Ekambareshvara Temple, Kanchipuram

There are many beautiful temples in Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). Here, the Ekambareshvara Temple is one of the largest temple and dates back to sometime between 16th to 17th centuries. The temple was constructed by the rulers of Pallava Dynasty and improvised by other dynasties.

The tall tower on the Southern entrance is 180 feet in height. This was erected by Maharaja Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara Dynasty.

The temple has a huge hall with thousand pillars. To the North of the mantapa is a tank; west of the mandapa is the main shrine which contains the Earth Lingam (a form of Lord Shiva). There is a 3500 year old mango tree to the west of the main shrine. The tree produces four different varieties of mangoes.

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Poetry in Stone - 1

Temples all over India represent the rich cultural heritage. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.

One such architectural gem is Kailashnath Temple of Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is surrounded by 64 small sub-shrines. They adorned with the sculptures of the Lord Shiva in different poses, representing a picture of different aspects of mythology.

The above image is a scene from battle field where Lord Shiva is fighting the evil forces.

The above image depicts the Lord in a dance form. The image above can be seen is the picture below at the top in a smaller form.

At the base of the platform one can see the ancient inscriptions used in those days. On either side of these sub-shrines are lion pillars.

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Kailashnath Temple, Kanchipuram

There are many beautiful temples in Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). One such architectural gem is Kailashnath Temple. This temple is unique in its architecture.

In the late 7th century this temple was built by Pallava dynasty rulers Rajasimha and his son Mahendravarman.

It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone. The walls and sikhara of this temple are filled with great sculptures, and paintings. This temple of Lord Shiva has a four-storeyed octagonal sikhara.

A temple wall encloses the temple complex. The inner and outer walls of these shrines are adorned with fresco paintings while the walls of the main temple are profusely decorated with sculptures. There are all together row of 64 small shrines in the inner walls.

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Kanchipuram, City of Thousand Temples

Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu) is located at a distance of 75 kms from Chennai. This city was the capital of the rulers of Cholas and Pallava between the 6th and 8th centuries had over a thousand temples. But now only hundred are still around and all of them are worth a visit.

Apart from its temples, this small town is also famous for best silk and cotton sarees woven from pure mulberry silk in the country.

Some of the temples that I have seen here are:

• Kailasanath Temple
• Varadaraja Perumal Temple
• Vaikunta Perumal Temple
• Ekambareswarar Temple
• Kamakshi Amman Temple

We shall explore this place in more details.

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Jalakanteswara Temple, Vellore

This large Jalakanteswara Temple in Vellore (State: Tamil Nadu) is located in the Vellore Fort, near the north wall of the fort. This ancient temple was built around 1566 in the Vijayanagar style. Jalakanteswara means “Lord Shiva residing in the water”.

The temple has a Nataraja Shiva deity on the northern altar, and on the western altar is a Shiva-linga. The temple has 2 court yard, one is inner prakara and the other is outer prakara. The outer prakara has huge Gopuram on the southern side which is 30m (100ft) high, seven-storey made of blue granite. Temple has some beautiful sculptures on the ceiling and some richly, carved pillars and monoliths.

The temple has beautiful Kalayana Mandapam. The carvings in this pillared hall are some of the most impressive in India. The outer pillars have sculptures of rearing horses and dragons. The inner pillars have sculptures of yalis, which are lion-like creatures.

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Vellore Fort

The fort in Vellore (State: Tamil Nadu) is located inside the city. The Land Fort built in the 3rd quarter of the 16th century AD is one of the most perfect specimens of military architecture in the South.

The fort has been occupied by several different dynasties. The fortification consists of a main rampart broken at irregular intervals by round towers and rectangular projections. The main walls of the fort are built using huge granite stones surrounded by a broad moat fed with water.

The The approximate circumstance of the fort is 2600 meters. The moat running around the fort is of length and depth of 190 feet and 20 feet respectively. The outer length of the fort is about 2500 feet and 1500 feet in breadth. The height of the outer wall is about 30 feet and the breadth is about 25 feet. Inside the fort is the famous and beautiful Jalakanteshwara Temple.

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Vellore, City of Spears

Vellore (State: Tamil Nadu) is at a distance 145 kms from Chennai in one direction and in another direction 215 kms from Bangalore. We started from Bangalore in the morning and reached this place in the early afternoon. The city has prominent colleges, ancient temples and one of the best hospitals in India (Christian Medical College & Hospital).

The name 'Vellore' in local language means 'City of Spears'. Ancient history shows that, this place was basically a battle field and it was always left with the abandoned weapons like spears throughout the year. It was the seat of power for various dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayak, Marathas. The major tourist attractions here are:

• Vellore Fort
• Jalakanteswara Temple

We shall explore these attractions in some more detail soon.

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Trip to Tamil Nadu

I had the pleasure of traveling through the state of Tamil Nadu to see various places. I undertook a 8 day trip across the state. (Click on images for bigger view)

We started from Bangalore by a hired car and covered the following cities: Vellore, Tanjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram, Madurai, Trichi, Srirangam. I also covered the Pondicherry even though it is not part of the state as I had to pass through it.

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Tamil Nadu, The Land of Temples

The state of Tamil Nadu has a history that dates back to several thousand years where the traditions and culture live in harmony. The state has plenty of monuments and temples that are ancient and each of them are artistic. It is better known as can 'The Land of Temples' for the number of temples that can be seen here built over its centuries. The architecture and design of these temple have seen a change across centuries. It is home to more than 30,000 temples with every one of them being an architectural gem.

Apart of temples there are various natural resources across the state. It has a long coastline that stretches nearly a 1000 kms. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut palm and casuarina groves. In the hill stations of the state one can stroll through the clouds afloat, and admire the nature.

I had the pleasure of touring some of the cities of this beautiful state. I have covered in my various trips in the state: Vellore, Tanjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram, Madurai, Trichi, Ooty, Kode. Come travel with me and enjoy.

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