Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchipuram

The Devarajaswami Temple is a fine example of ancient art and architecture. The temple was built by the rulers of Vijayanagar in reverence of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in the eastern part of the city of Kanchipuram. This temple consists of exquisitely carved pillars that give us a deep insight into the architecture as well as the technology of the times.

The pillars are all hand carved and depict Hindu deities in their various forms. Within the premises of the temple is a huge marriage hall that symbolizes the celestial union of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu.

A unique feature of the temple is a humungous chain that is engraved on a stone. A statue of lord Vishnu of 10 m lies immersed in a water tank built inside the temple. This statue of Vishnu can be viewed only once in forty years when the tank is entirely drained for the devotees to catch a glimpse of their Lord. The statue is immersed in water again only after 48 days.