Temples of Kanchipuram

Trip members: Karthik, Tirthankar Pal
Trip date:  2 March 2019
Trip Plan : Tambaram - Kanchipuram - Tambaram

One day plan to cover around 20 temples in Kanchipuram. We planned temples into 3 groups - one each around the popular temples - one group with Ekambareswarar Temple, one with Varadaraja Temple and the other with Kailasanathar temple. We started from Chromepet by car around 5 AM and reached Kanchipuram by 6 AM. We took the Walajabad route.

Around 6:30, we visited Varadaraja Perumal temple and Ulagalantha perumal temple, but they would be open by 5:30 and close back by 5:45 and re-open from 7:30. We reached to Kanchi Kamakshi Temple to start the trip with!

Temple Name : Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Temple
Deity : Kanchi Kamakshi (Goddess)

About : This is one of the prominent Goddess temples in India in line with Madurai Meenakshi and Kasi Vishalakshi. The Goddess Parvathi in form of Kamakshi sit in Padmasana position providing dharshan in such a pleasant way. The morning alankar was completed and we had a very satisfactory dharshan. A chakra was established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century in this temple after which the Goddess poses as Shantha Swaroopini.

Timing : 5:30 AM to 12:15 PM, 4 PM to 8:15 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area around the temple

Additional Info : One of the 108 Divya Desams is also located within this temple - Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Ulagalantha Perumal temple (4 Divya Desams)

Deity : Lord Ulagalantha Perumal and Goddess Aaranavalli (Mahalakshmi)
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples.This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in Vamana Avatar to destroy the ego of Lord Mahabali.

Timing : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area in the temple and outside.

Additional Info: The temple is 200m from the Kamakshi Temple. 4 Divya Desam temples are in the same premises - Thirukkarvaanam, Thirukaaragam, Thiruneeragam, and Thiruooragam. The 3 shrines are located around one of the shrines, that of Vamana Avatar. The rest 3 precincts are called Sri Jagadeesa Perumal Temple, Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple, Sri Thirukkaarvaanar Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple

Deity : Chitraguptar
About : This is one of its kind temple - hosting Chitragupta, assistant to Yama. This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram. 

Timing : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM.

Parking : Parking on the main road.

Additional Info: The temple is located on the main road near the Kanchipuram Bus stand. Major festival for Chitra Pournami. He is said to keep track of good and bad deeds of human beings.

Temple Name : Sri Vaikunta Perumal temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Vaikunta Perumal - Lord Vishnu in 3 postures
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples.This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram for being a Divya Desam temple and for beautiful architecture. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in three postures - standing, sitting and reclining postures. The temple dates back to 6th century. 

Timing : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple.

Additional Info: The temple is 500m from Chitragupta Temple. The temple has beautiful sculptures on the walls and pillars. One gets to see Lord Vishnu in 3 different levels inside the temple. The temple is also an ASI site.

We had breakfast at Hotel Indian Coffee House. The pongal, vada and dosa with sambhar and chutney were homely taste. Fair. The coffee was very bad, and no relation to the name of the place. There is no parking space nearby and need to park little far where on could find space. The hotel is around 100m from Kanchi Kamokoti mutt on the main road.

Temple Name : Sri Ekambareswarar temple (Pancha Bhoota Sthalam - KachiEkambam) (TNT001) and Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Ekambaranathar (Prithivi Lingam - Shiva) and Goddess Kamakshi; Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal
About : This is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam (Earth/land) and 276 Paadal Petra Stalams - dating back to 600 AD. This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram. The temple also houses Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple - one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple is very big is size, one of the largest in India and takes some time to go around - see every deity around. The temple main gopuram is 11 stories tall and one of the tallest in India. The temple is where Goddess Kamakshi marries Lord Shiva under the mango tree - which is still there and revered much by the devotees to get married.

Timing : 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area in the temple and outside.

Additional Info: This temple is around 6 kms from the Vellore - Sriperumpudur NH - another entrance to Kanchipuram. The Kanchipuram Idli is available in the temple prasada stall. They serve it with Podi and it was very good. Try it!

