Ever heard of India's ‘City of Thousand Temples?' Here's why it's a must-visit
City of a Thousand Temples
, is well-known for its magnificent temple architecture, imposing halls with a thousand pillars, tall gopurams (temple towers), and its famous silk saris. The city, which was once the seat of the Pallava empire, is now one of the most important tourist attractions in India, drawing not just pilgrims but also tourists from other countries and history aficionados.
Kanchipuram
's spiritual aura and cultural diversity draw tourists from across the world.
It is one of the most sacred
Hindu pilgrimage sites in India
and holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. It is one of the seven sites among the 'Moksha-Puris,' Moksha meaning that you can skip the cycle of life and death, attaining Nirvana. Kanchipuram is believed to offer salvation to its devotees.
Kanchipuram's history dates back more than two thousand years. It was once the capital of the Pallava Dynasty,' which ruled from the 4th to the 9th century, and they were great patrons of art, history, architecture, and literature. Later on, this city came under the governance of the Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Nayaks, all of whom contributed to the city's spiritual and architectural landscape.
Kanchipuram has developed over the centuries into a significant hub for education in spirituality, religion, and culture. It is also very significant to the Shaivya sect, who worship Lord Shiva in particular, and Vaishnavism, who worship Lord Vishnu.
Among its various and distinct temples, some stand out for their religious significance.
Read more: 3 places in India where Amrit is said to have fallen after Samudra Manthan
Ekambeshwarar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the Pancha Bhoota stalas, representing the element 'Earth.' This temple spans over 25 acres and is among one of the largest temples of South India and features a 59-meter-high gopuram (tower).
Kamakshi Amman Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati. Considered to be one of the three holy abodes of the Goddess, the other two being Varanasi and Madurai.
Read more: 5 places where time zone, traffic, or logic don't work like you expect
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
This temple is the home to the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vaishnavites). It is also known for its beautifully carved sculptures, pillared halls, and religious festivals.
Kailasanathar Temple
Constructed in the 8th century by the Pallava king Rajasimha, it is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram. It is revered for its sandstone carvings and is an excellent example of early Dravidian architecture.
Apart from its spiritual importance, this place is also a major center of silk weaving, renowned for its
Kanchipuram silk sarees
. Intricately woven beautiful patterns, heavy gold work, and their rich colors are regarded as among the finest and most durable sarees in India.
A Kanchipuram saree is often considered a family heirloom and is a must-have in South Indian bridal trousseaus.
The spiritual environment in Kanchipuram is saturated with devotion and history. Ritual festivals like Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, and Vaikunta Ekadasi are organized with pomp, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
Today, though urbanization has reached areas of the city, Kanchipuram has still managed to maintain its age-old charm. The combination of living traditions, ageless temples, and expert artisans makes it a very special place.
Kanchipuram isn't just a city of a thousand temples but a city where time, faith, traditions, and culture live in harmony
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Footfall at Mirzapur's Maa Vindhyasini Temple may cross 1cr mark in 2025'
Lucknow: Footfall at Mirzapur's famed Maa Vindhyasini Temple is likely to cross the 1 crore mark in 2025, shows data from the department of tourism. Data shows that over 64 lakh pilgrims have visited the temple in the first six months of 2025, speaking for a monthly average of over 10 lakh. This is significantly higher than the average monthly footfall of 6.5 lakh recorded in 2024, with the total being 78 lakh. "Though counting is still underway, numbers are expected to touch 10 lakh in July too. And if this trend continues, the footfall may cross 1 crore in 2025," said Jaiveer Singh, tourism minister. Officials said with the temple at the core, other places in Mirzapur are also benefitting from the surge. Take the example of the Ashta Bhuja Temple, which forms an important part of the Vindhyavasini Tribhuja pilgrimage. More than 38 lakh pilgrims who visited Vindhyavasini also visited the Ashta Bhuja Temple. In 2024, the total number of pilgrims recorded at this site was 55 lakh. Indications are that the neighbouring districts like Sonbhadra and Chandauli are also on the list of beneficiaries. "In Sonbhadra, the footfall in Shiv Dwar, which was previously largely popular with kanwariyas, has seen an unprecedented hike in the number of visitors," said a senior officer, adding that the numbers would be disclosed after the Hindu month of Shrawan concludes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Sitamarhi in Bhadoi is yet another example. Principal secretary, tourism and culture, Mukesh Meshram said: "Gone are the days when Mirzapur recorded seasonal tourism surge because the beauty of the rain-fed waterfalls peaked at that time. It is heartening to see people and pilgrims visiting the place all through the year." Director Eco Tourism, Uttar Pradesh Prakhar Mishra, said the surge was a result of concerted efforts made over the past few years. "While on one hand the good sites were flagged and projected, efforts are made to train key stakeholders to promote them in an organised way. The local community was also engaged, and local art and cuisine were integrated to ensure that tourism development was inclusive and employment-generating. As a result, the region is now full of options in village and farm tourism. Mirzapur and adjoining areas also offer options to adventure seekers," he said. Mishra noted that with the inclusion of Salkhan Fossil Park in Unesco's tentative list of world heritage sites will further bolster the efforts and footfall.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
