Tourist places in and around Kanchipuram
Sri Ekambareswarar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Prithvilingam, this is one the largest and most popular temple in Kanchipuram. Sprawling across a huge area, its striking features include the 57 metres high gopuram and the massive outer stone wall. The temple has five spacious corridors and an intricately carved 1000-pillared hall. The inner walls are adorned with 1008 Shiva lingams. The courtyard has a 3500 years old mango tree, whose branches are believed to yield four different varieties of mangoes!Open from: 6.30 am-12.30 pm; 4.00 pm-8.30 pm
Sri Ekambareswara is woshipped in the form of PrithvuLingam (Earth). Hence Kanchipuram is considerd as one of the Pancha Bhutha Sthalas. According to a legend, Parvati, once in Kilas, playfully closed the eyes of Lord Siva, plunging the entire world in darkness. An angry Siva cursed the devi to turn dark like Kali. The Goddess descended on this place and did penance under a mango tree, making a Lingam out of earth. Hence, much significance is attached to this shrine and the mango tree, situated within the temple.
The most famous Siva temple at Kanchi is the Ekambareswara temple where he is worshipped in the form of Prithivi Linga (Earth Linga). The sthala purana says that when Lord Siva was deeply immersed in the task of creating, protecting and destroying the Universe, Parvati, his consort, in a jocular mood, closed his eyes. This resulted in staying the process of creation and destruction as well as obstruction to the natural law of things. It was a serious matter and Siva became angry and cursed Parvati to go to the Earth and expiate her misdeed. Accordingly Parvati came to the banks of the river Kampa under a single mangotree at Kanchi and made a Sivalinga out of sand and worshipped it. To test her sincerity Siva placed various obstacles and hindrances in the way of Parvati's penance. But with the help of Visnu she could by taking out the Gangas from his matted hair, to wash away the Linga worshipped by Parvati. She clasped it with all veneration to her breasts and this pleased Siva who took her again as his consort. In the month of Phalguni on the 10th day of Uttiram the marriage of Siva and Parvati is celebrated with great pomp and splendour.
Another version of the story is that Siva and Parvati fell out in a game of dice. Siva cursed Gowri to become ugly. With the help of Vishnu Parvati propitiated Siva by performing peance under a single mango tree at Kancheepuram on the banks of the Kampa river, and regained her beauty with dazzling eyes, from which the name of Kamakshi has been derived for the tutelary goddess of the temple. As Parvati regained Siva under the mango tree the name of Ekamranathe (Ekaone, amra- mango, natha- Lord) was given to Lord Siva. It later became Ekambareswara. Another legend connected with the marriage celebration is that connected with Agastys being vochsaged its darsan when he had come South from Kailas.
The mango tree in the temple is worshipped by all even today with great veneration. It has got four branches representing the four Vedas. Each branch bears fruit with a different taste and the leaves are also different is appearance. It a popular belief that if a childless women takes the fruit of the tree she is blessed with children. In the prakaram round the mango tree is a lingam which is a composite of 108 small lingams and another one of 1008 small lingams. There are idols of the 63 Nayamars also. There are two tanks in the temple, Kampa Nadi and Sivaganga. Ther eis a Vishnu shrine in the Siva temple and the name of the Bishnu is Nilatingal Tundattan. The temple has silver and gold- plated vahanams of considerable value.
Another famous Siva temple is Kailasanatha temple built by Rajasimha of the Oallavas dynasty during the first quarter of the eight century. The temple is built of red sand- stone and has innumerable carvings of Pallava art, of which the Urdhwa Tandava dance of Siva and the laughing face of Parvati are worth seeing. This temple has become very old and is fast pecaying. Unless it is carefully repaired, it may soon topple down.
The other temple in Siva Kanchi is Kachapeswara temple where Siva appears as being worshipped by Bishnu in the form of Kurmemerali, in the weavers' quarters.
