Kanchipuram

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Kanchipuram or "the Golden City Of Temples" is one of the seven holiest cities in India and is 70 kms. southwest of Chennai. It is also known as the 'city of temples'. During its prime, the city was having more than a thousand temples. Even today it is having more than hundred temples. Kanchipuram was established by Pallavas and was nurtured by Chola, Pandya and Vijaynagar Dynasties. For centuries, this city was a major arena for artistic achievements. The city is also renowned for its superbly hand-crafted silk fabrics with pure gold and silver threads interwoven with silk

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This is the largest and most important Shiva Shrine. The temple is also known as Akambaranath. The original temple was constructed by Pallavas and contains some of the great artistic work of that era. However, some major additions were done to the temple during 16th and 17th Centuries. The entrance of the temple leads to an open courtyard with majestic thousand pillared hall. The western face of the hall is carved with Shivalinga in the form of Kameshwara

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This is the most important Vishnu temple in the city. It is comprised of a huge walled complex. The inner sanctuary of the temple has superb carvings and paintings.

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This is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and is the finest example of Pallava art in South India. The temple was built in early 8th century by Pallava King Rajasimha. The temple comprises of many sculptures from Great Indian Mythology. The inner sanctum of the temple shelters a sturdy 16 - sided black Shivalinga. The inner walls of the temple bear the traces of frescos as well as religious verses written in Pali.