Places of Interest around Kanchipuram

Anna Memorial Kanchipuram is the birthplace of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, the scholar statesman, affectionately called Anna meaning the elder brother by the general public. His ancestral home located here has been converted into a memorial. Kanchi Kudil This house house is nearly 100 years old. It has an old style veranda, open courtyard, cashbox, furniture,etc. On the way to the Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram we can see this house. Shakunthala Jagannathan Museum of Folk Art: This is situated close to the Ekambarerwar temple. The 400-year old house belongs to the maternal ancestors of Sir C P Ramaswamy Aiyar, a renowned scholar. This has been converted into a museum. Places of Interest around Kanchipuram Srinivasa Perumal temple in Semmanacheri Prarthana Sthalam for the 'unmarried' and 'childless couples'. Belief is that one can regain lost vision by offering sincere prayers at this temple. Located about 30kms South of Madras on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) just after Infosys campus and Sathyabhama University is an ancient East Facing Srinivasa Perumal temple, in Semmanacheri, that has been recently renovated and wears a new look. History Belief is that the temple may be over 1500 years old and may have been built by the Pallavas, who were also responsible for the construction of several Divya Desams in this region including Thiru Kadal Mallai at Mahabalipuram (Maamallapuram. Later on, renovation work at this temple is said to have been undertaken by Nayak Kings and Chettiars. The experts from Archeological Survey of India (ASI) believe that the temple in its current form and structure may be about 500 years old. The Story The story goes that once upon a time, there was famine at this place and the Pallava king, Narasimha Pallava, invoked the blessings of Srinivasa Perumal to help relieve the pains of the people. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Srinivasa is said to have appeared before the king and brought rains to this region. As a result, the belief is that the Lord fulfils the wishes of all devotes who come here and offer prayers, with sincerity, at this temple. Prarthana Sthalam The temple is said to be a prarthana sthalam for unmarried people and childless couples. There is a tank half a km east of the temple. Those (with eye problems) who take bath in the sacred tank and offer sincere prayers to Srinivasa Perumal are said to regain their (lost) eye sight. Interesting Sculptures One finds several interesting sculptures on the Western side of the temple including an a single stone sculptures of Shiva, Lingam, Mahalakshmi and Ganesha, said to be a 1000years old. This can now be found adjacent to the Thaayar Sannidhi. Agni Devan, who is said to be present only in very ancient temples is seen here with 2 heads and 3 legs, on the Southern side of the tower above the Sanctum. There is a separate sannidhi for Thaayar and for Kaalinga Narthanar on the western side of the temple. Festivals: Aadi Friday, Aadi Pooram, Puratasi, Margazhi Utsavam and Krishna Jayanthi. Quick Facts: Moolavar Srinivasa Perumal East Facing Standing Posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi. Other Sannidhis Kaalinga Narthanam, Andal, Anjaneya. Thaayar Alar Mel Mangai Thaayar Temple Time 7am-11am and 4pm-8pm. How to reach: Several buses from Parris (21H), T.Nagar(119G), Saidapet(19G) and Tiruvanmiyur Private taxi. One can combine a visit to this temple with Nithya Kalyana Perumal(Divya Desam) on ECR(East Coast Road) and Thiru Kadal Mallai(Maamallapuram Divya Desam).