Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham
காஞ்சி காமகோடி பீடம்
A Hindu monastery traditionally said to have been founded by Shankara, whose successive heads are revered as religious leaders, and an important religious center in South India.
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is an important monastery of Advaita Vedanta, the non-dualist school of Hindu philosophy. Tradition holds that it was founded by the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankara, and its successive heads, known as Shankaracharyas, have wielded great influence in the Tamil region. The monastery is near Kamakshi Amman Temple. Its courtyard contains a sacred shrine (Adhishtanam) honoring former heads, where rituals and recitations take place daily. Visitors may enter to observe, experiencing Hindu practice and culture. Admission is free. Dress conservatively and remove shoes inside, and some areas are restricted to Hindus.
Opening hours
About 06:00–12:00, 16:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Kumarakottam Temple
- Ekambareswarar Temple
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple
- Kachapeswarar Temple
- Kanchi Kudil
- Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
- Chitragupta Temple