Temple Name : Sri Onakandeswarar Temple / Panjupettai Shiva Temple (TNT003) - Paadal Petra Sthalam - Onakanthan Tali

Deity : Lord Onakandeswarar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple hosts two images of Ona Kantheeswarar (Shiva) in the form of lingam made of granite and is believed to be a Swayambu. There are two other shrines of Shiva namely Salantheeswarar and Jalandeeswarar.

Timing : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Parking : Open parking in the land outside temple.

Additional Info: This temple is around 1 km from Sri Ekambareswarar temple towards exiting Kanchipuram to NH. The temple is said to be built by demons Onan and Kanthan who became Shiva devotees.

Temple Name : Sri Pandava Dhootha Perumal temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Pandava Dhootha Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in sitting and posture - the biggest in the world in sitting posture - 25 feet. The temple is 700m from Ekambareshwarar temple.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple.

Additional Info: The temple is also dedicated to Rohini star. Lord Vishnu gave dharshan to King Dritharashta here. Lord Vishnu went to Duryodana to get 5 houses for the Pandavas. Duryodana decided to embarrass Lord Vishnu and prepared a seat of and a deep pit below. But, as Lord Vishnu fell into the pit, he took Vishwaroopam and knocked down several.

Temple Name : Sri Anegathangavadeswarar Temple (TNT004) - Paadal Petra Sthalam - KachiAnekatangapadam

Deity : Lord Anegathangavadeswarar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple is 200m from Kailasanathar temple on the left just before reaching the temple. 

Timing : 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. But, we could see the Linga from outside. 

Parking : Very small parking area in the small lane leading to the temple; difficult to turn the car.

Additional Info: This temple is quite small. This is the place where Lord Ganesha married Vallabha.

Temple Name : Sri Kailasanathar temple (Architectural beauty)

Deity : Lord Kailasanathar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the architecturally rich temples in the Pallava kingdom. The sandstone temple and sculptures are so popular for the amazing intricacies they have. The place is absolutely stunning for the size of sculptures and the number of small meditation compartments around the temple. The whole passage (prakaram) of the temple is so decorated and one can spend lot of time going around and admiring the richness.The main shrine hosts a big lingam. A MUST VISIT temple.

Timing : 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Parking : Sufficient parking area outside the temple.
Additional Info: This temple hosts an inner prakaram which is very difficult to enter and come out. The entry is a small hole replicating the womb of a mother - one needs to crawl and get out without any support on the floor as one comes out; and then the exit is a 90 degree turn one has to crawl through. This replicates the birth and death of life of human being. One can also buy beautiful bronze statues outside the temple.

Time was post noon by this temple visit and next couple of temples we visited were closed by 12. So, we decided for a break. We visited Kanchi Kamakoti peet; had dharshan of Sankaracharya peetam and went for lunch. We had lunch at Hotel Kanaga Vilas - locally popular mess. The simple veg meals was ok. We reached Varadaraja Temple by 2:15 and got to know that the temple shall open by 3 PM for dharshan. We took some rest - went around and stood in the queue by 3 PM for the dharshan.

Temple Name : Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple - Lord Vishnu and Goddess Perundevi
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in multiple postures - standing, sitting and reclining. This temple is one of the biggest and oldest temples in Kanchipuram. The temple is on the entry point of Kanchipuram from Tambaram via Walajabad. The temple is said to be more than 2000 years old. The main sanctum is on an elevated place with 24 steps - depicting the letters of Gayathri mantra.
Timing : 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area outside the temple.

Additional Info: The temple has a 40 feet long wooden idol of Lord Vishnu. The dharshan of this idol is possible once in 40 years. The temple has a golden and a silver lizard. It is said that all sins would be washed away by touching the same. Many devotees across India visit this temple to touch the golden and silver lizard. The temple also has beautiful sculptures on the pillars of the temple. It takes almost more than 1 hour to visit the 3 sanctums of Lord Vishnu in different postures, Goddess and the lizard sanctum.

