C

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A Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu

I
Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of
the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres in South India

Chennai has the third-largest expatriate population in India at 35,000

in 2009, 82,790 in 2011 and estimated at over 100,000 by 2016

Geography
Chennai is located on the southeastern coast of India in the northeastern
part of Tamil Nadu on a flat coastal plain known as the
Eastern Coastal Plains. Its average elevation is around 6.7 metres (22 ft),[71]
and its highest point is 60 m (200 ft).[72] Chennai is 2,184 kilometres
(1,357 mi) south of Delhi, 1,337 kilometres (831 mi) southeast of Mumbai,
and 345 kilometres (214 mi) east of Bangalore by road

Chennai's soil is mostly clay, shale and sandstone

Area[4]
Metropolis 426km2(164.8sqmi)
Metro[6] 1,189km2(459.07sqmi)
CLIMATE
Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate (Kppen: Aw).
The city lies on the thermal equator[96] and is also on the coast, which
prevents extreme variation in seasonal temperature.
The hottest part of the year is late May to early June, known regionally
as Agni Nakshatram ("fire star") or as Kathiri Veyyil,[97] with maximum
temperatures around 3540 C (95104 F).
The coolest part of the year is January, with minimum temperatures around
1925 C (6677 F)
The city gets most of its seasonal rainfall from the northeast monsoon
winds, from midOctober to midDecember.

ARCHITECTURE
Architecture: From Colonial to Present Times
A rich amalgam of three broad architecture styles marks the evolution of Chennai's landscape
as a pioneer in modern town planning and urban development.
Starting from the Dravidian temples and edifices built by the Pallavas to the Indo-Saracenic
style, first introduced in Chennai by the British, and finally, to the 20th century steel and
chrome high-rises, there is a process of natural growth in city architecture.
The port area also called as Parry's Corner (or Broadway) is the core of the British era
buildings.
As one travels away from the port locality considered as the oldest residential zone of
Chennai, one is exposed to new-age structures, commercial quarters along with Indo-
Saracenic buildings juxtaposed in between reminding one of the colonial past.
European Style Constructions
Some of the earliest constructions based on European styles - Neo-Classical, Romanesque,
Gothic and Renaissance - were done in Chennai as it is the first major British settlement in the
Indian subcontinent.
However, these initial buildings served only utilitarian purposes for warehousing, trading and
settlement posts.
Over time, these edifices gave way to fortified towns along the coastline.

Here are some of the Prominent Buildings:

Fort St. George, Madras High Court complex, Valluvar Kottam, Raj Bhavan,
Government Museum, Ripon Buildings, Senate House, Egmore Railway station, Centre
Railway station, Connemara Library, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, War
Memorial, Vivekanandar Illam, The Museum Theatre, Higginbothams and College of E
gineering, Guindy, and Freemasons Hall.
KAPLESHWAR TEMPLE

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai is a temple of Shiva

Colorful Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Shiva, established in the 7th

century & later rebuilt

The Gopuram inside the temple marks

as a unique example of Dravidian
architectural style

HISTORY
According to the Puranas, Shakti worshipped
Shiva in the form of a peacock, giving the
vernacular name Mylai (Mayili) to the area that
developed around the temple - mayil is Tamil for
"peacock".[3] Shiva is worshiped as
Kapaleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam.
His consort Parvati is depicted as Karpagambal.
The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century
Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram,
written by Tamil saint poets known as the
nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam

The commonly held view is that the temple was built in the 7th century CE by the
ruling Pallavas

The Legend Behind The Temple

The name Mylapore is derived from the legend that the Goddess Uma
worshipped Siva in the form of a peacock (or mayil in Tamil). We can see a
representation of this legend on stone in a small Shrine under a Punnai tree
(Sthala Vriksha) in the Courtyard of the temple.

