5 Most Famous Temples in Kanchipuram

The first temple we are visiting today is the oldest temple of Kanchipuram, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and the sixteen-sided shiva linga inside the temple carved out of black granite is the centre of attention here. Other than the religious aura around the shiva linga and the temple, what will definitely catch your attention is how beautifully the temple showcases Pallava architecture. As you explore the temple, you will also see many brilliant sculptures and paintings. So, not just devotees, a visit to this temple will be quite a fulfilling experience for architecture lovers as well.

No doubt, people from far and wide come to offer their prayers to this temple and you can too! Plan your visit either between 6 am and 12 pm or 4 pm and 7 pm. A little travelling tip here. The temple is obviously open all around the year but it is during the time of Mahashivratri that the temple is at its grandest form. Try and visit during this time and you will have a wonderful experience!

Have you heard of Pancha Bhoota Stalam? This refers to five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the five temples represent the five elements of life, which are earth, water, air, fire and space. Ekambareswarar Temple is one of these five temples and our next destination. Legend says, Goddess Parvati herself built and worshipped the lingam here. So, you can guess that the temple has a great religious value. You should definitely visit this ancient temple during your Kanchipuram trip and offer your prayers. And when you visit, make sure to see the age-old mango tree located within the temple complex. Locals say it was under this tree where Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva.

Once you have spent some moments in devotion, start exploring the temple. The architecture of the temple is quite fascinating. And the temple actually has influences from all the dynasties that ruled the city. To see the fascinating influences do add this to your must-visit Kanchipuram temples list. The temple remains open for visitors from 6 am to 11 am and also from 5 pm to 8 pm. And in case you are wondering, the best time to visit the temple is during the Brahmotsavam festival and also the Shivaratri festival.

Located right in the heart of the Kanchipuram city is one of the most important spiritual places in India. As stated in the name, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, whom Hindu mythology believes to be a carnation of Goddess Parvati. Needless to say, the temple holds an important religious value. But it is also quite an important representation of South India’s cultural heritage!

Coming to the architecture of the temple, it was built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The towering structure at the entrance decorated with tiny, intricate murals makes for a stunning sight. As you enter, you will see the gold-embellished spire housing the deity. There is also a large pond in the temple that adds more peace and serenity to the temple’s aura. To feel the serenity and peace, all you gotta do is visit the temple. Visiting hours are from 5.30 am to 12.15 pm and from 4 pm to 8:15 pm. And the best time to visit is during the annual festival.

Next, we are visiting an important temple from the Kanchipuram oldest temple list. The temple was built in devotion to Lord Vishnu during the rule of the Chola dynasty. A wooden idol of the Lord, kept in a silver box is submerged into water inside the temple. The locals believe that the city receives good rainfall when the idol is completely submerged in the water. Along with the Vishnu idol, there are 32 shrines inside the temple where you can pray. While praying you will surely feel the composure in the air!

While you are at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, you must have a close look at its regal architecture and detailed carvings. The stone chain carved out of a single stone and the lizard carvings covered in gold are also something to look forward to! You can plan your visit here all throughout the week, between 6 am and 11 am as well as 4 pm to 8 pm.

Our final destination on the list of most famous Kanchipuram temples is the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. The Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped here. The 35 feet tall idol of Vishnu, with one foot on earth and the other foot on the sky, is a key attraction here. Visit the temple anytime between 6 am to 6.30 pm and see how magnificent the idol looks. And also, offer your prayers.

Apart from its religious significance, what makes the temple a must-see is its colourful exterior and Indo Dravidian style of architecture. The grand structures, enormous pavilions and intricate carvings are praise-worthy too!

That was all about the most famous temples of Kanchipuram. Now, it is your turn to visit these temples and witness their spiritual auras yourself! So, book the flights and hotels in Kanchipuram. The city of temples awaits you!