Kanchipuram is a small, rural town about 75-km south-west of Chennai. Kanchipuram is one of the most highly visited pilgrimage spots in India , and can rightfully be called the Religious Capital of South India.The term "nagareshu Kanchi" is attributed the famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, and it means that Kanchi was the best amongst the cities of medieval India. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in South India, and was a city of learning for both Tamil and Sanskrit.
The history of Kanchi can be traced back several centuries before the advent of the Christian era. Its name is mentioned in the ancient writings of Patamnjali’s Mahabhashya written in the second century, Manimekalai the famous Tamil classic, and Perumpanatru Padai, a great Tamil poetical work which vividly describes the city as it was at the beginning of the Christian era. It was during the reign of Pallava dynasty, from the 4th to the 9th centuries that Kanchipuram became important. The city served as the Pallava capital, and many of the known temples were built during their reign.The Palavas were a great maritime power and traded with far-off China,and Siam,through the chief Port Mahabalipuram.
Xuanzang, the great Chinese traveler, visited Kanchipuram in the 7th century and said that this city was 6 miles in circumference and that its people were famous for bravery and piety as well as for their love of justice and veneration for learning. He further recorded that Buddha had visited the place and that with regards to learning; Kanchi was second only to Benares (Varanasi). The Kings of Vijayanagara dynasty ruled from the 14th century to 17th century and during this time it became an important religious and commercial centre.
One of the important temples that can be visited here is the Kamakshi Temple dedicated to Parvati. The main sanctum has a gold-plated roof. The Kailasanatha Temple is the grandest structure in the town and was built in the eighth Century. It has some great carvings of various representations of Shiva.The Ekamabaranadhar temple and 100-pillar Mandabam (building) in Kanchipuram are famous for the architectural techniques of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Robert Clive, of the British East India Company, who played a major role in establishing British rule in India, is said to have presented an emerald necklace to this temple (the Clive Makarakandi, still used to decorate the Lord on ceremonial occasions).
Today the town is famous for Kanchipuram silk which is made in the city. Before it is sold the city’s weavers offer it to the gods. The silk saris are renowned for their beauty, borders and end-pieces. Classic Kanchipuram saris are woven from twisted yarn which makes them extremely durable. Lotus flowers and peacocks are often woven in with gold thread. Five thousand families are involved in this hand-loom industry.