Though the clear picture about who built the temple is not known, it is
commonly believed that the temple was originally built by Pallavas in the
seventh century CE due to its reference in the hymns of the Nayanmars;
however, the architecture of the temple seems to be just 300-400 years
old. The scholars have concluded that the original temple was built at the
seashore in 7th century by Pallavas and was destroyed by Portuguese. The
temple existing today about 1 km far from the shore was built by Vijay
Nagar kings during 16th century
 The Temple
The Kapaleeshwarar temple is of typical
Dravidian architectural style,
With the gopuram overpowering the street on which
the temple sits.
This temple is also a testimonial for the
vishwakarmas sthapathis.
There are two entrances to the temple marked by
the gopuram on either side.
The east gopuram is about 40 m high, while the
smaller western gopuram faces the sacred tank.

The vahanas (Sanskrit for "vehicles") at the temple includethe bullAdhikaranandi, elephant,
bandicoot, peacock, goat and parrot, while a golden chariot is a recent addition.
Statues of the god and the goddess are seated on a vahana or chariot which is brought in a
procession around the temple while the temple band plays music.
Devotees gather around the vahanas and consider it a privilege to pull / lift the God and the
Goddess on the vahana.
There is also a peacock and a peahen caged inside the temple, to symbolize the tradition that
Karpagambal had come in the form of peahen to plead to Kapaleeshwarar

View of the kapleshwar Temple,Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

ANCIENT PAST OF MYLAPORE.

It was apparently a weel-known sea port town with a flourishing trade. It must have also
been a place of culture, as Saint, Tiruvalluvar the celebrated author of Tirukkurl, the Wordl-
famous ethical treatise, lived in Mylapore nearly 2,000 years ago
 ELEMENTS OF DRAVADIAN STYLE TEMPLE

COMPONENTS OF TEMPLE

RELIGIOUS WORKS AND SAINTS

THERE IS REFERENCE TO THE TEMPLE IN SANGAM LITERATURE OF THE 1ST TO
5TH CENTURIES AND THE EARLIEST MENTION IS FOUND IN 6TH CENTURY
TAMIL LITERATURE. THE TEMPLE AND THE DEITY WERE IMMORTALIZED IN TAMIL
POETRY IN THE WORKS OF TEVARAM BY POET SAINT BELONGING TO THE 7TH
CENTURY - THIRUGNANA SAMBANTHAR HAS COMPOSED TE 6TH POOMPAVAI
PATHIGAM IN PRAISE OF THE TEMPLE.[6]ARUNAGIRINATHAR, THE 15TH-CENTURY
POET, SINGS PRAISE OF THE TEMPLE IN TIRUMAYILAI TIRUPUGAZH. THE 12TH-
CENTURY POET, GUNAVEERA PANDITHAR SINGS ABOUT NEMINATHAN
UNDER THEERTHANGAR NEMINATHAR PUGAZH.[14] TIRUMAYILAI
PRABANTHANGAL IS A COMPILATION OF FOUR WORKS ON THE TEMPLE AND THE
DEITY
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai

I. This colorful, multi-

level seaside temple
with ornate details
honors the Hindu
goddess Lakshmi.
II. Address: Beach Road,
Arulmigu
Mahalakshmi Temple,
Besant Nagar, Near
Elliot's Beach,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Ashtalakshmi Temple Overview

Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple was established in Besant Nagar, Chennai on the coast of Bay of
Bengal as per the desire of Sri Maha Periyaval of Kanchi Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati
Swamigal.
The temple is huge with length and breadth of nearly 65ft and 45ft respectively.
Six prayers (pujas) take place each day as per the Vedic rules followed by the temple.
Many devotees put their faith in the foundation of this temple.
Apart from locals, you can also witness tourists flocking in from different parts of the world
to enjoy the beauty of the temple by the Besant Nagar Beach.

