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Kanchipuram: View of Dhvajastambham and Gopuram of Ulagalantha Perumal temple , in Kanchipuram , Tamilnadu, India

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Tamil Nadu

Kanchipuram temple town

City of a thousand temples.

Photo: VasuVR, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Deity
Kamakshi Amman, Ekambareswarar (Shiva) and Varadaraja Perumal (Vishnu)
Where
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Time to keep
1 day
Best season
October to March

Why this temple matters

One of the seven sacred cities (Moksha Puris) of India, and the only one in the South. Kanchi is sacred to both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, and its Kamakshi temple is one of the most revered seats of Devi.

The story

Parvati is said to have worshipped Shiva here under a mango tree, making a lingam of earth. Shiva tested her devotion with a flood, and she held the lingam close to protect it. That earth lingam is worshipped at Ekambareswarar, the Prithvi (earth) lingam among the Pancha Bhoota sthalams.

What to look for

  • Kamakshi Amman temple, in the centre of the old town
  • Ekambareswarar temple and its ancient mango tree
  • Varadaraja Perumal temple and its hundred-pillared hall
  • The Pallava-era Kailasanathar temple, carved in sandstone

Festivals and when to go

  • Navaratri at Kamakshi Amman
  • Brahmotsavam at Varadaraja Perumal (May–June)
  • Panguni Uthiram at Ekambareswarar

The practical truth

  • The temples are spread across town; a vehicle saves time and energy for elders.
  • Kanchipuram is famous for its silk sarees, if your family wants to shop.

Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.

Have a question about Kanchipuram?

Questions about this temple? Ask us directly.

Start a guided enquiry

Combine Kanchipuram with

A gopuram of the Arunachaleswarar temple rising above a stone mandapam Tamil NaduThiruvannamalaiWalk the sacred hill Tamil NaduTiruttaniMurugan at peace Tirumala: View of the entrance of Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India Andhra PradeshTirumalaLord of the seven hills

How we take you here

Tell us your dates, your companions and your pace. We shape the yatra and explain every cost before you confirm.

Plan my Kanchipuram yatra

Questions yatris ask

When is the best time to visit Kanchipuram?

October to March. Festival days are the most crowded, so plan and book early for those.

How much time should we keep for Kanchipuram?

We suggest 1 day at an easy pace, more if you are travelling with elders or for a festival.

What can we combine with Kanchipuram?

Thiruvannamalai, Tiruttani, Tirumala fit well on the same yatra. Your SahaYatri will suggest an order that suits your pace.

Can TirthaSeva plan our yatra to Kanchipuram?

Yes. We plan the route, travel, stays and temple visits around your pace, with a multilingual SahaYatri as your single point of contact. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 74115 67001.