Yes, this is no exaggeration. Stand anywhere in the town; walk for a couple of minutes in any direction and sure you’ll come across a temple or two either small or big or biggest. I lived in this town for 20 complete years and I’m certain I’d be able to give you a clear picture of what’s in store.
So, what’s all about Kanchipuram(for convenience sake, hereinafter refered to as Kpm) other than temple and silks? To be fair, nothing. But it does excel in whatever it has to offer. Infact, in front of our house are the slums where people weave silk sarees. Beware, the real kanchipuram silk sarees weigh atleast 1/2 a kg and more depending on the amount of silver(they call it jari) used. If you want to buy silk sarees @ Kpm, don’t go to renowned names. Go to small co-operative units where you get a fair deal for the real ones. That is all I know about silk sarees.
Now, lets turn our attention to the holy shrines. Though it is predominantly Hindu, there are quite a number of Muslim, Christian and Jain shrines as well. Infact, a mosque sits next to the Shankara Mutt. Kpm is one place which I can proudly say where the communal harmony is at its best. To my knowledge there have been no religious clashes although this town boasts of a sizeable number of muslim and christian people. This is why Jayendra Saraswati was asked to mediate with the Muslim minorities regarding the ram temple issue.
As per the famous phrase ’’Kanchi kamakshi, kashi visalakshi, Madurai Meenakshi’’, the kamakshi temple attracts all the crowds and hardly anybody would leave kpm without visiting this temple. But I, sort of got bored with this. My vote goes to the lesser known ’’Kailasanathar temple(Lord Shiva)’’. Its quite a serene place and I think people believe that the god in this temple does not always grant their wishes which explains the reason why not many visit this temple. ;-) Actually, I’d say this temple is Pallava art at its best.
I can’t enumerate all the temples in kpm as it would require me to write volumes. There’s this mango tree in Ekambaranathar temple which is 3000 years old and no matter how many times I know this something cold goes down my spine and makes me proud of our tradition and its values. This is a must visit.
How to get there?
First, you job is to land at Madras(now, Chennai). There are 2 possible ways to get to Kpm.
Take a bus(76B, 76C and 79) from Koyambedu or Guindy. You’ve a bus every 15 minutes or so. The bus route is a national highway and you should be cruising should you take an express bus. Cost ranges from 15 to 25 bucks(depending on where you board).
Take a passenger train. This passenger train is intended for office goers. So, it’ll start @ kpm in the morning and leave Chennai in the evening. Also, plying by train takes some extra time.
I prefer going by a bike. From Tambaram(Chennai) its hardly an hour! Don’t go during rainy season(North-east monsoon - Sep to Nov) unless you’re a swimmer. The roads serve a dual purpose on these days.
Accommodation?
Accommodation is still a big problem in Kpm. There are only a couple of hotels which offer you decent boarding - like TM Hotels and Jaybala International. Food is good. You’ve Saravana Bhavan, Sridhar Cafe and lot of other goodies in and around the Bus stand.
I hope I’ve given you enough info. Should you need more, add a comment and I’ll be more than happy to share it with you.
Best regards and happy praying...