Construction
The temple was constructed on the wishes of Sri Chandrashekarendra
Saraswati swamigal of Kanchi Mutt.
The foundation was land in January 1974 by public participation
The consecration of the temple took place on 5 April 1976 in the presence of the 44th
guru of the Ahobila Mutt Vedhantha Dhesika Yatheendhra Mahadhesikan Swami.
The temple is constructed with Ashtanga Vimana in the tower in the Omkara design.
The shadow of the tower does not fall on the ground. The design is similar to the Big
Temple in Thanjavur

How to Reach Ashtalakshmi Temple

The temple is situated at a distance of 10 km from central Chennai. The
most optimal way to reach the temple is through a taxi which charges
around INR 100 for 4 km.
HISTORY
THE TEMPLE HAS BEEN BUILT FACING THE SEA WHICH IS BELIEVED
TO BE THE BIRTHPLACE OF GODDESS LAKSHMI WHO RESIDES IN
THE TEMPLE.
ACCORDING TO THE ANCIENT TIMES MENTIONED IN THE VEDAS,
WHEN THE MILKY OCEAN WAS SWIRLED BY THE DEVAS AND ASURAS,
GODDESS LAKSHMI WHO ENDOWS WEALTH AND PROSPERITY TO
HER DEVOTEES SURFACED.
THIS IS A TEMPLE BUILT RECENTLY FOLLOWING THE DESIGN OF
THE PERUMAL TEMPLE IN TIRUKOSHTIYUR
IN SIVAGANGADISTRICT IN STEPS.
DUE TO THE FLOW OF NOT ONLY DEVOTEES BUT TOURISTS TOO, THE TEMPLE HAS
GROWN VERY FAMOUSON THE BEASANT NAGAR BEACH BUILT WITH MARBLE
STONES.
EVERY SCULPTURE TELLS STORIES OF DIVINE BEAUTY

ARCHITECTURE
THIS ANCIENT TEMPLE WAS BUILT ACCORDING TO THE
"ASHTANGA VIMANA (EIGHT PARTS)" STYLE.
THE TEMPLE COMPRISES OF THREE FLOORS- GROUND, FIRST
AND SECOND FLOOR.
EVERY FLOOR CONSISTS OF AN IDOL OF LORD VISHNU IN THREE
DIFFERENT FORMS- STANDING, SITTING AND RESTING.

THE TEMPLE ALSO CONSISTS OF A 5.5 FT GOLD-PLATED KALASAM

ON TOP OF THE SANCTUM SANCTORUM WHICH HOLDS THE IDOL
OF MAHAVISHNU AND MAHALAKSHMI AS THE SUPREME DEITY OF
THE TEMPLE.

THE TEMPLE
THE TEMPLE MEASURES 65 FT IN LENGTH AND 45 FT IN BREATH. IT IS MODELED
AFTER THE SUNDHARARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE IN UTHIRAMERUR.
IN THIS TEMPLE, THE ASHTALAKSHMIS, THE EIGHT FORMS OF GODDESS LAKSHMI,
ARE PRESENT IN FOUR LEVELS IN NINE SEPARATE SANCTUMS. THE SHRINE OF
LAKSHMI AND HER CONSORT VISHNU IS IN LEVEL TWO. ONE STARTS THE WORSHIP
FROM HERE. TAKING THE STAIRS, THE PATH LEADS TO THE THIRD FLOOR, WHICH
HAS THE SHRINES OF SANTHANALAKSHMI, VIJAYALAKSHMI, VIDYALAKSHMI AND
GAJALAKSHMI. FURTHER FEW STEPS WOULD LEAD TO THE SHRINE OF
DHANALAKSHMI, WHICH IS THE ONLY SHRINE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR. EXITING THE
MAIN SHRINE, IN THE FIRST LEVEL,
THERE ARE SHRINES FOR AADILAKSHMI, DHAANYA LAKSHMI AND DHARYALAKSHMI.
THE TEMPLE ALSO HAS DASHAVATARA (AVATARS OF VISHNU),
GURUVAYOORAPPAN, GANESHA, DHANWANTHARI AND ANJANEYAR DEITIES
SPECIAL FEATURES :
OMKHARA(AUM)SHAPE :
THE TEMPLE WAS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED IN THE SHAPE OF
AUM,THE FIRST VEDIC MANTRA, PRANAVA. THE EVERLASTING ROARING
WAVES OF THE BAY OF BENGAL REVERBERATE THE PRANAVA SOUND AND
REMIND ONE THAT THE GOD AND GODDESS RESIDE IN THE PRANAVA
SOUND. AS THE TEMPLE IS IN THE AUM SHAPE IT IS WELL KNOWN AS
THE OMKHARAKSHETRA.
ASHTANGA VIMANA :
AS THE TEMPLE IS DEDICATED TO MAHAVISHNU AND ASHTA LAKSHMIS, THE
CONSTRUCTION IS ON THE MODELS OF ASHTANGA VIMANA (EIGHT PARTS)
STYLE. THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY ANCIENT STYLES OF TEMPLE
CONSTRUCTION. THIS ASHTANGA VIMANA STYLE IS FOUND
IN TIRUKKOTIYUR WHERE SRI RAMANUJA LEARNT THE MEANING OF THE
ASHTAKSHARA MANTRA AT THE FEET OF TIRUKKOTIYUR NAMBI, MADURAI
.
UNDER ONE VIMANAM (TURRET) , EIGHT SHRINES ARE CONSTRUCTED
SIDEWAYS AND ABOVE ON THE TWO TIERS.

