Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is known as one of India’s seven sacred cities. Kancheepuram was the historical capital of the pallavas. It was under the pallavas from 6^th to 8^th centaury A.D. and later became the citadel of the cholas, vijayanagar kings, the muslims and the british. It has been a centres of centuries. Kanchi is also a well known centre of the for silk sarees made in the county. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian beritage. Adi sankaracharya established his Episcopal seat (kamakotipeetam) kancheepuram is the birth place of C.N. annadurai former chief minister of Tamilnadu.

Arignar anna zoological park (vandalore zoo): it is situated 35 km from Chennai. Large moat type enclosures permit animals to move freely in a simulated natural environment. Nocturnal animals, pre-histrorical animal sector, aviary and reptilium are some of the attractions. The lion safari park is the pride of this park battery operated vehicles are available for rides through the park holiday: thesday. Entry fee Rs.15, children Rs 10/- vandalur, Chennai – 600 058, ph : 044-22397150.

Arignar anna illam: his house is total area 273.78 sqkm. And it was converted into a memorial place on 16-09-1980. His statue, life history and photos are displayed here to visit the public located at 54, C.N.A. Street, china kancheepuram.

Chennai trade centre: tamil nadu trade promotion organisation with facilities and organisation with facilities and services that make Chennai trade centre, conventions, trade fairs, exhibitions etc. For further details contact: Chennai trade centre, mount poonamallee high road, nandambakkam. Chennai – 600 089, entry according to fare. Sunday holiday. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ph: 044-22324457 telefax: 22323555.

Dash ‘N’ splash:  situated at 30 kms from Chennai. The wave, free-fall, spiral and children park. Timings: 10 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. till dark all 365 days. Park:103/1. Mevallur kuppam village, Chennai-bangalore highway. Fee Rs. 150/- ph: 954111-256200/211. Inquire for fee bus service. City office: 114, thambu chetty street, Chennai- 600 001, ph: 242225684, fax: 25224618.

Silk industries: about 75% of kancheepuram’s population is dependent on the silk saree industry, either directly or indirectly. Yet, the city does not manufacture silk or any other raw material that goes into its silk Sarees. The silk industry is entirely make up of handloom weavers and merchants.

Sakunthala jagannathan museum of folk art: the sakuntala jagannathan museum of folk art is situated in brahma mandiram, the 100 years old house blonging to landowners of damal, the maternal ancestors  of sir C.P.Ramasamy aiyar. Reliable sources date it to the 16-17^th centuary. The existence of wall paintings, sculptures and household collections prompted the reuse of the house as a museum. It is open on all days from 9. 30 am 5 p.m. entry fee: Rs. 10/- for more information, 6, lingappan street, kancheepuram- 631 501 (near ekambareswarar temple) ph: 04112-230112, 044-22441778.

Sri kallasanathar temple: this temple was built by rajasimha and his son mahendra in the 8^th century AD, this temple is noted for its architecture and sculptures, there are 58 small shrines situation around the main shrine as a compound wall. Paintings of fresco-style adorn the inner walls of the shrines. Sandstone was used in the construction of this temple.

Sri perumpudur: it is 29 kms from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram. It is the birth place of sand ramanujar, the father of visishtadvaida philosophy of vaishnavism and hence an important pilgirim centre for the vaishnavites. Conduct ph: 04111-262236.

Sri vaikunda perumal temple: another one of the few temples under the care of the department of archaeology, government of India. This temple is located at the end of a small alley, alley. Away from the main tourist business. Built by the pallava ruler. Nandivarman in the 7^th century AD. It has great sculptures and inscription which speak, of its history and the history of the city itself. Its inner walls are decorated with lion shaped pillars. Like the kailasanathar temple, this temple gains local importance on the holy night of the vaishnavites- vaikunda ekadasi. Except on that day. This temple is easily accessible to tourists. As mentioned earlier, this being a vaishnavite temple, is closed after noon to be opened to be opened in the evening hence the most appropriate time to visit this is during the morning hourse.

