Kachapeswarar Temple
கச்சபேஸ்வரர் கோயில்
A large Shiva temple in the city center. Legend says Vishnu, in the form of a giant tortoise, worshipped Shiva here, and the temple has a towering gateway and a large sacred tank in front.
Kachapeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, and its name means “Lord of the Tortoise.” Legend holds that Vishnu, in the form of the tortoise Kurma, worshipped Shiva here. The temple is vast, with a tall gateway tower, a colonnaded hall, and a wide sacred tank. Carvings on its walls show Vishnu in tortoise form worshipping Shiva, reflecting the blending of Shaiva and Vaishnava faith. Located on the main street in the city center, about 5 minutes on foot from Kamakshi Amman Temple, it has few visitors on ordinary days, though the morning rituals are full of atmosphere. It is open about 06:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:30, and admission is free.
Opening hours
About 06:00–12:00, 16:00–20:30
Nearby sights
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Kumarakottam Temple
- Chitragupta Temple
- Kanchipuram Silk Weaving Workshops
- Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
- Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham
- Kanchi Kudil
- Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple