KANCHIPURAM

 The rulers of southern India chose their capital cities depending on its location, vicinity to sea oanr land routes to travel, store their war equipment, nice weather and water resources preferably a river. Kanchi or Kanchipuram is such a naturally gifted safe place for any clever King to make this city his capital. It is an ancient city known as one among Saptha Kshetras which elevate us to to the ultimate state of Moksha-liberation from worries and sins. Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi and Avantika are listed s 7 mahakshetras. Thus, it served as Capital City during Cholas, Pallavas, Nayaks, and Vijayanagar empire before it went out of picture in history of India. 

Here,  we have Vishnu Kanchi, Shiva Kanchi and Jain Kanchi spreading across the same city. It is one among most auspicious pilgrim centers (108 Divyadesham) for followers of Srivaishnava faith, relived by Sri Ramanuja. Shiva Kanchi is bigger  in area than others.  

Vishnu kanchi is that part of the town, where several temples dedicated to Maha Vishnu and his various manifestations (Avatars) can be seen. Varadaraja Perumal is Vishnu with 4 arms is the main deity of worship and Perumdevi (Mahalakshmi) his consort has a separate shrine. There are angels belonging to Vaishnava faith like Vishvaksena, Garuda, Hanuman and Sesha, Sudarshana and Shankha of Vishnu.

Varadaraja statue is believed to exist here since 3^rd century, but was hidden later during invasion by foreigners in search of gold and precious ornaments, under a fig tree, hence the name Athi  Varada. A wooden idol was put in its place and later replaced. To mark this incident, once in 37 years, the  image of Varadaraja is taken out of the temple  pond and kept for darshan to devotees, immersed again after several days, with Puja on these days, attracting large  crowds.

The temple has  32 surrounds, and a 100-pillared Hall. The main tower-Rajagopuram is about 130 ft tall. The temple has several beautiful carvings belonging to Chola. Pandya, Nayaka and other periods.

A pair of Lizards-both Silver and Gold are carved at a roof corner, which as per legends, are images of cursed Rishis like Gautama and his disciple. Inscriptions in and around Kanchipuram temple show its antiquity.

As per some Puranas and local legends, Brahma performed tapas to please Mahavishnu and the latter  manifested as ‘bestowing’ Varadaraja. Goddess Mahalakshmi is here named ‘ Perundevi’.  Kanchi is one among 7 kshetras-holy places known to grant eternal liberation of good souls who visit here in their life, sins, washing away their like other places like Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Dwaraka  and Kashi Kshetras.

There are 3 distinct yet co-existing pilgrim centres here- Vishnu Kanchi, Shiva Kanchi,  each with  magnificent shrines of their faith. Varadaraja Perumal (Vishnu), Ekamreshwara (Shiva), and Jain Kanchi has images of Tirthankaras.

While Vishnu manifested on prayers by Brahma, Parvati observed penance to seek only Shiva as her husband, though her  parents were not happy to give her to Shiva,  who lived  in burial ground clad in elephant’s skin. Nothing could divert Parvati’s attention, and Shiva appeared under a single mango tree, hence called Ekamranatha  ( Kailasanathar) Shiva, and Parvati as Kamakshi. This place is called Dakshina Kashi, in southern part of India. This place has a history of at least 2500 years. Ancient Sanskrit grammarians- Patanjali and Panini ( 300-500 B.C) refer this city as Kanchiprasta. Shiva appered here as Prithvilingam, a lingam of soil, hence Abhishekam for lord is made from oil and not water. 

Kanchipuram  was a very important center of trade and commerce in South of India with fine Silk, Cotton and metalwork. Kanjivaram silk sarees woven by traders here at their homes as family occupation has a long history.

Interestingly, among 108 Divyadeshas  (noted  pilgrim centres) of Sri Vaishnava  faith, 15 are located in Kanchipuram. It was a prominent place of religious and theological studies for Vaishnavas, Shaivas, and Jains and Buddhists. Though Buddhist places have now  vanished, traditional  learning is still prevalent in schools of respective faiths. Sri Vyasa tirtha, prominent Saint of Madhva Vaishnava faith during Vijayanagar Empire, is learnt to have stayed here for his initial learning, with a Matha of his followers still has a strong following.

Kanchi has religious Gurupithas  of several vedic faiths-Advaita, Dvaita and Vishistadvaita schools. Kanchi Shankaracharya  Pitham has its headquarters in  Kanchi Puram. Rajaraja II, Kulottunga, Vikrama Chola, and Pallava rulers- Simhavishnu, mahendra Varman, Simha Varman are famous rulers of this province.

Silk and Cotton yarn, dyeing, rice mills and other industries account for the region’s economy. It is a well-known tourist location with increasing business in hotel and hospitality sector.

Main entrance to Varadaraja temple. 

Kanchipuram is on the banks of  Vegavati, a tributary to river   Palar. It is a Head quarters  of Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. The city is 270 KMs from Bengaluru, and 108 KMs from Tirupati. It is connected from Chennai, 75 KMs, by Bus, air,  train and the nearest Airport is Chennai. October to January is very comfortable season to visit Kanchipuram.