City of Thousand Temples

Kanchipuram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, is known as the City of a Thousand Temples. Located on the banks of the Palar River, this ancient city is known for its silk sarees as well as its spiritual heritage. Let’s learn why Kanchipuram is called the City of a Thousand Temples. 

Why did it get this special name?

In ancient times, Kanchipuram boasted over 1,000 temples, built during the reigns of the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara empires. Today, more than 120 large and magnificent temples remain intact, renowned worldwide for their architectural excellence. The city is considered one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism. Its most significant feature is its confluence with both Shaivite and Vaishnavite sects.

Unique features of the temples of Kanchipuram

• A unique example of architecture, the temples here were primarily built by the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara kings. The Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, is renowned for its Pallava-era carvings. The intricate carvings on its walls are so intricate that they appear to be carved from wood, not stone.
• Ekambareswarar Temple – This is the largest temple in the city and is dedicated to the earth element of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Parvati worshipped a Shivalinga made of clay here. Therefore, the Earth Linga of Lord Shiva is worshipped here.

• Kamakshi Amman Temple – Kanchipuram is also a center of Shakti. The Kamakshi Amman Temple is considered one of the Shakti Peethas. Here, Goddess Kamakshi is seated in the Padmasana posture, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
• A confluence of saris and temples – Kanchipuram itself evokes Kanjeevaram saris. Interestingly, the borders and designs of these saris are often inspired by the carvings and gopurams of the temples here.

Kanchipuram is a city with a history dating back thousands of years. If you’re a lover of architecture, peace, and spirituality, you should definitely visit Kanchipuram.