St. Thomas mount: st. Thomas mount is a small hillock situated south of Chennai, where st. Thomas – the apostle of jesus, preached Christianity. It is interesting to note that the bleeding cross said to be carved in stone by st. Thomas was found here and said to be carved in stone by st. Thomas of ‘our lady of expectation’. The mysterious blood stains on the bleeding cross remain for years even after deliberate scrubbing and the wear and tear of centuries. The church also holds a fascinating painting of holy mother and infant jesus said to have been pointed by the apostle st.thomas himself during 1^st centaury AD.st. Thomas mount, Chennai- 600 016. Ph: 044-22346516.

Thiruneermalai: a small village situated 18 kms off Chennai known for vaishna temples. More pilgrims are come and workship in this temple from various districts. Later chola period (12^th century) temple is an impressive specimen for temples. There is another temple situated a top a small hillock is dedicated to ranganathan an incarnation of lord Vishnu. Ph: 22385484.

Thirukazhukundram: the vedagiriswarar temple is situated in Kanchipuram district, on the chengalpet mahabalipuram road. It is also known by other names uruthrakodi, nandipuri, indrapuri, narayanapuri, brahmapuri, dinakarapuri, muniganapuri, patchi theertham. Ect.

Varadarajar temple: varadarajar temple is a massive and impressive edifine. This is another Vishnu temple on hastagiri and lying at the end of the town. The hundred-pillar-hall created during the vijayanagar period in this temple is noted for its exquisite sculptures. The ornamental rings carved out of a single stone in a chain at the four corners are the special features of the hall. The riders on horseback, beautiful sculptures of rathi and manmatha, exquisite temple jewellery are other notable features. This temple provides a glimpse of 16^th centaury pillared pavilion with an exuberant workmanship. The annual garudothasavam (may-june) is the most colourful and draws thousands of devotees.

Vedanthangal: it is one of the major water bird sanctuaries in India. It is situated at a distance of 48 kms from Kanchipuram. Storks, egrets, cormorants, darter, flamingos are some the birds which arrive here during season (October – march). Along the take bund there is a 24’ high observation commanding the panoramic view of the sanctuary. Ph: 04112-265609.

War cemetery: circular in shape this is created in memory of some 855 commonwealth soldiers men & women. Govt, of India &commonwealth war craves commission are jointly maintaining this important landmarksituated in nandambakkam, Chennai – 600 116. Entry free. No holidays. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Shirdi sai baba temple: in this temple built by shri shridi saibaba spiritual and charitable trust almost all the deities are installed. Particularly vallabha ganapathy with ten arms. The tri murthy brahma Vishnu and shiva statutes are also here besides that of thattariya, lingam, parvathi, durga ect. This is the first temple out of 108 built on the initiatives taken by the guruji of delhi temple and the IPS officer C.P. satpathy. Feeding of the poor takes place every Sunday and Thursday. The aarathi is perfumed at 6 am to 9 pm. This is situated at saipuram, injambakkam. Ph: 24491297, 24491416.

Mamallapuram, situated on the shore of the bay of Bengal is an ancient sea-side town. The pallava art at this place emphasises robust earthly beauty, imbided with life. The pallavas have created many marvellous monuments sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas and sculptural temples. Mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, gods, animal, all vividly depicted on the wall sculptures are breathtaking real and artistic. These monumental splendours and the sunny beach attract tourists from all over the word.

Arjuna’s penance: the world’s largest base-relief measuring 27m * 9m is the pride of mamallapuram. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figure’s of gods, demigods, men, beasts and birds and infact, can be said to represent creation itself.

Five rathas: these are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the pancha pandava rathas. Fors of the rathas are believed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation. They are richly carved with art motifs and well panels depicting many hindu divinities and royal portraits.

The shore temple: this is one of the oldest in south Indian standing on the edge of the sea, enclosed by a row of bulls canved out of rock. It is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in the Dravidian style. It has two shrines, one dedicated to Vishnu and another to shiva. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after sunset too.

Cave temple: the rock-cut tradition, represented by more that thirteen caves, they are known for their simplicity in plan and decoration. Notable on among the cave, varahamandapa. adi decoration. Notable on among the cave temples are konerimandapa. Tirumurthi cave and krishnamandapa.

