Kanchipuram

Book excerpt: This is a heritage book which takes readers on a spiritual voyage of legends, mythology, saints, temples and dynasties. It presents vignettes of India’s rich cultural background. As one of the seven mokshapuris (centers of salvation) and the nerve-centre of vedic schools, Kanchipuram has always been a role model. Adi Sankaracharya, brought religious renaissance in the country by providing a new meaning to sanatana dharma. He established the KanchiKamakotipeetham which continues to be a center of learning and devotion. The town is credited with having around one thousand temples at one time. While Pallava rulers built most of these temples, these were extensively renovated later by Cholan and Vijayanagara kings. Exhaustive Annexures about the various rules and dynasties are also provided. The book is amply illustrated with maps and photographs, which will be of great interest to general readers and to tourists and pilgrims in particular.