Ekambareswarar Temple : It is one of the Panchabootha Sthalam [five elements of Nature] representing Prithivi [Earth]. Ekam = one, Amaram: Mango tree means Singe Mango Tree . The Single Mango Tree in the outer court is revered as most sacred and it is believed, if worshipped by childless couple, will be blessed with a child. Hence Lord Siva is called as Ekambareswarar. It has almost 60 m tall Tower that is visible even from the highway while entering the city. Legend says : Goddess Parvathi lost her sight while playing a prank on the Lord Siva. Realising the mistake, Parvati undertook the penance to get relieved from the sin. Brahmotsavam along with Thaipoosam [Jan-Feb] and Mahasivarathiri [Feb-Mar] are the important festivals of this temple.

Kamakshi Temple : It is a 12th Century temple in the heart of the town. “Ka” means Goddess Saraswati (God of Education), “Ma” means Goddess Lakshmi (God of Wealth), “Akshi” means Eye. The name in full refers Kamakshi with Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi as her both eyes. It is an important Sakthi Sthalam called as the “Nabisthana Ottiyana Peetam”. 10 day Brahmotsavam and Navrathri and also Full moon Day Puja celebrations are the important festivals of Kamakshi Amman Temple. Golden Car Procession of the Goddess within the temple complex takes place on certain days of the month.

Masjids : There are two important Mosques. 1] It was built by the Carnatic Nawabs almost over 300 years ago is called as the Jama Masjid with rich blend of architecture and heritage. One of the 108 Sivalingams in the town is located inside the mosque. This show cases another level of multi-ethnic values which the country boasts of with a lot of pride. There is another Mosque near the Vaikunta Perumal Temple. Both the Mosque and Temple share the same tank true to the spirit of religious tolerance that India is renowned for. Muslims share and take part in the annual Varadaraja Swami Temple Brahmotsavam festival too.

Christ Church : A Briton named Mclean built this church in 1921. The brick structure was typically Scottish with arches and pillars.

Kanchi Mutt : It is called as Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam established by Adi Sankara himself as Moolamnaya Sarvagnja Peetam. Kanchi Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekarendhra Saraswathy Swamigal the 68th pontiff of this Mutt lived for 100 years and his Brindavnam is located inside the Mutt’s premises. Sree Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, and Sankara Vijayendra Swamigal are the 69th and 70th pontiffs of this mutt respectively. Apart from Religious activities, MUTT concentrates on Society Development, Education and Medical Establishments. Sri Chandrasekarendhra Saraswathy Viswamaha Vidyalaya with Deemed University Status is a modern center for learning and research located at Enathur village, just 5 kms from Kanchipuram town.

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