Mahisasuramaramardhini cave: the mahisasuramardhini cave, depicting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and lord vishnu’s cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable scooped cave, sure to keep on spell-bound.

College of sculpture: here training is given in various branches of temple art and architecture, according to the silpa sastra. The college also has a display hall, which exhibits beautiful traditional sculptures.

Little folks/dolphin city: this is the country to organise with a dolphin. Visitors can also relax and can be entertained in the theme park situated across the road. Park: kingslee circle, muttukadu- 603 104. Ph: 954114-246270, 246371, city office : 162 linghi chetty st, Chennai – 1. Ph 25340731, fax: 25342323. Time :10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends & holyday: 10 a.m. to p.m. fee: adult rs.50/- childrens rs. 10/-

Mayajaal: more than an amusement park this has in its possession many gadgets which are the off-springs of latest well timing: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. location: east coast road. Uthanndi. Entrence: fee: rs. 250.

MGM dizzee world: many amusement items such as giant wheels, toy trains water rides, roller coaster ect. Enthral the visitors park: 1/74, new mamallapuram road muttukadu, chengai district. Ph: 954114-272491, 272487, city office: 1,9^th st,dr. Radhakrishnan salai, mylapre, Chennai – 600 004, ph: 28475212, 28476385, fee: adult rs. 295/- children rs. 195/-, the another theme park is MGM mary world is family entertainment in Chennai at new mahabalipuram road. This park gives family rides, kids rides. Entrance fees for adult rs. 135- and children rs. 90/-, timing: 10.00 a.m to 7:30 p.m.

Mudaliarkuppam – boating – T.T.D.C: this boat house will ply row boats, pedal boats and motor boats. A snack bar will also be provided shortly. It is felt that this boat house will attract the tourists travelling on ‘the east coast road’ in large numbers and provide good quality entertainment. Which is located in kancheepuram sist. 92 kms. From Chennai and 36 kms down mamallapuram on the east coast road. Timing: 10.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. conduct: Tamilnadu tourism development corporation, tourism complex, Chennai-5 ph: 25368358.

Muttukattu boat house: wind surfing, canoe, kayak, fedal boat, row boat ect., are available for the public. It is located at a distance of 80 kms from Kanchipuram. A good place to get away for a day. The backwaters of muttakkadu have been developed by the Tamilnadu tourism development corporation to serve as a picnic spot and a centre for water spots. Training and demonstration programmes are organised for beginners. Ph: 04114- 272369.

Nidhya kalyana perumal temple: this holy shrine is one among the 108 temples called tirupathy. The goddess lakshmi is also called as ‘thiru’. The presiding diety is holding her on the left side. So it is called  thiru-idathu-eanthai which over a period of time came to be called as thiru-vidanthai. Tamil saint thiru mangai alwar hassung the glory of this holy place in ten places in famous ‘pasuram’. There are several messages relating to this is available in the stone scripture of first raja raja cholan and Vijaya rajendra cholan. Garuda sevai during the tamil month of aani. Pooram during the month of aadi, spring festival during the month of vaigasi are the important events. Time morning 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. evening 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. this temple situated in a distance of 42 kms from Chennai and 16 kms from mahabalipuram. Ph: 04114-272238.

Chengalpattu: situated on the national highway between Chennai and thiruchirapalli, this place is well known for its ruins of an ancient vijayanagar fort. There is also a big take here called kolavai take where boating facilities are provided by TTDC.

Chrbt church: in Kanchipuram, there is a church called Christ church, which was built by the melean, in 1921. The brick structure was typically Scottish, with arches and pillars.

Fkambareswarar temple: this is another ancient temple of Kanchipuram. It has been removated by the pallavas,the cholas and the cholas and the vijayanagar kings. This thousand pillared tail temple with 5 prakarams is the earliest surviving structures. The 57 meters high rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in south india. This temple has 5 spacious corridors and a beautiful 1000- pillar hall. The huge linga inside is known as ‘prithvilingam’. One of the pancha lingas of south india. Ph: 04112-222084.

