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The abode of trio - Kanchipuram

The abode of trio - Kanchipuram

The city of temples Kanchipuram has many popular Hindu temples, among them the prominent ones include the Ekambareswarar temple, Kailasanatha Temple, Kamakshi Amman temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Kachapeshwarar temple and Kumarakottam Temple. All of these temples open early morning around 6am and are closed between 12 pm to 4 pm , further after 4 pm they remain open till 8 pm. So plan your visit accordingly.

The three main temples of Kanchipuram - Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple together is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (abode of trio).

Among all the temples in Kanchipuram, the Kailasanatha temple is the most popular for history buffs and art seekers, while Ekambareswarar temple is the largest and is visited by both tourists and pilgrims, the Varadharaja Perumal Temple is most sacred for the Vaishnavites and Kamakshi Amman temple is most visited among the pilgrims.


Ekambareswarar Temple:
Ekambareswarar Temple is the largest and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city of Kanchi. It was originally constructed by the Pallavas, later additions were made by the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, followed by the Vijayanagara kings during 14th to 16th century.
Giant monolithic stone columns of Ekambareswarar Temple
Giant monolithic stone columns of Ekambareswarar Temple
The temple complex covers an area of 23 acres, with four main gopurams (gateway towers). The tallest is the southern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 180 Ft. The temple's Rajagopura was built by the great Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and is one of the tallest in South India. Another prominent architectural feature of the temple is the thousand-pillared hall which was built during the Vijayanagara rule.
The main entrance gateway tower or the Raja gopuram
The main entrance gateway tower or the Raja gopuram
Few of the thousand stone pillars of the Ekambareswarar Temple
The elegantly carved colossal monolithic stone columns inside the temple
The elegantly carved colossal monolithic stone columns inside the temple
Pathways around the main shrine
Pathways around the main shrine
Inner columns inside the temple
Inner columns of the temple
Entry ticket and Parking fee: Entry is free for temple, car parking charges are ₹.40.
Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm


Varadharaja Perumal Temple:
Varadharaja Perumal Temple is one of the Divya Desams and is considered as one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavites. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Main entrance gopuram of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Main entrance gopuram of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple was originally built by the Cholas in 1053. Later additions by Vijayanagara kings include the 100-pillared mantapa, Eastern Gopuram and the Thulabara Mandapas built during 14th to 16th century A.D.
Anantha Theertham tank
Anantha Theertham tank
The temple complex is 23-acre in area with 32shrines and has two main towers on the eastern and western sides, which are 180 ft and 160 ft tall respectively.
There is a panel in the main shrine of the temple where the two lizards are depicted in the roof of the temple, one made in gold and other in silver, which is believed that touching them relieves us of our sins.
Artistically carved front pillars of the 100-pillared Mandapam and the famous stone chain
Artistically carved front pillars of the 100-pillared Mandapam and the famous stone chain
Inside the 100-pillared Mantapa
Inside the 100-pillared Mantapa
The Vijayanagara period 100-pillared Mantapa
The Vijayanagara period 100-pillared Mantapa
The hundred pillared Mandapam built by the Vijayanagara kings has ornate carvings and sculptures depicting Ramayana and Mahabaratha. It is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture. One of the most famous architectural features of the temple is the huge stone chain sculpted in a single stone, similar to the one found at the Sringeri temple.

Entry ticket and Parking fee: Entry is free for temple, for the 100-pillar mantapa there is a minimal fee. Car parking is through the narrow lanes and there is no dedicated car parking area.
Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm


Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple:
Kamakshi temple is the most visited temple in Kanchipuram and most significant among the pilgrims; it is dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the forms of Goddess Parvati.
The temple was probably built during the Pallava period, and has gone through multiple additions and renovations since then.
Tank at the Kamakshi temple along with many temple towers (Gopurams)
Entry ticket and Parking fee: Entry is free for temple, car parking charges are ₹.30, through there is no dedicated car parking area, it is only on the roads around the temple complex.
Timings: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Click Here for Kanchi Kailsanathar Temple
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Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

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