BHU tourism students conduct educational tour of Bihar's UNESCO heritage sites
VARANASI: The students from the Tourism Management programme at Banaras Hindu University recently embarked on a three-day educational tour to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Bihar . The aim of the trip was to give students a firsthand experience of India's glorious heritage, ancient centres of learning, and Buddhist philosophy. During the tour, students visited the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, where they learned about the preservation process of Nalanda. They discovered how Nalanda, once a global centre of knowledge, suffered through history and how the govt and the Archaeological Department are currently working towards its revival. Under the guidance of Tourism Management professors Anil Kumar Singh and Praveen Rana, the educational tour covered Nalanda, Rajgir, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Students had the opportunity to visit Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University and listen to its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Siddharth Singh. They understood the historical significance of Nalanda's ruins and visited the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall to learn about his travels between India and China. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Learn More Undo Students also studied the sites at Rajgir, including Brahma Kund (a Hindu pilgrimage site) and Griddhakuta Mountain (a Buddhist pilgrimage site). At the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, students meditated and listened to Ven. Manoj Bhante from the temple management committee discuss Buddha's Eightfold Path. They visited the seven sites where Buddha spent time after attaining enlightenment, including the Bodhi Tree where Buddha achieved enlightenment. This site helped students understand Buddhist philosophy, non-violence, meditation, and introspection. In Bodh Gaya's tranquil environment, they deeply contemplated and imagined various aspects of Buddha's life. They also visited monasteries of different Buddhist countries in Bodh Gaya. Additionally, students studied other cultural heritages of Bihar. Through ancient sculptures, architecture, libraries, and historical museums, they gained insights into the deep roots of Indian civilisation in Bihar. BHU teachers stated that this educational tour broadened the students' perspectives and provided them with an experiential understanding of Indian history.
India.com
14 hours ago
- India.com
These Picture-Perfect Places In Nahan Look Straight Out Of a Movie During Monsoon
Surrounded by the greenery of Shivalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh, Nahan is a beautiful place to be during the rainy season. The town attracts tourists due to its lovely environment as well as historical landmarks; it's a place where one can find peace and tranquility. Here we will show you the best places that you can visit in Nahan during monsoon which combine both nature and culture. 1. Renuka Lake Renuka Lake looks like an oasis in the middle of nowhere engulfed in fog boundaries by lush foliage. Ride on a boat, moving across calm waters with raindrops falling creating ripples making the atmosphere more mystic. It is nestled amidst thick forests providing great scenery for environmental lovers and photographers. 2. Suketi Fossil Park In Suketi Fossil Park, step back into prehistoric times and uncover remains that are millions of years old. Stroll around the park's pathways admiring fossils which have been buried within sedimentary rocks since ancient times. During monsoons rains add some mesmerizing beauty to this place that makes these petrified treasures look even more attractive. 3. Rani Tal Garden It is a heaven of peace, Rani Tal Garden invites people through its green landscape including waterfalls rushing down from top to bottom levels. Have a quiet walk among blossoming flowers along trees and around breathing-in air saturated with moisture aroma after summer showers end at evening time. Being transformed into colorful carpet by monsoon rain gardens opens an array of senses to everyone who wanders there. 4. Trilokpur Temple Get spiritual at Trilokpur Temple dedicated to Hindu goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundari located amidst dense forest exuding serenity from all sides. The temple turns mystical during monsoons when mist covers all surroundings and everything turns into green. 5. Jaitak Fort Jaitak Fort built on a hill in Nahan is a silent reminder of the rich history of the area. You could go around, and see ruined walls with years gone by. During monsoons, it becomes even more mysterious when mist covers everything and the fort offers beautiful views of surrounding landscapes. 6. Churdhar Peak The journey to Churdhar peak which is the highest peak in Shivalik range will take you through dense forests and undulating pathways as rain awakens foliage's senses with every caress from one leaf to another. When you reach its top, you can observe misty valleys spread underneath offering real breathtaking moments for those who dared to go there. 7. Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary Recognize biodiversity at Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary which falls in the Himalayan foothills and has several species of plants and animals. In search of such amazing creatures like barking deer, langurs or black bears you may go for a safari amid fresh washed lands during rains. Here monsoon comes alive and reveals some patches of colorful life during this period. Wrapping up Nahan thus emerges as an enchanting destination for a monsoon traveler owing to its natural beauty that remains unspoilt and historical significance that is still evident in the place. From quiet lakes to old temples each sight has its own attraction; it welcomes all people among mountains, rivers, lakes etc., into their cool shade so that they can have fun together with nature. Once again showing off its amazing charm through green shading caused by rainy showers over the place entices everybody inside promising unforgettable memories while around them it is happening day after day till infinity.