The temple complex dedicated to Lord shiva covers an area of about 20 acres and is one of thye largest temples of the town. It was originally built by the Pallavas in 7th century and remodelled extensively by the cholas and Rayas. The 58.5 meters high gopuram and a massive outer stone wall were built in 1509, by Krishnadevaraya of vijayanagar empire. The temple has five corridors and a 1000 pillared hall. The huge ‘Prithvi (Earth) Lingam' inside the main sanctum is one of the pancha (five) Lingams of south India. There are also 1008 lingams carved out of a wsingle stone. An ancient mango tree here believed to be over 3500 years old has four branches representing the four Dedas and bear fruits with four different tastes.
Originally built by the Pallavas, the Cholas later reconstructed this large Siva temple. Here, Lord Siva is worshipped as Earth or Prithvi, which is one of the five elements. The dimensions of this temple are reflected in its 20 - acre spread and its tall south gopuram which soars to a height of 58.5m. The eleven-storey structure, which is adorned with beautiful sculptures, is one of the tallest temple towers in South India. Childless couples revere the ancient mango tree in the courtyard. They faithfully strung small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled. Also in the temple, is a small panel depicting the story behind the temple's existence. Parvathi incurred Siva's wrath when she made the mistake of playing a mischievous prank on him by covering his eyes for a second. Since even that one second of hindering Siva's vision led to years of darkness for the mortals, Siva bade her to perform penance to obtain forgiveness. The temple is said to have been built at the spot where the lord forgave her.
Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple
Dedicated to Parvati in the form of Kamakshi, this temple is the site of the famous annual Car Festival in February or March when the Goddess is taken out on a procession throughout the town. The sanctum is located beneath the gold-plated vimana, situated within the Gayatri Mandapam, and supported by 24 pillars coordinating with the 24 letters of the Gayatri Mantra. Within it sits the main deity holding a sugarcane bow, noose, staff and flower arrows in her hands. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Adi Sankaracharya, who placed a chakra before the main idol. Outside the main temple is a mango tree beneath which Kamakshi is believed to have worshipped a Shivalingam made of sand and gained Shiva's hand in marriage.Open from: 6 am-12 noon; 4.00 pm-8.30 pm Important Men need to remove their shirts to enter the Gayatri Mandapam. Cameras and mobile phone are not permitted within the sanctum.
This is one of the three important Shakti Peetams, the other two being Madurai and Kashi.The sanctum faces the Gayatri Mandapam. The beautiful deity of the Devi is in the Padmasana posture, holding a bow of sugarcane and arrows of flowers. She is worshipped as Rajarajeshwari, Maha Tripurasundari and Lalitha kameswari.
Legend has it that the Goddess appeared through the great concavity called Bilakasa to save the Devas from Asuras. The kamakoti Peetam or Sri Chakram, established by Sri Adi Sankara, is in front of the Goddess and all pujas are offered to this.
There are separate shrines for Adi Sankara and sage Durvasa, a Devi Upasaka. During festival processions, the Devi idol is taken out only after dromally seeking Adi Sankara,s permission. This is in fulfillment of a divine promise. Kamakshi being the principal Goddess inkanchipuram, the Siva temples here have no separate sanctum for Shakti.
Kanchi is sacred as one of the three Sakti peethas of India. Kamakshi is said to be the Supergoddess, Parasakti, having Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati as her eyes. She blesses all who dedicte themselves to her. The sanctum sanctorum faces south east in the centre of Gayatri Mandapam. The tradition says that there was adelightful grove of champaka tree around the main temple now known as Gayaatri Mandapam. The Devas took the form of parrots and worshipped Sri Devi here. The Kamakoti Peetham is enshrined in the Sri Chakra just in front of Sri Devi and all pujas and sacrifices are offered to the Sri chakra. It is said that Sri Devi after giving protection to the Devas enshrined herself in the Sri Chakra in Sookshma (subtle) form. There is a great concavity to the right of Sri Devi. It is said that Sri Devi appeared through the great concavtity called Bilakasa to save the Devas from the Asuras. Sri Adi sankara charya installed the Kamakoti Peetham in this shrine and he is said to have remained here for the rest of his life on earth. The sri Chakra is placed in front of Sri Devi. The Chakra is a disc wherein sacred Mantras have been written. The image of Sankarachaya is worshipped in the temple. The association of Sankaracharya with Kamakshi temple is that Kamakshi was under divine wrath and she in the form of Goddess Kali was moving out at nights and creating havoc in the city. People became alarmed. Sankaracharya who prayed devotedly to Kamakshi appeased her wrath and extracted a promise that she would not go out to the town without hispermission. Even now whenever processions of Kamakshi are taken out from the temple, they are halted before the shrine of Sankaracharya with the intention of getting permission from him to go outside the temple, in a true spirit of fulfillment of the promise once given to Sri Sankarachary by Kamakoti Amman.
