The Garuda Purana's seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) include Kanchipuram — it is the only city in this ancient list that lies in south India. Known as Dakshin Kashi (the Kashi of the south), Kanchipuram has been a sacred center for both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions for at least two thousand years.
The Skanda Purana's Kanchi Mahatmya describes the city's sanctity in detail. In the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya is traditionally associated with establishing the Kanchi Kamakoti Pitha here — one of the important mathas of the Advaita Vedanta tradition. The city is remarkable for holding both Shaiva and Vaishnava temples with equal warmth.
Kanchipuram is historically called the 'City of a Thousand Temples' — an indication of how deeply worship is woven into the fabric of its streets.
The two principal temples are Ekambareswarar (Shaiva) and Varadaraja Perumal (Vaishnava) — both built in the grand Dravidian style with tall gopurams. Ekambareswarar is also one of the five Pancha Bhuta Sthalas, representing the earth element.
Kanchipuram silk sarees are woven in workshops all through the city, and the town is as well known for them as it is for its temples. The combination of ancient sanctity and living craft tradition makes Kanchi unlike any other pilgrimage town.
- Both Shaiva and Vaishnava temples are open year-round.
- Ekambareswarar is the principal Shaiva temple — also a Pancha Bhuta Sthala (earth element).
- Varadaraja Perumal is the principal Vaishnava temple.
- The Kanchi Kamakoti Pitha is also within the city.