Kanchipuram

One of the ancient cities of India, Kanchipuram lies on the banks of Palar river at Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, It was the capital of Chola Dynasty in the 2^nd century Bc. Later the Pallavas, the royal dynasty of Golconda, Nawabs from Karnataka, the French and the English ruled Knchipuram. Early years it was a Buddhist and Jaina centre of learning. During 7^th and 8^th centuries Kanchipuram was known as the 'Golden City of Thousand Temples'. There are 108 Shiva temples and 18 Vishnu temples in the city 1200-year-old Kailasnath temple was built in 700 AD, during the reign of King Rajasimha. A perfect work of Indian temple architecture can be seen in the construction. A beautiful Nandi Mandap leads to the interior. The Vaikundanath Perumal temple was built in the 8^th century. Three sanctuaries one above the other form a spectacular feature of this temple. Kanchipuram is considered one of the seven great sacred Hindu cities in India.