Kanchipuram, sometimes known as Shiva Vishnu Kanchi, has a population of 184, 000. It is one of the seven sacred cities of India, and was , successively, capital of the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Cholas and Rajas of Vijayanagar. During Pallava times, it was briefly occupied by the Chalukyas of Badami, and by the Rashtrakutas when the battle fortunes of Pallava kings reached a low ebb.
Kanchipuram is a spectacular temple city. Its many Gopurams can be seen from a long way away. Of the original 1000 temples, there are still about 125 left spread out across the city. Many of them are the work of the later Cholas and of the Vijayanagar kings.
Kanchi is also famous for its hand-oven silk fabrics, called Kanjeeveram silk. This industry originated in Pallava times, when the weavers were employed to produce clothing and fabrics, such as those along the road to the Devarajaswami Temple, are used to busloads of Indian tourists in a hurry and prices are consistently higher than in Chennai.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples. It was built by the Pallava king Rayasimha, in the late 7th century, though its front was added later by his son, King Varman III. The Temple is run by the Archeology Department. Quite unusually, non-Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple was built between 674 and 800 AD by Parameswara and Nandi Varman II, shortly after the Kailasanatha Temple. The Sri Ekambaranathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, covering 9 hectares. Its 59m high Gopuram and massive outer stone wall were constructed in 1509 by Krishna Devaraja of the Vijayanagar Empire, though construction was originally started by the Pallavas and the temple was later extended by the Cholas. The Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. This imposing Temple is the site of the annual Car Festival, held on the 9th lunar day in February/March. The Devarajaswami Temple is an enormous monument with massive outer walls and beautifully sculptured 1000-pillared hall. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and was built by the Vijayanagar kings.
Coming to Kanchipuram is easy. Catch a train at Chennai Egmore, and change at Chengalpattu for Kanchipuram.
Orissa (Kalinga) had a relationship with Kanchi. The beautiful princess of Kanchi was married to the Raja of Puri. The story is very interesting and it is now in the folklore of Orissa. It is only for this reason that I once visited Kanchi, while I was in Chennai. The Kanchi girls, with their long hair decorated with flower, and in Kanjeeveram Silk Sarees of very attractive colours, were really charming. No wonder, the Princess of Kanchi could cast her spell on the Raja of Puri, who is the first devotee of Lord Jagannath.