinayaka grace the devotees. The Vimana is of Gajabrushta design.
Kachabeswarar temple is one of the most important and big temples in the city and located 1 km from the famous Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram.
Lord Shiva, the main deity of this temple is called as Kachabeswarar. The goddess is called as Soundarambikai. The temple’s Raja gopuram (temple tower) is very big in area. In the temple are also see idols of Saraswati, Ganesha, Chadurmukeswarar, Sastha and Bhairav. There are four shrines of Lord Shiva around the temple tank (called as Ishta Siddhi Teerth) - Dharma Siddheswarar, Kama Siddheswarar, Artha Siddheeswarar and Moksha Siddheswarar. Satyamozhi Vinayaka is seen near the main deity Kachabeswarar, which was worshipped by Lord Vishnu.
During the churning of the Parkadal, the Mandhara hill used as the stick (mathu) began to sink. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kachaba - tortoise to hold the stick in place & help the Devas. Lord Vishnu created a spring in this place, bathed and prayed to Lord Shiva in the endeavour. As Lord Shiva helped Vishnu, hence named Kachabeswarar and the place came to be known as Tirukachur..
Mother Anjanakshi who is protecting the devotees as her own eyes in Kachabeswarar temple blesses the devotees from a separate shrine. In view of her beauty, She is praised as Sundaravalli. There is a Sri Chakra is installed in the mandap before this shrine. Lighting of ghee lamps by woman here for family welfare and prosperity is a popular custom. Lord Shiva staged His Ajaba Dance for Lord Vishnu. As a procession deity of the temple, all festivals are dedicated to Him. Saint Arunagiriar had sung the praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. As Kallala Maram (Banyan tree) is the sacred tree, the temple is also known as Aala Koil – banyan tree temple.
History of Marundeeswarar Temple:
Indira the king of Devas was suffering from some ailment caused by a curse. Reputed physicians of the celestial world-Ashwini Devas could not cure him. They came to Earth in search of a powerful herbal to cure Indira. Maharshi Narada advised them to pray to Lord Shiva in this place with Ambica to spot the herbals. They followed the advice. Lord Shiva with all kindness showed the place where the herbals were available. They found the herbals, Bala and Athibala, took it to their world, treated Indira and cured him.
Though Lord Shiva showed the Ashwini physicians the place of the herbals, they could not find them as the place was enveloped by darkness. Taking pity on them Ambica spread light in the place enabling them to find the herbals. Hence, Ambica in Marundeeswarar temple is praised as Irul Neekkia Ambica – Ambica who drove away darkness.
The shrines of Chandikeswara and Bhairava are in the prakara side by side. Chenadikeswara has four faces as Lord Brahmma, hence called Brahmma Chendikeswara. Devotees perform abishek here with honey on Mondays.
The temple is on a small hill. Saint Sundarar praises Lord as a medicine Himself on the hill. There is small pit near the flag post. Devotees consume this for cure of any disease. The Marundu Theertha Kinaru – Medicine well is nearby.
Those aspiring excellence in arts pray to Lord Thalamoola Vinayaka.
Arulmigu Kailasanathar temple
Timings : 5:30 a.m - 12 noon - 4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m
Phone : 91 44-2723 1899
Getti Mudali who was ruling Amarakundhi in Tarukavana region, came to know that the one of the cows grazing in the place was pouring its milk at a particular place every day. He went to the place and found that the message was true. He was excited to know that Lord Shiva was in the place and he prayed and performed pujas there. Many years later, Vanagamudi the king of Makuda Chudavadi built the temple here.
When the rays of Sun fall on the Lord on 9, 10 and of Masi month on the horns of Nandhi the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva, It relects on the Linga in the form of a crescent moon drawing huge devotees to witness this spectacle. The sculptures of Rathi and Manmadha are designed with unique skill that both are viewable from any one end. Stone artefacts like chain, lotus, a lion are aesthetically finished representing the rare skill of the sculptors. In addition A stone called Pavalakkal and Pattiakal ever cool in nature is at the entrance of the temple.
Very important shrine of the temple is the Padala Linga in the underground room where even air can’t enter. Devotees worship this Linga with abishek on Tuesdays to reap benefits such as wedding, child and job boons.