DETAILS OF THE TEMPLE

View of Ashatha Lakshmi Temple,Tamil Nadu

MARINA BEACH
Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in the city of Chennai, India, along the Bay of
he beach runs from near Fort St. Georgein the north to Foreshore Estatein the south, a
distance of 6.5 km, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country and one of the
world's longest beach ranking with 1.
The Marina is primarily sandy, unlike the short, rocky formations that make up
the JuhyBeach in Mumbai.
The average width of the beach is 300 m (980 ft) and the width at the widest stretch is
437 m (1,434 ft).
Bathing and swimming at the Marina Beach are legally prohibited because of the dangers,
as the undercurrent is very turbulent.
It is one of the most crowded beaches in the country and attracts about 30,000 visitors a
day during weekdays and 50,000 visitors a day during the weekends and on holidays
During summer months, about 15,000 to 20,000 people visit the beach daily.

Aerial view of Marina Beach,Chennai,Tamil Nadu

KRISHNAS BUTTER BALL

KRISHNA'S BUTTERBALL (ALSO KNOWN AS VAAN IRAI KALIAND KRISHNA'S

GIGANTIC BUTTERBALL) IS A GIGANTIC GRANITE BOULDER RESTING ON A
SHORT INCLINE IN THE HISTORICAL TOWN OF MAHABALIPURAM IN
INDIA.]THE BOULDER IS APPROXIMATELY 6 METERS HIGH AND 5 METERS
WIDE AND WEIGHS AROUND 250 TONS. IT STANDS ON AN APPROXIMATELY
1.2-METER (4 FT) BASE ON A SLOPE, AND IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN AT THE
SAME PLACE FOR 1200 YEARS

A TOWN ABOUT 60 KM SOUTH OF CHENNAI FAMOUS FOR ITS STONE

CARVINGS. THE BUTTERBALL IS A GIANT BALANCING ROCK, 5 METERS
IN DIAMETER, PERCHED ON A SMOOTH SLOPE, SEEMINGLY DEFYING ALL
LAWS OF PHYSICS.
IN HINDU MYTHOLOGY LORD KRISHNA HAD AN INSATIABLE APPETITE FOR
BUTTER, AND AS A CHILD, WOULD OFTEN SNEAK A HANDFUL FROM HIS
MOTHERS BUTTER JAR. SITUATED ON A HILL SLOPE NEAR THE GANESH
RATHA THIS MASSIVE NATURAL ROCK BOULDER IS ATTRIBUTED TO A
BOLUS OF BUTTER THE YOUNG KRISHNA WOULD STEAL

THIS TYPE OF ROCK IS CALLED A VENTIFACT

a stone shaped by the erosive action of wind-blown sand.

