Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi, is a prominent city in Tamilnadu. Also called the temple city, Kanchipuram is considered to be one of the Seven holiest places in India for Hindus. Located about 72 Kms from Chennai, Kanchipuram has some of the most significant temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. There are 15 Divya Desams, which are specific temples of Lord Vishnu and 11 Padal Petra Stalam, which are dedicated to the worship of the divine saints. The city can be divided into two halves using dotted lines, based on the deities of the temples concentrated in the area. The Northern part of the city is called Shiva Kanchi Circuit and the Southern part is called the Vishnu Kanchi Circuit. There are many temples near Kanchipuram, which also reflect the Dravidian style of construction seen in Kanchi. In this article, we shall explore more about some of the important temples to visit in Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram Temple List:
Check out these main temples in Kanchipuram:
TABLE OF CONTENT:
- Onakanthan Tali Temple.
- Pandavar Perumal Temple.
- Iravatanesvara Temple.
- Kachabeswarar Temple.
- Kailasanathar Temple.
- Tiruvelukkai Temple.
- Kamakshi Amman Temple Kanchipuram.
- Chitragupta Swamy Temple.
1. Onakanthan Tali Temple:
The Onakanthan Tali temple located in Kanchipuram is a hub for Shiva worshippers where legends say the two utmost devotees of Lord Shiva, Onana and Kantan has devoted their being into establishment of this worship place. The presence of two Lingams represents the being of Oneswarar and Kantenswarar. A small compact abode, this medieval dressed temple is an olden day treat.
- Address: Onakanthali, Kanchipuram
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: You can hire a taxi from Kanchi Railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Margazhi in Dec-Jan and Aipassi Oct-Nov
- Other Attractions: The three Shiva lingas in the temple
2. Pandavar Perumal Temple:
The Pandavar Perumal temple is enclosed within the reigns of solid cold granite walls that protects the shrines including two water bodies. The temple was constructed way back in the Pallava dynasty of the late 8th century dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Apart from peace, this temple harbors and embodiment of scenic beauty as well.This is one of the prominent temples to see in Kanchipuram.
- Address: Pandavaperumal Koil St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
- Timings: 7:00 PM to 11:00 am and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: You can hire a taxi from Kanchi Railway station which is 1.4 KM away
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Sri Krishna Jayanti, Diwali and Mukkoti Ekadasi
- Other Attractions: The sitting idol of Lord Krishna which is 25 feet tall
3. Iravatanesvara Temple:
A unique architectural style presides over the Iravatanesvara temple as the age old temple, built way back in the 8th century by the Pallavas, this temple is famous for its vimanas. Off late the archeological survey of India has taken over resurrecting and restoring the temple to its original grandeur.This is an ancient Kanchipuram temple Tamilnadu.
- Address: Iravatanesvara Temple, Kanchipuram
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: It is located at 75 KM distance from Chennai. You can take a train to Kanchipuram and hire a taxi from there
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Mahasivarathri
- Other Attractions: Sub-shrines of Ganesha, Subramanyam and other deities
4. Kachabeswarar Temple:
In the small village of Thirukkachur stands a big temple, a mere dedication to the powerful Lord Shiva, spread into acres of beautiful granite chiseled beige hued temples. The primary deity of this temple is Shri Kachabeswarar along with his wife Goddess Shri Anjaanakshi Ambaal. Inside the temple resides the various interesting histories to that place displayed through banners for worshipper’s knowledge.
- Address: Nellukara St, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Timings: 5.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: Nearest railway station is the Old Kanchipuram station which is 1.7 Km from the temple
- Temple Website: www.kanchipuramkachabeswarartemple.tnhrce.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Chithirai Brahammotsavam and Chitra Poornima-full moon day
- Other Attractions: Annadanam is available in the temple
5. Kailasanathar Temple:
One of the oldest and most well known religious hubs of Kanchipuram, the Kailasanathar temple includes megalith rock chiseled structures dedicated to the mighty Lord Shiva who resides in one of his many forms, the Kailasanathar, a name which he got from residing in his primary abode, Mount Kailash.This temple displays the most spectacular form of architecture in temple in and around Kanchipuram.