Jeevanandan statue: literature and orator par excellance he is one of the fore runner of maxist movement in india particularly Tamilnadu. He respesented Chennai washermenpet as MLA in 1957. And proved to be a great parliamentairiant. He was born on 21-08-1970 and died on 18-01-1963. His statue is situated in tambaram.

Kamakshi amman temple: built in the 14 th century by the cholas, this temple is dedicated to goddess kamakshi the presiding deity of kanchi. Here, the goddess is worshiped in the form of a chakra placed in front of the idol. An image of shankaracharya is also worshipped. Sri sankaracharya is said to have defeated Buddhist philosophers in debate here. It is one of the three holy places of sakthi worship in india the other two being Madurai and Varanasi. The temple is the site of the annual chariot festival, held on the 9^th innar day in February/march. Ph: 04112-222609.

Kanchi kamakodi peetham: the kamakodi peetham and kamakshi amman temples are closely associated with the life of sankaracharya. The kamakoti peetham is enshrined in the sri chakra just in front of sri devi and all pujas and sacrifices are offered to the sri chakra. Ph: 04112-222115.

Kandakottam sri subramaniya swami temple: this temple does not have much historical or architectural importance. It was built in its present from around 1915. But, hte shrine of sri subramanya swami in Kanchipuram finds a significant place in hindu mythology. For hindus on a pilgrimage trip, this is a mandatory place to visit. It gains significance due to its location. The way this temple is located in the city is a rare phenomenon mentioned in hindu lord shiva seated with the goddess shakthi to his left, with his son, lord subramanya seated between them. In Kanchipuram, the shrine of shiva (sri ekambaranathar) is located with shrine of shakthi (kamakshi amman) to its left. The kandakottam temple is located right in between these two. This is the “soma skandha” posture. Ph: 04112-222049.

Kolavai lake – boating- TTDC- this is one of the tourists spot, there is a boating centre near chenglepet on national highways. The facilities in lake waters ideal for rides and boating. Timing: 9.00 a.m. 6:00.pm. conduct: ph: 25367851.

Kishkintha: 30 kms from Chennai city. It is called ‘chennai kutralam”. Water rides bumper car, twister, tropper, 3D cinemas are some of the attractions here. Fee: fun package – adult rs. 190/- children rs: 130/- mega fun package – adult: rs 290 chilldrens rs. 250/- park: 82, varadharajapuram, 2^nd ward tambaram, Chennai – 44, ph: 22367244.

Masjids: there is a mosque built 450 years ago by the nawab of aror near the ehambareshwarar temple. There is another mosque near the vaikunta perumal temple the heary of this that the mosque and the temple share a common tank. True to the spire of tolerance, muslims have a share in the brahmotsavam festival of the varadaraja temple 100.

Mangadu: another suburb of the Chennai famous for goddess kamakshiamman temple. The presiding deity is precetted here is in a penance posture. Time: morning 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. evening 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. this temple situated around the Chennai at managadu, Chennai – 602 101, ph: 26272063.

Melmaruvathur – adi prasakthi temple: ontre kulam oruvane thevan, means all are equal in front of one being practice literally in the adi parasakthi temple at mel maruvathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu. The devotees belive in ‘ore tai and ore kulam’. The devotees are permitted to enter into the garbha griha (inner chamber) and pray to the goddess. People of all religions hindus, Christians, jains, Buddhists are allowed to enter the sanctum & offer prayers in the pattern they are accustomed to.

Nanganallur anchaneyar temple: the temple in somthing very unique. The swamy vigraha is 32 feet high and made up of a single rock. The black granite pedestal resembles a lotus. Every moment was guided, every work has been measured and every moment was been we are only instruments in his hands. Time: 6 a.m to 12 noon. Evening 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. location: 1 . 8 th street, ram nagar, nanganallur, Chennai – 61, ph: 044-22348606, 22332170.

Queens land: it gives cable car India’s first longest sky joueney for 30 minutes, fee fall tower, centrox, Himalayan water ride, alphen blitz, water, water slides and ect., situated at Bangalore trunk road, palanjur, sembarabakkam, poonamallee, Chennai – 602 107. Ticket rs. 350 for adults & rs. 250 for children. Ph: 26811124, 26811136.