A
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I AUROVILLE (CITY OF DAWN) IS AN EXPERIMENTAL
TOWNSHIP IN VILUPPURAM DISTRICT MOSTLY IN THE
STATE OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA WITH SOME PARTS IN THE

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UNION TERRITORY OF PUDUCHERRY IN SOUTH
INDIA. IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1968 BY MIRRA
ALFASSA (KNOWN AS "THE MOTHER") AND DESIGNED
BY ARCHITECT ROGER ANGER

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AUROVILLE WANTS TO BE A UNIVERSAL TOWN
WHERE MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL COUNTRIES
ARE ABLE TO LIVE IN PEACE AND PROGRESSIVE
HARMONY, ABOVE ALL CREEDS, ALL POLITICS AND

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ALL NATIONALITIES. THE PURPOSE OF AUROVILLE
IS TO REALIZE HUMAN UNITY

Climate
IT IS INCLUDED IN THE SUB-HUMID TROPICS AND SITUATED ON A
PLATEAU REGION WITH ITS MAXIMUM ELEVATION OF 32 M (105 FT)
ABOVE SEA LEVEL LOCATED IN THE MATRIMANDIR AREA. THE ANNUAL
RAINFALL AVERAGE IS 1,200 MM (47 IN) MAINLY FROM THE SW
MONSOON (JUNE TO SEPT.) AND NE MONSOON (NOV TO DEC) WITH A
DRY PERIOD OF APPROX 6 MONTHS. THE AVERAGE MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE IS 32.2 C (90.0 F), AVERAGE MINIMUM 20 C (68 F).
Peace Area
At the centre of the township lies the Peace Area, comprising the Matrimandir and its gardens,
the amphitheatre with the Urn of Human Unity that contains the soil of 121 nations and 23
Indian states, and the project of a lake to help create an atmosphere of calm and serenity and
to serve as a groundwater recharge area.
Industrial Zone
A 109-hectare area to the north of the Peace Area, the Industrial Zone, a zone for "green"
industries, is focused on Auroville's efforts towards a self-supporting township. It will contain
small and medium-scale industries, training centres, arts and crafts, and the city's
administration.
Residential Zone
The largest of the four city zones, comprising of 189 hectares, the Residential Zone is
bordered by parks on the north, south and west. Main access to the zone will be through the
crown road with further traffic distribution via five radial roads that divide the zone into sectors
of increasing densities. This zone wants to provide a well-adjusted habitat between individual
and collective living. 55% of the area will be green and only 45% built surface, thereby creating
an urban density balanced by nature.
International Zone
The International Zone, a zone of 74 hectares to the west of the Peace Area, will host national
and cultural pavilions, grouped by continents. Its central focus is to create a living
demonstration of human unity in diversity through the expression of the genius and contribution
of each nation to humanity
Cultural Zone
Planned on a 93-hectare area, situated to the east of the Peace Area, the Cultural Zone will
be a site for applied research in education and artistic expression. Facilities for cultural,
educational, art and sports activities will be located in this zone.
Green Belt
The city area with a radius of 1.25 km. will be surrounded by a Green Belt of 1.25 km width. As
a zone for organic farms, dairies, orchards, forests, and wildlife areas, this belt will act as a
barrier against urban encroachment, provide a variety of habitats for wildlife, and serve as a
source for food, timber, medicines etc. and as a place for recreation.
Presently an area of 405 hectares, the Green Belt - though incomplete - stands as an example
of successful transformation of wasteland into a vibrant eco-system. Its further planned
extension with an additional 800 hectares will make it into a remarkable demonstration site for
soil and water conservation, ground water recharge, and environmental restoration. As lungs
for the entire township, it will complete the healing process that Auroville started several
decades ago.
 Plan of auroville

MATRI MANDIR

THE MATRIMANDIR (SANSKRIT FOR TEMPLE OF THE MOTHER) IS AN

EDIFICE OF SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR PRACTITIONERS OF INTEGRAL
YOGA, SITUATED AT THE CENTRE OF AUROVILLE INITIATED BY THE
MOTHER OF THE SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM. IT IS CALLED SOUL OF THE
CITY AND IS SITUATED IN A LARGE OPEN SPACE CALLED PEACE.
MATRIMANDIR DOES NOT BELONG TO ANY PARTICULAR RELIGION OR
SECT.