Praying to Lord Jureswara appearing with three heads and three legs will provide cure for high fever and prolonged diseases. They offer Milagu Rasam-pepper water as nivedhana and a garland made of Vadas, a popular dish of Tamilnadu.
Amongst all the ancient temples of Shiva in Tamil Nadu, Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram is the oldest one.
Kailasanathar temple was built during 685 A.D. to 705 A.D. The Pallava ruler, Rajasimha started the construction of the temple but was completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava. The architecture of the temple is a fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture carved out of sandstone. 58 small shrines with different forms of Lord Shiva surround the main shrine. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in different postures. According to the popular belief and as usual, the temple served as a shelter to the king at the time of battles.
Located in a rustic suburb away from the hustle-bustle of the city, we find a huge kneeling Nandi with the face towards the temple stands right in front of the entrance. The architectural beauty of this temple stands out compared to any other temple in Tamil Nadu. One of the unique features of this temple is the 16 sided Shiva lingam made up of black granite at the main shrine. Huge devotees visit the temple at the time of Mahashivratri, thus making the wait for darshan run into Hours.
Pandava Thoothar Perumal temple
Timings : 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.4.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Phone : 91 44-2723 1899
The story that Darmaputra lost his wealth and Kingdom to Duryodhana in gambling is popular. According to a compromise reached then, Pandavas had to get back their share after 12 years of a life in exile and one year incognito. Duryodhana refused to comply with the conditions of the pact when Pandavas fulfilled the conditions and claimed their rights. Hence to ensure peace and avoid perennial enmity, Lord Krishna took up a mission to Duryodhana to have at least five houses for Pandavas. Duryodhana was adamant and refused Krishna’s suggestion. Also, as advised by Sakuni, he dug a deep pit, covered the pit with grass, blankets and placed a chair for Krishna. When Lord Krishna sat on the seat, as expected, the chair went in. He then took a vishwaroopa posture with anger and revealed His furious Vishwarupa to the blind Dritharashtira, father of the wicked Duryodhana and warned them of the consequences. Thus the Lord became the emissary of Pandavas or Pandava Dhooda.
After the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas’ grandson Pareekshit ascended the throne and begged Acharya Vysampayana to tell him the story of his ancestors. Sage Vysampayana explained this Vishwarupa episode to the king. He also sought the advice of the sage to have this darshan of the Lord. He came to this place, performed penance on Lord Krishna in Kancheepuram and achieved his wish – the Vishwarupa darshan - in this sacred land.
Sri Ekamabaranathar Temple
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Phone : 91- 44-2722 2084.
Ekambareswarar Temple, a famous huge Hindu temple, is one of the five major Shiva temples and a Pancha Bootha Sthalams (representing the element – Earth), which has been in existence since at least 600 AD. Anceint tamil Literature refers to Kama kottam, and the Kumara kottam (the Kamakashi Amman temple and the Subramanya temple). The structure then was pulled down and rebuilt by the Pallava Kings and the later Cholas made several contributions to the temple.
Devi Parvati is without a Separate shrine here (Similar to other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram).
There is a small shrine for Lord Vishnu named Thiru Nilaaththingal Thundathan and prayed here as Vamana Murthy.
With an area of over 40 acres and with one of the tallest Rajagopurams (57 mts High) in south India, It was built by Krishnadevaraya. Another amazing structure is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "thousand pillared Hall", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple's inner walls are decorated with 1,008 Siva lingams.
The sthala-virutcham is a 3,500 year old mango tree whose branches are believed to yield four different types of mangoes.
Once Parvati was doing tapas under the temple's ancient Mango Tree and to test her devotion Lord Shiva sent fire on her. Goddess Parvati prayed to Lord Vishnu, for help who took the Moon from Lord Shiva's head and showed the rays to cool down the tree as well as Parvati.
Lord Shiva then sent the river Ganga to disrupt Parvati's tapas. Parvati devi prayed to Ganga and convinced her that she should do no not and Ganga obliged. Then Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of sand and got united with Lord Shiva.
Another legend is that Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam (or a Lingam improvised out of sand), under a mango tree. The neighboring Vegavati river overflowed and threatened to engulf the Shiva Lingam. Parvati embraced the Lingam and her touch made Shiva appear marry her. Hence he is referred to as Thazhuva kuzhainthaar (Melting in Embrace) in Tamil.
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