The city of Kanchi is well known in Tamil Nadu. It was an ancient city which served as the capital of Pallava dynasty. Here are some interesting things to know about the city Kanchipuram!
Kanchipuram, with a number of temples, also serves as an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. The city is also famous for the Kanchipuram silk sareers across South India.
The Land of Thousand Temples
The city of Kanchipuram has many temples. Hence, the foreign travellers have named it as the 'Land of Thousand Temples' in Tamil Nadu.
Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kumarakottan Temple, Varadaraja Perumal temple, etc. are some of the popular temples in Kanchipuram.
Kailasanathar Temple is said to be the oldest temples in this city .
Photo Courtesy: Nithi Anand
Famous For Kanchipuram Silk
Silk weaving industry is one of the important occupations here. Kanchipuram Sarees are one of the popular silk sarees in South India.
Photo Courtesy: Kamal Venkit
Shiva Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi
The city of Kanchipuram is divided into two parts: Big Kanchi and Little Kanchi. The Big Kanchi is named as Shiva Kanchi, which is the larger of the two sides. Little Kanchi is known as Vishnu Kanchi. Major Shiva temples are located in Shiva Kanchi and most Vishnu temples in Vishnu Kanchi.
Photo Courtesy: Girish Gopi
Mythical City
Some stories say that Kanchipuram belonged to Dravida Kingdom, a mythical dynasty mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.
Photo Courtesy: Senthil Kumar
A Visit by the Chinese Traveller
In the time of Pallava rule, Kanchipuram became a centre for Hindu and Buddhist religious learning. A Chinese traveller named Xuanzang visited the city in 640 AD. He also praised the culture, traditions and people in his works.
Photo Courtesy:McKay Savage
Blend of Architectural Styles
Kanchipuram flourished under the rule of Pallava dynasty and Vijayanagara empire. Many temples were built during the rule of these two kingdoms. Hence, many structures also have a blend of Pallava and Vijayanagara style of architecture.
Photo Courtesy: Simply CVR