HEIGHT: 29 M
OPENED: FEBRUARY 2008
TOWN OR CITY: AUROVILLE
GROUNDBREAKING: 21 FEBRUARY 1971
ARCHITECTS: MIRRA ALFASSA, ROGER ANGER
 EVENING VIEW OF MATRI MANDIR
THE MATRIMANDIR TOOK 37 YEARS TO BUILD, FROM THE LAYING OF THE
FOUNDATION STONE AT SUNRISE ON 21 FEBRUARY 1971 - THE MOTHERS 93RD
BIRTHDAY - TO ITS COMPLETION IN MAY 2008. IT IS IN THE FORM OF A HUGE
SPHERE SURROUNDED BY TWELVE PETALS. THE GEODESIC DOME IS COVERED
BY GOLDEN DISCS AND REFLECTS SUNLIGHT, WHICH GIVES THE STRUCTURE ITS
CHARACTERISTIC RADIANCE. INSIDE THIS CENTRAL DOME IS A MEDITATION HALL
KNOWN AS THE INNER CHAMBER - THIS CONTAINS THE LARGEST OPTICALLY-
PERFECT GLASS GLOBE IN THE WORLD. THE MATRIMANDIR, AND ITS
SURROUNDING GARDENS IN THE CENTRAL PEACE AREA, IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
BY APPOINTMENT.

THE FOUR MAIN PILLARS THAT SUPPORT THE STRUCTURE OF MATRIMANDIR, AND
CARRY THE INNER CHAMBER, HAVE BEEN SET AT THE FOUR MAIN DIRECTIONS OF
THE COMPASS. THESE FOUR PILLARS ARE SYMBOLIC OF THE FOUR ASPECTS OF
THE MOTHER AS DESCRIBED BY SRI AUROBINDO AND ARE NAMED AFTER THESE
FOUR ASPECTS.
 KANCHIPURAM DISTRICT IS A DISTRICT IN THE NORTHEAST OF THE

K
STATE OF TAMIL NADU IN INDIA. IN EARLY DAYS CHENGALPATTU IS
CALLED AS THE DISTRICT. IN LATER KANCHIPURAM IS CONSIDERED
AS A DISTRICT. IT IS BOUNDED IN THE WEST BY VELLORE
DISTRICT AND THIRUVANNAMALAI DISTRICT, IN THE NORTH

A
BY TIRUVALLUR DISTRICT AND CHENNAI DISTRICT IN THE SOUTH
BY VILUPPURAM DISTRICT AND IN THE EAST BY THE BAY OF BENGAL.
IT LIES BETWEEN 11 00' TO 12 00' LATITUDES AND 77 28' TO 78 50'
LONGITUDES. THE DISTRICT HAS A TOTAL GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF
4,432 KM2 (1,711 SQ MI) AND COASTLINE OF 57 KM (35 MI). THE TOWN

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OF KANCHIPURAMS THE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS

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H
I
P Climate

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Kanchipuram generally experiences hot and humid climatic conditions
throughout the year. Temperatures reache an average maximum of 37.5 C
(99.5 F) between April and July, and an average minimum of 20.5 C (68.9 F)
between December and February. The daytime heat during summer can be
oppressive; temperatures can reach 43 C (109 F). Relative humidities of

R
between 58% and 84% prevail throughout the year. The humidity reaches its
peak during the morning and is lowest in the evening. Relative humidity is higher
between November and January and is lowest throughout June.
The city receives an average of 1064 mm of rainfall annually, 68% of which falls

A
during the northeast monsoon. Most of the precipitation occurs in the form of
cyclonic storms caused by depressions in the Bay of Bengal during the northeast
monsoon. The prevailing wind direction is south-westerly in the morning and
south-easterly in the evening.

M
EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE

EKAMBARANATHAR TEMPLE (EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE) IS A HINDU

TEMPLE DEDICATED TO THE DEITY SHIVA, LOCATED IN THE TOWN
OF KANCHIPURAM IN TAMIL NADU, INDIA. IT IS SIGNIFICANT TO THE HINDU
SECT OF SAIVISM AS ONE OF THE TEMPLES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FIVE
ELEMENTS, THE PANCHA BHOOTA STALAS, AND SPECIFICALLY THE
ELEMENT OF EARTH, OR PRITHVI. SHIVA IS WORSHIPED AS
EKAMBARESWARAR OR EKAMBARANATHAR, AND IS REPRESENTED BY
THE LINGAM, WITH HIS IDOL REFERRED TO AS PRITHVI LINGAM. HIS
CONSORT PARVATI IS DEPICTED AS GOWRIDEVI AMMAN

