Why visit Kanchipuram
- Kanchipuram - A sacred temple town
- A centre for excellent hand woven silk fabric and saris
Capital of the Pallava's from the 6th to the 8th centuries, the city was graced with numerous temples and universities for higher learning. Royal patronage from the succeeding Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara dynasties further consolidated the city's reputation as a religious and commercial centre. The Kailasanatha temple is the oldest and the grandest structure in the town. Built in the early 8th century by Rajasimha, the last of the great Pallavas, this Shiva temple is surrounded by 58 smaller shrines each with splendid carvings of the various representations of Shiva. The great Ekambareshwara temple, originally constructed by the Pallava has a 16 pillared mandapa in front of it that was added later by the Vijayanagara kings. The Vaikuntha Perumal temple and the Varadarja Temple are dedicated to Vishnu. Initially a weaving and trade centre for cotton textiles, the craftsmen slowly turned to silk weaving. The silk fabric and saris created by the city's weavers and dyers are ritually offered to the gods before being sold. The hand woven silk saris are renowned for their lusture and for their elegant combination of contrasting colors on the borders and end pieces.
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