Rajive Gandhi memorial: on the way to Kanchipuram lies sriperumbuthur, the birth place saint ramanujar a “vaishnavite” philosopher. He is also the founder of vishisdadhavaidham. He is also minister of india 1984-1989, born on 20^th august, 1944 in Mumbai. Champion of secularism beacon of our youth. Votary of our modernisation. Crusander for world peace and justice was assassinated here on may 21, 1991. A memorial for the departed leader on a large scale is built on the spot. Located at sriperumbuthur. Entry fee. No holidays. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ph: 04111-262705.

Varaha cave: this is a small rock-cut mandapam featuring four panels of fine looking doorkeepers and four interesting bas-reliefs.

Krishna mandapam: in the Krishna mandapam, there is a sculpture on the rock face of one well lord krish as the productor of all living beings, presenting man, bird and beast. Krishna mandapam epitomises nural bliss and present activities that have changed little with time.

Krishnas butter ball: the huge boulder near the ganesha ratha is popularly known as Krishna’s attempted to move it, but all the kings and their elephants could not shift the boulder even by an inch.

Open air museum: this newly setup modern open air museum of sculpture reflects the cultural hertitage of the tamils from the pre sangam days. The object on display. Shaped mostly from granite by 200 sculptores, include chains of stone, ornamendal wheels and a host of other items. The themes here are many. Including those relating to historical and cultural events of the past.

Placing the contribution of the tamils in proper prespective. Situated very close to the shore temple, one can have a glimpse of the past as well as the progress being made in the present in the field of art in Tamilnadu here.

Tiger cave : it is 4 kms north of main monument complex. It was built as an open-air theatre, where cultural programmes were held during the pallava period. Though it is very near the sea. The place is screne and calm.

Cholamandal artists village: this is a village established by the community of various artiests for production and display of various artifacts such as sculptures, bronzes, icon and paintings. It is situated on the east coast road on the way to mallapuram at enjampakkam, Chennai – 600 041. Entry fee: no holydays. Time : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m..

Covelong beach: this is a small fishing village 40 kms from Chennai on the mahabalipuram road. There are the remains of a fort which now functions as a luxury beach resort. Facilities for windsurfing swimming are available here. A dargah and an ancient are located here.

Crocodile bank: 44 kms from Chennai. There are various pits is this centre, house. Thousand of crocodiles and alligators from all over the world found here. There is also a sribal society which runs a snack venom extraction at every hour. Timings: 08.30 hrs to 17: 30 hrs. Admission by entry fee adult rs 10/-. Children rs. 5/-.

Temples – Sri Ekambareswara Temple

The most famous Siva temple at Kanchipuram is the Ekambareswara temple where he is worshipped in the form of Earth Linga and its 11 storey structure temple tower which is adorned with beautiful sculptures is one of the tallest temple tower in south india. The sthalapurana says that when Lord Siva was deeply immersed in the task of creating, protecting and destroying the Universe, Parvati, his consort, in a jocular mood, closed his eyes.This resulted in staying the process of creation and destruction as well as obstruction to the natural law of things. It was a serious matter and Siva became angry and cursed Parvati to go to the Earth and expiate her misdeed.accordingly Parvati came to the banks of the river Kampa under a single mango tree at Kanchi and made a Shivalinga out of sand and worshipped it To test her sincerity Siva placed various obstacles and hindrances in the way of Parvati’s penance. But with the help of Vishnu she could tide over all the difficulties. At last Siva hurled a deluge by taking out the Ganges from his matted hair, to wash away the Linga worshipped by Parvati. She clasped it with all veneration to her breasts and this pleased Siva who took her again as his consort. The temple is said to have been built at the spot where the lord forgave her.

