Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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(Ekambaranathar Temple; camera/video ?20/100)
Of the five South Indian Shiva temples associated
with the five elements, this 12-hectare precinct is the shrine of earth. You'll enter beneath
a 59m-high unpainted
gopuram
on the south side, whose lively carvings were chiselled in
1509 under Vijayanagar rule. Inside, a columned hall leads left into the central compound:
non-Hindus cannot go into the inner sanctum, which includes a mirror chamber whose
central Shiva image is reflected in endless repetition, alluding to his infinite presence.
According to legend, the goddess Kamakshi (She Whose Eyes Awaken Desire; a form
of Parvati, Shiva's consort) worshipped Shiva under a mango tree here. The temple's
name means 'Lord of the Mango Tree' and in one courtyard behind the inner sanctum you
can see a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, with four branches representing the four
Vedas (sacred Hindu texts).
Kamakshi Amman Temple
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HINDU TEMPLE
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This imposing temple, dedicated to Kamakshi/Parvati, is one of India's most important
places of
shakti
(female energy/deities) worship. It's thought to have been founded by the
Pallavas. The entire main building inside is off-limits to non-Hindus, but the small, square
marriage hall, to the right inside the temple's southeast entrance, is worth a good look for
its wonderful ornate pillars. Each February/March carriages bearing the temple deities are
hauled through the streets; don't miss this procession if you're in the vicinity.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
(Devarajaswami Temple; 100-pillared hall ?1, camera/video ?5/100)
The enormous Varadaraja Perumal
Temple in the southeast of the city is dedicated to Vishnu and was built by the Cholas in
the 11th century. The main central compound is off-limits to non-Hindus, but the artistic
highlight is the '100-pillared' marriage hall, added in the 16th century just inside the west-
ern entrance. Its pillars (actually 96) are superbly carved with countless animals and mon-
sters; at its corners hang four stone chains each carved from a single rock.
Every 40 years the waters of the temple tank are drained, revealing a huge wooden
statue of Vishnu that is worshipped for 48 days. Next viewing: 2019. Meantime, very pop-
ular processions carrying temple idols through the streets happen several times a year.
HINDU TEMPLE
Vaikunta Perumal Temple
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HINDU TEMPLE
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