The sacred tank in the temple is called Pancha Ganga. Tradition says that when a grave was dug to bury Bandhasura, a new Assura out and fought against the Devas. Iswara therefore deputed two of his Ganas who drank the blood of the Asura and put an end to increasing number. But the two Sivaganas lost their devine qualities and became brutal and marched on Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu tok pity on them and giving darsan standing, sitting and sleeping, made them again regain their good heart. The two Ganas realized their folly and regretted their misdeeds. Iswara then released five torrents of Ganga from his five tresses and made the two Ganas bathe in the Pancha Ganga to wash off their sins. These two Sivaganas are still serving as Dwarapalakas. The temple covers an area of 4 acres and 16 cents. The annual festival takes place in the Tamil month of Masi (February- March). On the 9th day, the Silver Car festival is held. Poora Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October- November) is the birthday of Sri Devi when special abhishekans are conducted.
Sri Kailasanathar Temple
Another temple to Lord Shiva, it is noted for its unique construction in red sandstone. The main shrine is bound by 58 smaller shrines and its walls are adorned with sculptures and fresco-style paintings. This is undoubtedly one of the simplest temples and lacks ornamentation in any form. The only decoration you are likely to see is the sculpted walls with images of Shiva in various forms and postures, Parvati and lions.Open from: 6.00 am-12.00 pm; 4.00 pm-7.00 pm Important Non-Hindus are not allowed beyond the first enclosure of the inner rooms
Built by Pallava king Rajasimbha, this Siva tenple is know for beautiful sculptures. The image of ardhanareeswara, seated on a bull with the feminine aspect carrying a veena, is noteworthy.
Other important shrines in siva Kanchi include Kachapeswara temple, where Siva appears as being worshipped by Vishnu in the form of a tortoise; Chitragupta temple, the only of its kind in the South; Kumara Kottam, a popular tenple of Sri Subramanya; Satyavrateswara and Agastiswara shrines.
It is one of the earliest and most exquisite temples of Kanchipuram. The temple was built in the late 7th century by the Pallava king Rayasimha and its sculptures, carved reliefs and the overall design and elegance is closer in style to the monolithic rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram. The main sanctum enshrines a unique 16 sided shivalingam in black granite stone.
This Pallava temple was constructed in the 8th century and has an attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi in the midst of one of their innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram.
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
This temple is another attraction in Kanchipuram. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is located atop the Hastigiri or Elephant Hill. The main deity is known as Varadaraja Perumal and stands atop the hill. The temple is sculpturally rich with carvings of riders on horsebacks and carved lizards plated in gold. In fact, don't miss the twin lizards crafted in gold and silver that promise to annul the sins of those who touch them. Its most striking features are the 100-pillared hall carved out of a monolith, complete with carvings of horse-riders and ornamental rings also carved out of a single stone at the four corners. The 16th century pillared pavilion is also found in this temple. The deity as Attivaradar is carved out of atti wood and enshrined within the temple tank. He is brought out once before the public once every 40 years for 48 days. Celebrated with great show and attended by thousands here is the annual Garudothsavam Festival between May and June.There are separate shrines for Sri Perundevi Thayar, the divine consort, and Yoga Narasimbha in a cave below Hastigiri Hill. In the holy tank known as Anantha Theertham, Lord Attigiri Varadaraja is lying below water and is taken out only once in a generation for the worship or devotees.
Other important Vishni tenokes include those of Vaikunta Perunal, Ulagalanda Perumal, Ashtabhujam Perumal, Yathoktakari and Vilakkoli Perumal. Thousands of devotees converge on this temple town during Brahmotsavam, Garudotsavam and car festival.
