Vaikuntha Perumal Temple

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram is a prime tourist attraction. Built by Nandivarman II in the 8th century, Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (called Perumal in Tamil Nadu) presents a more mature Pallava style — its principal parts such as the cloisters, portico and sanctuary making an organic composition. The colonnade of lion pillars inside it represents the first phase of what developed into the grand thousand-pillared halls in latter years. Sri Vaikuntha Perumal temple has an ambulatory around and steps leading to the upper floor. A very interesting feature, mostly hallmark of Pandyan architecture, is that Sri Vaikuntha Perumal temple houses triple, three-storeyed shrines to Vishnu. The first storey houses Vishnu in seated form, the second one houses Vishnu idol in reclining posture and the uppermost sanctum contains Lord Vishnu’s statue in standing form. Each of these three forms of Lord Vishnu - seated, reclining, and standing- are referred to by a different epithet for each. The sculptures represent the Anantshayi in standard groupings, with attendant figures.