Friday 22 August 2014

Kanchipuram-The city of temples!!


Kanchipuram is a famous temple city. It is also known by its former names Kanchiampathi, Conjeevaram, and the nickname "The City of Thousand Temples".It is located 72 kilometers from Chennai.Among the major Hindu temples in Kanchipuram are some of the most prominent Vishnu Temples and Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu like the Varadharaja Perumal Temple for Vishnu and the Ekambaranatha Temple which is the "earth abode" of Shiva. Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kumara Kottam, Kachapeshwarar Temple, and the Kailasanathar Temple are some of the other prominent temples. It is also famous for its hand woven silk sarees. 
So, when you get to Kanchipuram you see a lot of Temples and Saree shops. There are Non-AC buses every 15 min from Chennai to Kanchipuram not too many AC buses. So if u planning to travel in summers be a little careful or book a cab which would cost you around 2400 for an AC cab with the driver(Chennai to Kanchipuram and back).We decided to visit the 4 famous temples took a cab from Chennai.Keep yourself hydrated and leave the rest to GOD. :)
It took us 1hr,30min ride from Chennai to Kanchipuram. We,without thinking much headed to Sarvana Bhavan for some Idli and Dosa.
This is a common site in Knachipuram -Women and Kids selling these garlands at the entrance of every temple.

 Kamakshi Temple-This is the most famous temple in Kanchipuram. If you are planning to visit this temple on a weekend,be ready for some waiting.There was a huge queue when i visited and you hardly get to see anything as you just have to keep moving with the queue.
This was really cute.You give the Elephant some money or some fruit and it blesses you with its trunk. And man it is heavy!!

These lovely LOTUS garlands were sold at all temples. 


 Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple- The temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and known for its historical presence. The low-stung sandstone compound is a chock-a-block with fascinating carvings, including many half-animal deities that were in vogue during the period of early Dravidian Architecture. 


After visiting 2 temples we took a lunch break and had a meal at Ananda bhavan and then decided to check out a few saree shops as the temples are closed from 12 to 4.Ladies do Bargain except at Nalli Sarees. The more expensive the saree the more the bargain.
Sri Ekambaranathar Temple-  The temple gopuram (gateway tower) is 59m tall, which is one the tallest gopurams in India.



Varadharaja Perumal Temple-The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram is called Mumurtivasam (abode of trio).

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