- Address: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
- Timings: 5:30 AM–12 PM and 4–9 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 3 Km from Kanchipuram bus station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Mahasivarathri
- Other Attractions: The unique passed to Circumambulate the temple
6. Tiruvelukkai Temple:
Constructed in Dravidian style, the Tiruvelukkai temple in Kanchipuram has quiet an unique history based on which the temple was built here. The witty Lord Vishnu had come to the rescue of the natives from this place, him taking the form of Narashimha. After executing the asuras, the evil, he decided to reside in this place for awhile, thereby the emergence of the temple following.
- Address: Singaperumal Sannidhi St, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
- Timings: 7.00 am to 10.00 am; 5.00 pm to 07.30 pm
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 1 Km from Kanchipuram bus station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Sri Krishna Janmashtami
- Other Attractions: Many prominent temples nearby
7. Kamakshi Amman Temple Kanchipuram:
Looming tall and mighty, The Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the many rare temples that are devoteed to the supreme Goddess Parvati, another form of Goddess Kali. Kamakshi here is actually referred to the deity herself as the chiseled white rocked religious hub speaks of power and devotion.This is also a Shakti peetam and is the only temple of a Goddess in the entire city of Kanchipuram.
- Address: New No. 6, Old No. 144/A, Kamakshi Amman, Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:15 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:15 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 1 Km from Kanchipuram railway station
- Temple Website: http://www.kanchikamakshi.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Navrathri
- Other Attractions: Many prominent Hindu temples nearby
8. Chitragupta Swamy Temple:
The temple of Chitragupta has been dedicated to Shri Chitragupta Swamy, who is believed to be working hand in hand with the planet Ketu, a harbinger of bad news. This is primarily why people from all around India flock to this temple to seek the good blessings of the deity.This is one of the rare temples in India and was built by the Cholas in 9th century.
- Address: Hospital Rd, Nellukarast, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: It takes less than 5 minutes from Kanchi Railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: All main Hindu festivals
- Other Attractions: Many prominent Hindu temples nearby
Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred places for Hindus. If you planning for a tour to Kanchipuram, you will be surprised at the number of temples situated in the city. No wonder why it is called the ‘City of Temples’.The famous Kanchi Kama Koti Peetam founded by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya is also located in this very city, next to the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple. These ancient temples offer much more than religion to the visitors. Inspite of being centuries old, they continue to marvel us with their architecture and engineering. If you have visited any of these temples in Kanchi, do let us know your experiences in the comments!
Frequently Asked Question and Answers:
1. Heard That The Temples of Gods in Kanchi is without a Consort (goddess). What is The Reason Behind it?
In Kanchi, it is believed that Kamakshi Amman is omnipresent. Her abode is the only temple of Goddess in the entire city. The rest of the temples have a male deity of either Vishnu or Shiva and have no consort next to them. People who wish to offer blessings to Parvati Devi head to Kamakshi temple.
2. Are non-Hindus Allowed in Kanchi Temples?
Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temples. If you are not a Hindu, yet believe and respect the deity, you must follow all the rules of the temple to gain entry. Also, Non-Indians are usually restricted from entering the campus. It is important to speak to the temple authorities first before planning for a trip to the city.
3. What is The Importance of Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram?
This is one of the prominent Shiva temples in Kanchipuram city and is one of the Pancha BhoothalaSthalas of Lord Shiva. The temple is located in a sprawling campus of 25 acres and has 4 gopurams. It was built by the Cholas in 9th Century and is one of the largest shrines in India.
4. Is it Advisable to Visit The Temples on Aauspicious Days?
In Kanchi, temples bustle with activities on important festivals and auspicious days. Scores of crowds visit the temple and it might take 2-3 hours to get the darshan. If you are planning for a leisure trip, avoid these days. However, if you are particular about visiting the temple in these days, make sure to come down atleast a day in advance to avoid inconvenience.