Area Covered

THE TEMPLE COMPLEX COVERS 25 ACRES, AND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST

IN INDIA. IT HOUSES FOUR GATEWAY TOWERS KNOWN AS GOPURAMS.
THE TALLEST IS THE SOUTHERN TOWER, WITH 11 STORIES AND A HEIGHT
OF 55 METRES (180 FT), MAKING IT ONE OF THE TALLEST TEMPLE TOWERS
IN INDIA. THE TEMPLE HAS NUMEROUS SHRINES, WITH THOSE OF
EKAMBARESWARAR AND NILATHINGAL THUNDAM PERUMAL BEING THE
MOST PROMINENT. THE TEMPLE COMPLEX HOUSES MANY HALLS; THE
MOST NOTABLE IS THE THOUSAND-PILLARED HALL BUILT DURING
THE VIJAYANAGAR PERIOD.
HISTORY

THIS VAST TEMPLE IS ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT

IN INDIA HAVING BEEN IN EXISTENCE SINCE AT
LEAST 600 AD INITIALLY TEMPLE WAS BUILT
BY PALLAVAS. THE VEDANTIST KACHIYAPPER
SERVED AS A PRIEST AT THE TEMPLE. THE
EXISTING STRUCTURE THEN, WAS PULLED DOWN
AND REBUILT BY THE LATER CHOLA KINGS
Sculptures on wall

THE VIJAYANAGAR KINGS, DURING THE 15TH

CENTURY, ALSO MADE LOT OF
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEMPLE AND LATER
DEVELOPED BY VALLAL PACHIYAPPA
MUDALIAR USED TO GO REGULARLY FROM
CHENNAI TO KANCHIPURAM TO WORSHIP IN
THIS TEMPLE

ARCHITECTURE Sculptures on wall

THE TEMPLE COVERS AN AREA OF OVER 23 ACRES (93,000 M 2). REACHING

A HEIGHT OF 59 M (194 FT),
THE TEMPLE'S RAJA GOPURAM (THE ENTRANCE TOWER TO THE TEMPLE)
IS ONE OF THE TALLEST IN SOUTH INDIA.
THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE GATEWAY TOWER HAS THE SHRINES OF
VINAYAKA AND MURUGAN ON EITHER SIDES.
FROM THE ENTRANCE, THERE ARE TWO HALLS NAMELY VAHANA
MANDAPAM (VEHICLE HALL) AND SARABESA MANDAPAM (ALSO CALLED
NAVARATRI HALL).
THE AAYIRAM KAAL MANDAPAM, OR THE "HALLWAY WITH A THOUSAND
PILLARS", WHICH WAS BUILT BY THE VIJAYANAGAR KINGS, IS FOUND ON
PRECINCT AFTER THE GATEWAY TOWER.
BEEN AN UNDERGROUND HOLY RIVER. THE FOURTH COURTYARD
CONTAINS A SMALL GANESHA TEMPLE AND A POND.
THE THIRD COURTYARD CONTAINS LOT OF SMALLER SHRINES.
LOCATED TO THE MAIN ENTRANCE AND THE TEMPLE TANK ON EITHER
DIRECTIONS.
THERE IS A SHRINE CALLED THIRUKACHI MAYANAM AND KALAYANA
MANDAPA, NAMED AFTER PACHAYAPPA MUDALIAR, BOTH OF WHICH ARE
LOCATED CLOSE TO THE FLAG STAFF.
THIRUKACHI MAYANAM, VALEESAM, RISHABESAM AND SATYANADEESAM
ARE LOCATED IN FOUR CORNERS OF THE TEMPLE.
THE HALL OF THE FLAGSTAFF HAS PILLARS SCULPTED WITH INTRICATE
FIGURES INDICATING VARIOUS LEGENDS AND AVATARS OF SHIVA.
SHRINES IN EKAMBARESWAR TEMPLE