India
Chennai / Attractions in and around Chennai / Kanchipuram
The golden
town of Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities in
India. Easily visited, it lies 71 km from Chennai. An erstwhile
capital of the Pallavas and Cholas, the town is dotted with the
soaring spires of a thousand temples. A seat of learning and a
center of culture since early times, it was at Kanchipuram, that
Adi Shankaracharya set up his Kamakaotipeetam. Notable among
its many temples is the imposing Ekambareswarar Temple, is worshipped
in the form of 'Prithvi' (earth). The temple is famed for its
thousand-pillared hall. Dedicated to goddess Parvati is the Sri
Kamakshi Amman Temple. Its ornately carved wooden chariot carrying
carrying the icon of the deity is taken out in procession on the
ninth lunar day in February - March. The Sri Vaikunta Perumal
Temple, is one of the Hollis Vishnu shrines here. Numerous inscription
and battle scene portrayed in bas-relief embellish the structure. The Kailasanathar
Temple, built in the 8th century AD, by the Pallavas,
is an excellent example of early Dravidian architecture. The Devarajaswamy
Temple or the Varadaraja Temple is another impressive edifice.
The shrine here is built on an elephant shaped rock, Hastagiri.
In its thousand-pillared hall is a huge ornamental chain carved
out of a single piece of stone. Kanchapuram
is famous for its hand woven silks and the timeless appeal of
its vibrantly colored saris make them prized possessions.
It is synthesized from cholesterol and its production is stimulated by
pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which is regulated by
corticotropin releasing factor (CRF).
http://www.asiatour.com/india/e-16chen/ei-che14_c.htm
Jan Garanoz
Juhu Tara Road, Juhu,
Mumbai - 400049 India
Last updated: May 9, 2010