The day we visited Kanchi was Aekadesi and different Vishnu temples had different practices - few closed and shall open after 6 PM while few were ready for going around the streets - veedhi ula. We roamed around for 4-5 temples and all were not enter-able. We decided to visit a Shiva temple and then come back to this cluster of Vishnu temples.

Temple Name : Sri Tirumettralinayagar Temple (TNT002) - Paadal Petra Sthalam - KachiMetral

Deity : Lord Tirumettralinayagar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple is around 2 kms from Kailasanathar temple. The temple is quite small when compared to other temples of Kanchipuram. This is a 7th century temple.  

Timing : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area on the road near the temple.
Additional Info: This temple is quite small. There are 2 sanctums of Lord Shiva here.

Temple Name : Sri Vazhakarutheeswarar Temple

Deity : Lord Vazhakarutheeswarar (Lord Shiva)

About : This is one of the famous Shiva temples of Kanchipuram. The temple is quite known for devotees having problems with respect to law and court. Devotees throng to this temple to get rid of any issues related to Law and believe in it for the results.

Timing : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area on the road near the temple. Not so convenient.
Additional Info: This temple is quite small. The Shiva Lingham here was decorated very well and is crowded at times.

Temple Name : Sri Yathothakaari Temple - (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Yathothakaari Perumal / Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1 km away from Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple. The temple is quite small and was under renovation when we went. The God is in Bhujanga Sayanam in this temple.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple in very narrow street. The temple is walkable from Sri Ashtabuja Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Ashtabuja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Ashtabuja Perumal / Aadhikesava Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1 km away from Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple on the other side of the main road. The temple is quite small and the deity was on Veedhi Ula when we went. We could not see Moolavar.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple in small streets. The temple is walkable from Sri Yathothakaari Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Azhagiya SingaPerumal Temple (Divya Desam) - Thiruvelukkai

Deity : Lord Azhagiya Singa Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1.2 kms from Vazhakarutheeswarar Temple - on the one way route from Varadaraja Perumal Temple to Kanchipuram town. Lord Vishnu offers dharshan in Narasimha avatar in this temple.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple in very narrow street. The temple is walkable from Sri Deepa Prakasa Perumal / Vilakkoli Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Deepa Prakasa Perumal Temple - Vilakkoli Perumal Temple - Divya Desam - Thiruthanka 

Deity : Lord Deepa Prakasa Perumal / Vilakkoli Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1.4 kms from Vazhakarutheeswarar Temple - on the one way route from Varadaraja Perumal Temple to Kanchipuram town. Lord Vishnu offered dharshan to Goddess Saraswati here, after posing as light for Brahma's yajna, for which Goddess Saraswati was not invited and she cursed. The temple is known for helping in education. There is Lord Hayagreva sanctum nearby.
Timing : 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple. The temple is walkable - 300 m from Azhagiya Singar temple. 

Temple Name : Sri Kaarai Tirunatheswarar Temple (TNT005) - Kachi Nerikkaaraikkadu - Paadal Petra Sthalam

Deity : Lord Sathyanathaswami (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple is around 2 kms from Bus stand through narrow curvy roads. The deity in the form of Linga is absolutely very serene and calm; bubbling with lot of energy. 

Timing : 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area on the broad place outside the temple.
Additional Info: This temple is were Indra worshipped Lord Shiva and got out of his curse from Maharishi Gautama for misbehaving with Akalya.

One temple that we missed locating in Google maps and could not go was Sri Pavala Vannar Temple - 500m from Chitragupta Temple. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples and located near the Ulagalantha Perumal temple. The google maps shows different location and we could not go. We then located it late in the day as Pachai Vannar Perumal Temple. We had dinner at Hotel Sakthi Ganapathy on the road to Varadaraja Perumal temple and left back to Chennai. The dosas, sambhar and 3 varieties of chutneys were very good. We reached back around 9 PM.

Quick reference of location of temples.