Sri Sankara mutt It is one of the Sankara Peetams established by Sri Adi Sankara Kanchipuram is the home of religion besides culture, art learning, philosophy Saraswathi is worshipped here. The present swamijis are Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri Shankara Vijayendra saraswathi.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built by the Vijaynagar kings and the presiding deity is Devarajaswamy. The 100-pillared hall of this temple proves the mastery of the sculptors of Vijayanagara in fine artists. Among the best pieces are the severed halves of a large chain carved out of a single stone and the figures of the God of Love and his consort astride a swan and a parrot respectively
Vilakkoli Perumal Temple
Mahavishnu is here given the name of Depa Prakasa or the Lustre of the Lamp. It is said that once Saraswati put a question to her husband Brahma: "Who is greater, Lakshmi or I?" Brahma quickly replied that Lakshmi was surely the greater of the two. This unpleasant reply by her own consort made Saraswati go away from her husband. Brahma, who was them preparing for a big sacrifice, wanted her to take her due place in the sacrificial rites as prescribed in the scriptures. But Saraswati declined. Brahma became adamant and carried on the preparations himself all alone. Saraswati put many obstacles in the way but Lord Vishnu himself appeared in several forms and nullified the hindrances. Once the whole place of sacrifice became pitchdark, when Mahavishnu appeared there and his luster illuminated the place. This incident made Saraswati realise that if the omnipotent luster or the light of God is present, no darkness could be caused by others. The presiding deity, Sri Deepa Prakasa is installed with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. The temple is situated adjacent to a cool park full of sacred grass called Toopul, where Sri Vedanta Desika was born in 1268 A.D.Yathoktakari Temple
The name Yathoktakari means "one who did as was bid". We have seen earlier how Mahavishnu acted according to the desire of Brahma and saved his from having to forsake the sacrifice started by him. Here, during the time when Tirumazhisai Azhwar was doing his services in the temple, he had a great devotee by name Kankiannan, a gifted poet. An old lapy who had been a dancing girl in the King's court in her youth was very much devoted to him (Kahikannan) and he rejuvenated her into a girl of sweet sixteen by pleasing the Lord with his songs. Seeing her, the King also wanted to rejuvenate himself and therefore sought the help of Kanikannan. But Kanikannan refused the request of the King, as his desires were for mundance pleasures, where as the rejuvenation of the old lady was meant to help her to serve the Lord and his devotees for a long time with all the strength of her body as desired by her, The King wanted to use the good means for a bad end. He wanted to neglect the path of Saranagati or selfsurrender, which is the essence of all religions. The King became annoyed and banished Kanikannan from the city. Tirumazhisai Azhwar himself could not stay in the city without his devotee Kanikannan. He approached the Lord with the following words: "Wilt thou keep silent, my Lord of Kanchi, when our devotee Kanikannan is to leave the place and I myself have to go with him? Rather, Thou Thyself should quit this place folding up Thy snaky bed, taking it along." It is said that the Lord Himself at once left the place along with the Saint and his devotee. The whold Kancheepuram grew dark as under a total eclipse of the sun, and everything became gloomy. The residents of Kancheepuram ran to the King's court and protested against his order. The King had to come down and approach Kanikannan with an apology. The divine party was by then halting on the outskirts of the city on the bank of the river Palar in a place which to this day is known as Orikkai (Oru- iravu- irukkai) or the place where the Lord stayed for a night. Kanikannan accepted the apology of the King and Saint Tirumazhisai desired the Lord too to retrace his steps, approaching Him with a prayerful song. The Lord heard his prayer and returned to the city which immediately became bright as before. To commemorate this incient, a festival is celebrated to this day in the month of Tai (January- February) on the birth constellation Makham of the Azhwar. This is how Yathoktakari the Lord, who was ever so ready to abide by the wishes of the devotee, the Azhwar, proved it by his action.The first and foremost of the Dravidian saints, poigai Azhwar (1017- 1137 AD.), was born in the immediate neigh bourhood of this temple and sang in praise of the Lord.
