Kanchipuram Travel Guide: : Haribol, everyone! 🙂
We’re so glad you joined us on this beautiful journey to Kanchipuram, where we explored sacred temples, engaged in spiritual discussions, and immersed ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of this holy city.
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This Kanchipuram Travel Guide will not only take you through our experiences but also serve as a guide for future travelers seeking a divine pilgrimage to Kanchipuram.
đź“… Trip Details – Kanchipuram Travel Guide
Dates: 9th and 10th November, 2024
Departure: We embarked on our journey on 9th November via train from Majestic Station, departing at 8 AM.
Return: We arrived back in Bangalore on Monday, 11th November around 5 AM, filled with spiritual bliss and cherished memories.
Day 1: Sholingur & Kanchipuram Begins
1. Yoga Narasimha Temple, Sholingur (Divya Desam)
Perched atop a hill, the Yoga Narasimha Temple in Sholingur is one of the revered Divya Desam temples.
To reach the shrine, we climbed around 1300 steps, an ascent that tested our endurance but rewarded us with breathtaking views and an overwhelming sense of peace.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, who appears in a meditative posture.
The spiritual energy in this place was palpable, and offering prayers here felt deeply transformative.
2. Yoga Hanuman Temple, Sholingur
Located on another hill nearby, the Yoga Hanuman Temple is believed to be a place where Lord Hanuman meditated upon Lord Rama.
The temple’s serene environment and the cool breeze at the hilltop made our visit incredibly special.
Devotees chanted Hanuman Chalisa with devotion, and the experience left us feeling spiritually recharged.
3. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
One of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element of Earth, Ekambareswarar Temple is a grand Shaivite temple with a towering 59-meter-high gopuram.
A significant highlight of this temple is the 3500-year-old mango tree, which is believed to have four branches representing four Vedas.
We marveled at the ancient architecture, and the divine darshan of Lord Shiva in the form of Prithvi Lingam filled us with immense reverence.
4. Thiru Nilathingalthundam – Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)
Located within the Ekambareswarar temple complex, this Divya Desam temple houses Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal.
The temple’s unique connection with Lord Shiva and Vishnu worship in a single complex symbolizes harmony.
The serene atmosphere made it a perfect place for deep meditation and prayer.
Day 2: The Heart of Kanchipuram’s Spiritual Essence
Kanchipuram Travel Guide
5. Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple
A visit to Kanchipuram is incomplete without paying respects at the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a sacred Shakti Peetha where Goddess Kamakshi resides in her powerful form.
The temple exuded a divine aura, and the golden vimana above the sanctum shimmered in the sunlight.
Devotees engaged in deep prayer, seeking the blessings of the Goddess for prosperity and spiritual growth.
6. Thirukkalvanoor Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)
Within the Kamakshi Amman Temple complex lies this Divya Desam temple, where Lord Vishnu appears as Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal.
The idol of the Lord in a standing posture radiated divinity, and we spent time absorbing the temple’s spiritual significance.
7. Vardaraja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)
One of the most magnificent Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram, the Vardaraja Perumal Temple left us in awe.
The temple’s 100-pillared mandapam showcased intricate sculptures, and the deity of Lord Vishnu, reclining in a grand sanctum, was mesmerizing.
The temple’s sacred tank, Anantha Saras, is believed to have healing properties, and many devotees took a dip seeking blessings.
8. Sri Sonnavannam Seidha Perumal (Yathokthakaari) Temple (Divya Desam)
This temple holds a fascinating legend where Lord Vishnu followed the words of His devotee, leading to the name Yathokthakaari, meaning “one who obeys commands.”
The reclining posture of the deity here is truly captivating, and the temple’s peaceful ambiance made it an enriching experience.
9. Sri Pavalannar Temple (Divya Desam)
A temple known for its uniqueness, Sri Pavalannar Temple houses Lord Vishnu in a red complexion, resembling coral.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu granted darshan to the sages in this beautiful form.
The divine vibrations here were incredibly strong, leaving us spiritually uplifted.
10. Arulmigu Pandava Thootha Perumal Rohini Star Temple
This temple is associated with the Mahabharata, where Lord Krishna is said to have served as a messenger (Thoothar) for the Pandavas. The deity here is worshipped in a majestic standing posture, radiating divine grace.
11. Thiruputkuzhi – Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vijayaraghava Perumal, who granted moksha to Jatayu, the noble bird from the Ramayana.
It is believed that prayers here bring peace to departed souls.
12. Thiru Pachchai Vannar Perumal Temple
At this temple, Lord Vishnu is seen in a rare green-colored form, symbolizing nature and prosperity.
The temple’s small yet powerful sanctum created an intimate and divine experience for us.
13. Ashtabuyagaram Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple
This temple is unique because Lord Vishnu is depicted with eight arms, an unusual and awe-inspiring form.
The temple’s ancient architecture and peaceful surroundings made our visit deeply spiritual.
14. Thiruvelukkai – Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple
Here, Lord Narasimha is worshipped as Azhagiya Singar, meaning the “Beautiful Lion.” The fierce yet benevolent form of the deity left us in deep admiration and devotion.
15. Thiruthanka (Thoopul) – Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple
This temple is associated with light and knowledge, as Lord Vishnu here is known as Deepa Prakasar (the illuminator).
The temple is also the birthplace of the great Vedanta Desikar.
16. Thiru Ooragam – Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
This grand temple features Lord Vishnu in his Vamana (Trivikrama) avatar, where he measured the three worlds.
The temple complex also houses three other Divya Desam temples: Thiru Neeragam, Thirukkaaragam, and Thirukkaarvaanam, each with its own divine presence.
Final Reflections – Kanchipuram Travel Guide
Kanchipuram, with its ancient temples, spiritual vibrancy, and rich heritage, left an everlasting impression on our hearts.
Every moment of the journey was a reminder of the divine grace and the beauty of surrendering to devotion.
Whether it was the mesmerizing darshans, the powerful chants, or the deep discussions with fellow devotees, this trip strengthened our spiritual path and left us yearning for more such pilgrimages.
For those seeking a sacred retreat, Kanchipuram is truly a must-visit destination.
That’s all about Kanchipuram Travel Guide from my side.
May this travelogue serve as a guide and an inspiration for your future spiritual journeys.
Thank you for joining us on this divine adventure! Hari-bol!