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 This
is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Kanchi is a historic
city which served as the capital of some of the mightiest empires of
the South. Between the 6th and 8th century it was the headquarters
of the Pallava empire and several of the best temples here were
built during this period. It later became the capital of the Chola
and Vijayanagara empires and was a major seat of Tamil learning. It
is the birth place of some of the greatest men in Indian history.
Ekambareswararwar
Temple:
A fairly new temple dating to
the 16th century, is the largest of the Shiva temples and
sprawl over 20 acres and more.
It has a magnificent 1,000 pillared hall and a towering
gopuram, at almost 6,000 feet (185 metres) one of the tallest in
South India.
Kailasanathar
Temple:
Which is over
1,000 years old, is a Pallava creation dedicated to Lord Shiva. The
narrow cells linking its courtyards have painting and sculptures
dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries,
narrating the story of Shiva.
Vaikuntanathar
Perumal Temple: A
perfect specimen of Pallava temple building is this temple, dating
back to the 8th century.
A unique frieze narrates the history of the Pallavas and the
battles they fought against the Chalukyas.
Of note here are three sanctums, one atop the other.
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Kamakshi
Amman Temple: This
is one ofthe
three holy places of Sakthi worship in India.
This temple is deicated to Parvati, “goddess with the eyes of
love”, who playfully blindfolded her consort Shiva and had to do
penance for her mischievousness. Parvati
was eventually forgiven by him at the spot where the temple rose.
Varadarajaswamy
Temple:
The temple with
beautiful pavilions in its courtyard, a splendid 100 pillar hall that
is a work of art and a100 feet tall 7 story gopuram of rare beauty.
Some of the most beautiful sculpture in all Kanchipuram is to
be found in this temple.
The
richest saris in India: Kanchi’s
other claim to fame is its production of silk saris, renowned for
more
than four centuries. Vibrantly
contrasting colours, borders woven in gold thread, with traditional
motifs such as peacocks, parrots,
mangoes and leaves, made out of silk that is woven to last make these
the richest saris in India and certainly the most sought after.
The saris are priced according to their weight, taking into
consideration the substance of the silk and the extent of the gold
thread.
A
unique system of weavers co-operatives makes and sells Kanchi saris.
Shops are on the main street, and shopkeepers are as pleased as
the weavers in the bylanes are to display their range and show the art
and skills that have been handed down over the generations.
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