Sri Ulagalanda Perumal Temple
Dedicated to the Trivikrama form of Vishnu, the main idol is 35 feet high and 24 feet wide posing with one foot on the earth and the other on the sky.Open from: 6.00 am-12.00 pm; 4.00 pm-8.00 pm
The mythological story goes as follows
King Bali, son of Virochana and grandson of prahlada, was famous for his austerities. Though a Daitya, a ruler of demons, Bali earned much merit by his virtuous deeds and his devotion to Brahma. He became so powerful that he defeated Indra and humbled all the Devas. The Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for protection and he promised the same. As Kink Bali never refused alms begged of him, before Bali with a request for a small gift. Bali asked the dwarfish Brahmin to express his desire. The dwarfish Brahmin begged of him that he wanted just three foot- spaces of land where he could live. This being a very small request, Bali consented to give him the required land. The Brahmin raised his right foot and covered the whole of the earth. Then with his left foot he covered the entire heaven. Then with his left foot he covered the entire heaven. Then he asked Bali where he could show place for the third pace. Bali showed his head. Vishnu recollected that Bali had been a man of great charity and had done immense good to the world. Especially as Bali was the grandson of prahlada, who was his great devotee, it was not fair to kill him. So Vishnu made him the King of the Netherworld (Patala Loka). Depiction of this incident is Ulagalanda perumal, one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu according to Hindu mythology. The shrine dedicated to this incident is very rare and is peculiar to Kancheepuram. This incident happened on Amavasya Day of the month of Kartika, on which the Deepavali festival is performed to commemorate the victory of Vishnu over Bali. There are 18 Vaishnava temples in Kanchi out of which five are located in the temple of Sri Ulagalandar, viz. Karagatan, Uragatan, Neeragatan, Karrvanathan and Ulagalandar. The annual festival occurs in the month odf Tai (January- February).Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple
Another Vaishnava Temple, the temple is well-known for its sculptures and inscriptions. Its inner walls are completely decorated in lion-shaped pillars, which are believed to be forerunners of the 1000-pillared halls in later temples.Open from: 6.00 am-11.00 am; 4.00 pm-6.30 pm Sri Vaikuntha Perumal temple is famous for its architecuture. The Lord is in the sitting posture. The Goddess is known as Sri Vaikunthavalli Tayar. It is said that a Pallava king performed an exquisitely sweet- scented sandal bath to Sri Kailasanatha on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri day and the holy bath water ran as a stream. Ancient sacred books say that devoted worshippers of Siva on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri would be blessed with sons who will be devotees of Lord Vishnu. The Pallavaking was blessed with a son Parameswaravarman who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and built this Vaikuntha Perumal temple, in the 7th century AD.
This 7th century shrine of Lord Vishnu was built by the Pallava king. Nadivarman II. Its towering vimana with images of Lord Vishnu in standing, sitting and reclinijng postures is noteworthy.
Chitraguptaswami Temple
A temple dedicated to Chitragupta is very rare in the country although he records all actions, good or bad, of men. He is very well known to every Hindu who believes in Karma. The legend connected with his birth goes that once parameswara sitting with Parameswari thought that it was necessary to record good and bad deeds of men and devas and therefore requested parvati to bring a golden slate in order to draw the picture of a man. When the picture was drawn parameswari requested Lord Siva to give life to the picture. Accordingly Siva rssigned him the portfolio to record the good and bad deeds, both mental and physical, of men and of the angels. Indra had no son and his consort Indrani prayed to Lord Siva to bless them with a son. Siva was pleased with the penance of Indrani and told her that she would beget a son soon. Then he asked Chitragupta to take birth as a child of Indrani. But Chitragupta informed Lord Siva that Indrani was destined to have no issues in that birth. Then Lord Siva sent his Kamadhenu to Indra and asked Chitragupta to go and enter the body of Lanadhenu with his Sookshmaroonpam and to take birth as Chitragupta. He did accordingly. Kamadhenu delivered this child on a Sunday in Chitra month. Indra brought up this child with all love and affection. There is another version also that Chitragupta is the son of Sun- God and Nila Devi. When chitragupta went to Lord Siva, the Lord told him to go and work with Yama, recording the good and bad deeds of Devas and men. It is believed that Chitragupta is still doing the work.This temple is common to both Vaishnavites and Saivites. Chitragupta is the Adhi- devata of Ketu Graha. When a human being dies, his soul first goes to Lord Yama where he sits in his hall of justice with ten judges. Chitragupta reads out the good and bad deeds of men in the court. This is his portfolio and it is believed that he always states facts faithfully.
