Kanchipuram

Tiruvannamalai - Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram was a bonus and a surprise on our way to Mahabalipuram.  We decided to cover it on our way back. It was a decision I rue since the architectural richness of this city begs for more than a day to spare - not to forget the market of famous silk sarees which has developed its own brand.

Sri Ekambereswarar Temple @ Kanchipuram

We reached the city at 3 and directly entered Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple. The temple spreads over more than 20 acres. There was a massive crowd waiting for the doors to open at 3.30 PM.

The famous chain made of stone @ 100 pillar temple

We took a detour and entered an establishment on the left. What I saw is hard to describe. Such richness in sculpture kept so obscurely is a crime according to me.

Amazing depiction of hunt in process @ 100 pillars temple

We appreciated each and every bit of this establishment known as '100 pillar hall' which depicts various scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Exquisite carvings @ 100 pillar temple

I would place the art work in level with Belur and Ranakpur. The temple itself was ordinary but expansive. It had three concentric layers that one need to enter one by one.

5 points @ Kanchipuram Tourist Map

We moved further inside the city and settled at Saravana Bhavan for a late lunch. Post lunch we dicided to visit Sri Ekambareswarar Temple. The corridors of this temple are inspired by Rameshwaram.

Massive corridors of Ekambareshwarar Temple @ Kanchi

The Gopuram of this temple is huge and I later learned that it is one of the big 5 in South India. The campus was again expansive and elaborate. We tried to cover more in this city of thousand temples but time was passing by and we had to cover the 150 miles to Bangalore before dark.