Kanchipuram: Unlocking the Mystery of India’s City of Thousand Temples

The Indian city famously known as the City of Thousand Temples is Kanchipuram. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is a sacred city with an incredibly rich spiritual history, centuries-old devotion, and amazing architectural brilliance.

Kanchipuram: Unlocking the Mystery of India’s City of Thousand Temples

Why Kanchipuram Earned the Title

Kanchipuram has been a major spiritual capital of South India for thousands of years. It is a special center for both Shaivism (worship of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavism (worship of Lord Vishnu).

The city earned the name “City of Thousand Temples” due to several key factors:

1. Ancient Temple Legacy: In ancient times, powerful dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara rulers built nearly a thousand temples here. Although many have vanished, hundreds of magnificent shrines still stand today, showing the rich temple-building tradition.
2. Sapta Puri Status: Kanchipuram is one of the Sapta Puri (seven holiest cities) in Hinduism, believed to help devotees achieve salvation (moksha).
3. Dravidian Architecture: The city’s temples are perfect examples of Dravidian architecture, famous for their tall, decorated entrance towers called gopurams and complex stone carvings.

Famous Temples and Unique Facts

• Kailasanathar Temple: Known as the first structural stone temple in South India, built by the Pallavas in the 7th century.
• Ekambareswarar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a huge 11-tier tower and a sacred Mango Tree believed to be over 3,500 years old, symbolizing the four Vedas.
• Kamakshi Amman Temple: A highly sacred Shakti temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
• Varadaraja Perumal Temple: A grand temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Kanchipuram is unique because it features major temples for both Shiva and Vishnu, reflecting religious harmony.

Question & Answer

Q1. Which Indian city is famously known as the ‘City of Thousand Temples’?
(a) Madurai
(b) Varanasi
(c) Kanchipuram
(d) Bhubaneshwar
Answer: Kanchipuram

Explanation: Kanchipuram, located in Tamil Nadu, is famously known as the City of Thousand Temples due to its extensive number of ancient shrines built by various dynasties.

Q2. Kanchipuram is located in which Southern Indian state?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Kerala
Answer: Tamil Nadu

Explanation: Kanchipuram is a sacred city situated in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Q3. The temples in Kanchipuram are primary examples of which style of architecture?
(a) Nagara Architecture
(b) Vesara Architecture
(c) Dravidian Architecture
(d) Mughal Architecture
Answer: Dravidian Architecture

Explanation: The temples of Kanchipuram, known for their tall gopurams and intricate carvings, are classic examples of Dravidian architecture.

Q4. The Kailasanathar Temple, known as the first structural stone temple in South India, was built by which dynasty?
(a) Cholas
(b) Pallavas
(c) Vijayanagara Rulers
(d) Cheras
Answer: Pallavas

Explanation: The Kailasanathar Temple, built in the 7th century, was constructed by the Pallava rulers.

Q5. Kanchipuram is one of the Sapta Puri, which are the seven holiest cities in Hinduism believed to help devotees attain:
(a) Fame
(b) Wealth
(c) Power
(d) Salvation (Moksha)
Answer: Salvation (Moksha)

Explanation: Sapta Puri are the seven holiest cities in Hinduism believed to aid devotees in attaining salvation (moksha).

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