Incredible India | Kanchipuram

KANCHIPURAM

Kanchipuram was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. It is considered one of the seven sacred cities of India; between the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples were built here during the reign of the Pallavas. The temples are a testament of the dominance of Dravidian heritage and the city’s glorious past, when it was ruled by kings who were not only powerful but loved and patronized arts. Kanchipuram is particularly known for being the seat bearing culture and philosophy.

Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bikshu, Bodhidharma once lived and worked here. Today it is known, not only for temples but also for its handwoven, silk fabrics. AdiSankaracharya established his episcopal seat here (Kamakodipeedam).

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Located about 75 km from Chennai in Tamilnadu state of southern India, Kanchipuram is a temple town renowned for its majestic temple architecture and Silk sarees. Of the 108 holy temples of the Hindu god Vishnu (DivyaDesams), 14 are located in Kanchipuram. In ancient time the city was a hub for religious education and was known as the ghatikasthanam, or "place of learning".