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| Kamakshi Amma Temple Kanchipuram |
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| Kanchipuram is one of India's Seven Sacred cities and
historical capital of the Pallavas. The Golden City of a thousand temples,
Kanchipuram is the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of
Vijayanagar. Many more dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the
Muslim, the British under whom the temple city was administrated. The city was
also a great seat of learning. A centre of Tamil learning, cultural and
religious background for centuries was the Kanchipuram temple city known. |
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In the country Kanchi is also known centre of the
finest silk sarees made. In Glorious Dravidian heritage style Kanchi has
magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony.
Adi Sankara established his Kamakotipeetam.
Some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas
during the 6th and 7th centuries. Some of the legend personality
Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Budddhist
Bhikku lived, and worked here. |
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| Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for its
handwoven silk fabrics. |
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| The seat of the Shankaracharya, Kanchipuram is one of the
most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The city is situated around 70 km
from Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. One of the most important
centers of Hindu religion and also one of the most picturesque is the golden
city of temples or Kanchipuram is one of India's seven sacred cities and the
second holiest after Varanasi. |
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| Kamakshi Amma Temple |
Dedicated to goddess Kamakshi, one of the forms of
the goddess Tripura Sundari Kamakshi Amman Temple is a famous temple located in
the historic city Kanchipuram. Kamakshi Amman Temple is popularly associated
with one of the greatest Hindu saints, Adi Sankaracharya. Kamakshi is an
important part of worship of Parvati, along with Madurai Meenakshi,
Thiruvanaikaval Akilandeswari, Vishalakshi Varanasi.
Instead of the traditional standing pose in most other temples of
Parvati signifying peace and prosperity, the main deity is seated in a majestic
Padmasana posture.
The 'shikhar' (spire) housing the deity is covered wholly in gold
and the temple complex has one spire. The spectacular view of the golden spire
can be taken from the outer part. Temple sprawled in an area of 5 acres with
four entrances has been made on all the four sides. Quite elaborated is the
structural layout of the temple. |
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| A tank and numerous mandapams like the 100 pillared hall, the
dwajaarohana mandapam etc are some of the attracting complexes in the temple.
Various images of Lord Vishnu like Ninraan, Irundaan and Kidandaan are traceable
near the temple tank. Several shrines dedicated to Ardhanareeswarar,
Soundaryalakshmi, Kallar and Varaahi in the vicinity of the sanctum. |
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| Vaikasi Tamil month in the period when annual Brahmotsavam will
be held. Garuda Seva and Rath Yatra is very famous. The deity is preserved under
the pond, and is brought out only once in 40 years, for a period of 48 days. The
next viewing of this deity is scheduled for the year 2019. |
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| Festivals Celebrated In Kanchipuram |
| Brahmotsavam -Varadaraja temple in May; Garuda Sevai-
Varadaraja temple in June; Float festival -Varadaraja temple in February and
November; Kamakshi Ammam Festival - February; Mahashivaratri festival -
Kailashanatha temple in February; Panguni Uthiram -Ekambareshwara temple in
March-April are some of the important festivals celebrated in Kanchipuram. |
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| To get there |
Air
Chennai is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram.
Rail
Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu,
Tirupati, and Bangalore.
Road
Kanchipuram is 75-km away from Chennai and is well connected by a
network of roads. There are frequent buses from the city to Chennai, Bangalore
and other places. For local transportation bicycles can be hired from the shops
near the bus stand. Cycle Rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also available on
hire to move in and around the city. |
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