In the month of Phalguni on the 10th day of Uttiram the marriage of Siva and Parvati is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. Another version of the story is that Siva and Parvati fell out in a game of dice. Siva cursed Gowri to become ugly. With the help of Vishnu Parvati propitiated Siva by performing penance under a single Mango tree at Kancheepurarn on the banks of the Kampa River, and regained her beauty with dazzling eyes, from which the name of Kamakshi has been derived for the tutelary goddess of the temple. As Parvati regained Siva under the mango tree the name of Ekamranatha (Ekaone, amra – mango, and natha-Lord) was given to Lord Siva. It later became Ekambareswara. Another legend connected with the marriage celebration is that connected with Agastya being vouchsafed its darsan when he had come South from Kailas.The ancient mango tree in the courtyard is worshipped by all even today with great veneration. It has got four branches representing the four Vedas. Each branch bears fruit with a different taste and the leaves are also different in appearance. It is a popular belief that if a childless woman takes the fruit of the tree she is blessed with children. In the prakaram round the mango tree is a lingam. Which is a composite of 108 small lingams and another one of 1008 small lingams. There are idols of the 63 Nayanmars also. There are two tanks in the temple, Kampa Nadi and Sivaganga. There is a Vishnu shrine in the Siva temple and the name of the Vishnu is Nilatingal Tundattan. The temple has silver and gold-plated vahanams of considerable value. Originally built by the Pallavas, this large Siva temple was later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijaynagara kings. Here, Lord Siva is worshipped as Earth or Prithivi, which is one of the five elements. The dimensions of this temple are reflected in its 20 – acre spread and its tall south gopuram which soars to a height of 58.5m.

Temples – Sri Kailasanathar Temple

Dedicated to siva, the Kailasanathar Temple was built by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha Pallava, and was completed by his son, Mahendra Varma Pallava. Rajasimha Pallava ruled Kanchi during the period from 685 A.D. to 705 A.D.This temple is unique in its architecture.It was constructed mostly of limestone. The walls and vimaanam of this temple are filled with great sculptures, and paintings. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine.

Paintings of Fresco-style adorn the inner walls of the shrines.It has an attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi in the midst of one of their innumerable dance competitions. It is the only temple at Kanchipuram which is not cluttered with the more recent additions of the cholas and vijayanagar rulers.Fragments of the eigth century murals which once graced the alcoves are a visible remainder of how magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built.The locals believe that this temple served as a shelter for the king during wars. The architecture of the temple appears to confirm the belief. The remnants of an escape tunnel built by the kings is displayed with pride, even now. Once in a year, the temple is visited en-mass by the local people on the evening of the Maha-Sivaraathri. At that time, there could be hours of waiting in long queues. However, it is a Hindu faith that it is auspicious to visit this temple on the night of Sivaraathri. The temple lies away from the commotion of the city, in a rustic suburb. It is under the maintenance of the Department of Archeology, Government of India. There isn’t much of a security problem. Tourists are allowed to freely photograph the sculpures in and outside the temple, with the exception of the Sanctum and the main Deity.

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The centre of attraction in Vishnu Kanchi is the temple of varadarajaswamy situated on the top of Hastigiri or Elephant Hill.The Vijayanagar kings constructed this temple. The whole temple covers an area of about 23 acres. The sculptural beauty of the pillars is amazing. Ornamental rings carved out of single stone at the Four Corners of the mandapam in the form of a chain are a delightful spectacle.

Temples – Sri Kamatchi Amman Temple

Kanchi is sacred as one of the three Sakti peethas of India. Kamakshi is said to be the Supergoddess, Parasakti, having Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati as her eyes. She blesses all that dedicate themselves to her. This temple was built by cholas in the fourteenth century. It is one of the three holy places of Sakthi worship in India the other two being Madurai and Varanasi.among these kanchipuram is the most important place. Here, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a Chakra placed in front of the idol. The sanctum sanctorum faces southeast in the centre of Gayatri Mandapam. The tradition says that there was a delightful grove of Champaka trees around the main temple now known as Gayatri Mandaparn. The Devas took the form of parrots and worshipped Sri Devi here. The temple is also in closer control of the Sankara Mutt. An image of Shankaracharya is also worshipped. Sri Sankaracharya is said to have defeated Buddhist philosophers in debate here. The main tower over the sanctum (Vimaanam) of the temple is gold plated. Also of significance is the Golden Chariot in this temple. The Golden Chariot is taken in a procession around the temple on Friday evenings around 7.00 PM. This temple also features an Art Gallery with pictures depicting the history of Sri Adisankaracharya and the Sankara Mutt.