The origin of the Kanchipuram saree dates back to centuries ago, when these silk sarees used to be woven in temples. Kanchipuram sarees, woven from pure mulberry silk, are found in myriad colours. These sarees have borders and ‘pallu’ in a contrast colour with heavy gold weaving. Kanchipuram sarees traditionally had silk sarees designs representing simple gold lines or gold dots.
The designs in these sarees were inspired by the silk sarees designs in South Indian temples or natural elements like birds, leaves, etc. Some of the best known patterns in Kanchipuram saree borders are ‘Rudraksham’ (representing Rudraksha beads), ‘Gopuram’ (representing temples),
‘Mayilkan’ (Peacock eye) and ‘Kuyilkan‘ (Nightingale eye). Keeping in view the changing trends, Kanchipuram silk sarees have undergone a transformation. Now, even Kanchipuram designer silk sarees are available, with embroidery or crystal work done on the traditional silk saree.