The sculpture of the idol in the sanctum bears a book of palmyrah leaves in the left hand and an iron style in the right hand to show that he records the food and bad deeds of human beings. Karnambikai is his wife. Chitra Poornami day, in the month of Chaitra, is the day sacred to him.
Sri Kacchapaeswarar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, a unique feature of this temple is the idol of Lord Shiva being worshipped by Vishnu in the form of a turtle.Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
This temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama performed the funeral rites for Jatayu, the bird.Jaina Kanchi or Tiruparuttikurnram
The sacred site on the outskirts of the town has a conglomeration of several fine shrines reflecting the rich religious legacy of kanchipuram. The beautifully painted Varddhman Temple and a smaller temple dedicated to chandraprabha are noteworthy.Located at Tirupparuthikkundram, these two 9th century shrines were built for the Jain Tirthankaras. Out of these, one remains inaccessible and the other is adorned with frescoes and a huge image of the Mahavira.
Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple
A must-visit temple for Hindus, the location of this temple within the city makes it extremely significant and is even mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. This temple is also known for the ‘Soma Skandha' posture in which Lord Shiva has Goddess Shakthi to his left and their son Lord Subramanya seated between them.Sri Ashtabhujan Temple
This is a peculiar temple where Vishnu is shown having eight hands. The sthalapuranam says that when Brahma performed a yaga at Kanchi the Asuras gave him trouble. The Devas came to his protection. Vishnu came int eh form of Narasimha and the Asuras ran away, but went on praying to Lord Siva to help them. Lord Siva came in the form of Sarabha, the fierce animal with eight leges. Seeing the Sarabha, Brahma prayed for help to Lord Vishnu who came with eight hands to defeat the Sarabha. In the same temple there is the idol of Varahaswami where Vishnu gives darsan with the face of a boar, his right leg touching the floor and his left placed on the head of the two male and female hooded serpents. But Devi is sitting on the left thigh of Sri Varahaswami who is holding her waist with the left hand and her feet with his right.Kumarkoshtam
Muruga is a common South Indian deity for protection. Legend goes to show that once, when Lord Brahma was unable to explain the meaning of the sacred letter OM, Lord Subrahmanya put Brahma under custody and took charge of the work of creation. Lord Siva deputed Nandi to Muruga with a request to set Brahma free. Muruga first declined and then constructed a Siva Linga to expiate his refusal adnstarted penance. It is here that Sri Kachiyappa Sivachariar got divine grace to start his work on Skanda Puranam in Tamil. Skanda Shashti and Vaisakha festival are important. This temple is a modern construction.Satyavrateswarar
The Sthalapuranam says that there was an Indra by name Sivi; he was disgusted with enjoying pleasures and wanted Mukti. He approached his guru Brihaspati and requested him to englighten him how to get liberation and where to meditate upon Lord Siva. Brihaspati told him to go to Kanchi in Bhooloka and worship Lord Satyavrateswarar. He further told him that if a real Bhakta took one bath in the temple tank and worshipped Lord Satyavrateswarar he would get the name of Indra. If he took two baths he would become Brahma, and if he took three baths he would get Mukti. But a real Bhakta if he took a bath on Wednesday and worshipped Lord Satyavrateswarar was sure to attain Mukti. Accordingly, Indra came to Kanchi, bathed in that holy tank on a Wednesday and worshipped Lord Satyavrateswarar, who appeared before him and gave him liberation. Budha (Mercury) also got liberation here. There is a unique Dakshinamoorti idol in this temple. Here Lord Siva gives darsan on a peetha with his right leg on the body of Musalakan and with his left leg over his right leg. His right hand holds a mudra and a Sarpa, and his left has a Chuvadi and Agni. Above the Lord's head is Kala Alamaram (Banyan tree) and below the Lord's feet Sanakadi Saints and Nandi are sitting.Sri Agastiswarar Temple and Sri Upantshad Brahntendra Mutt. At the time of Parvati Parinaya, Sri Agastya was directed by Lord Siva to proceed to the South but Agastya felt reluctant to be away from the Lord's presence. Lord Siva assured him that He would give darsan to Agastya in the South itself. Agastya, according to the puranas, reached Kanchi and lived there in a secluded spot in the south of Sarva Teertham and the east of Sri Kailasanatha Temple. Whil there, Agastya was initiated into Sri Vidya by Bhagavan Hayagriva. The Sage then installed a Lingam there. Tradition says that Sri Ramachandra during His search for Siva visited the Sage at this place and got Pasupatastra from him and while returning victorious from Lanka again visited the Sage and on his advice installed a Siva Linga on the banks of the Sarva Teertham and worshipped the same to expiate for his sin in having killed Ravana. It is also said that he initiated Sri Hanuman into the mysteries of the 108 Upanishads in this Asrama.
To this Asrama about 300 years ago came a Brahmin of 28 summers born in a village called Sitanchery near Villiam pakkam about 15 miles to the south- east of Kancheepuram. He was well versed in Vedas and Sastras. He got himself initiated into the Sanyasasrama by Sri Vasidevendra Saraswati who was then living at that Asram. He stayed in the Asram itself. While there he wrote commentaries on all the 108 Upanishadas and Bhagavad Gita. He also composed kirtanas on Sri Rama. Manuscipts of the commentaries and the other works written by him are now preserved in the Adyar Library. He came to be called by the name of Upanishad Brahmendra as he has written commentaries on all the 108 Upanishads.
Researches into the life of Sree Tyagarja Swami of Tiruvayyar reveal that while he refused to leave Tiruvayyar at the request of kings, he took the only special trip to Kancheepuram to visit Sree Upanishad Brahmendra Yogin in person. Kancheepuram is known as Kanchi and Cachchi and by other names also. The very presence of 108 Saivite temples and 18 Vaishnavite temples mades it indeed a City of Temples.
Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary
One of the best and most renowned water bird sanctuaries in India, the nests are usually located on the branches of submerged trees. Most commonly sighted are storks, egrets, cormorants, darter, flamingos, pelicans, moor hens, herons, kingfishers, sandpipers, white ibis, spoonbills, swans and gray wagtails are some of the birds. Visit it between October and March, when a large number of migratory birds bring life to this sanctuary.This small birds sanctuary has come up around a village tank, which is surrounded by a grove of trees. It is a heaven for migratory birds such as sandpipers, white ibis, spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails among others. There is also a sizeable population of resident breeding waterbirds. The period between October-February is the best time to visit Vedantangal. For reservations at the rest house, contact the Wildlife Warden, 49, Fourth Main Road, Adyar, Chennai.
Muttukkadu Lake
Located almost 80 km from Kanchipuram, this lake is created out of the backwaters and are abundant in boating and wind surfing facilities.Kanchi Kudil
A perfect example to experience the life and times of the locals. Kanchi Kudil is a 90-year-old heritage house that has preserved its authentic old-world charm, typical of the ancient style of living. Also added here are descriptions on the Kanchipuram's history, traditional music and a range of handicrafts for tourists to buy as souvenirs.Anna Memorial
Kanchipuram is the birthplace of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, a scholar statesman, who was affectionately called Anna (elder brother). His ancestral house today has been converted into a memorial.It is the birth place of C.N. Annadurai, an eminent scholar and statesman.
Handloom Industry Kanchipuram's exquisite silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk in contrasting colours and have an enviable reputation for texture, lustre, durability and finish. More than 5,000 families are engaged in this industry and their spectacular creations are marketed by a number of co-operative socities, located all over the state. The Tamil Nadu Handloom House offers attractive rebates.