Weekend getaway for tourists; place to study for the locals

If you feel bored and tired with city life, does a long drive sound like a good option? And if you could also sit and read your favourite book or prepare for an upcoming exam in a calm and open environment? Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Then, the Kachhapeswarar temple, in Kanchipuram located 55 kilometers from the heart of Chennai city could be next on your list.

The main structure of the temple is believed to have been built during the Chola period while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayaks in the 16th century. This place is said to be where the Hindu god Vishnu prayed to Lord Shiva in the form of a tortoise.

Once you enter the premises, you would be taken back to the 16th century, a destination history enthusiasts are sure to love. The temple complex covers two acres and the temple tank is located diagonally outside the main gateway. On a hot summer day, you could wash your feet or choose to feed the fish that live there or just click a few pictures.

As you take a walk around the temple you will spot a number of young people with their heads buried in books. Youth from all over the Kanchipuram district come to the Kachhapeswarar temple to find a peaceful and calm environment to study, read and meditate.

Karthikeyan, who regularly comes here says, “We come here to find a conducive and motivating environment to study. People now you see here are preparing for competitive exams like TNPSC, NEET, CA and so on. Most of us come here at around 4.00 pm and stay until sunset.”

So, if you do choose the Kachhapeswarar temple as your next weekend getaway, also keep in mind that you have an Adyar Anandha Bhavan outlet and a Domino’s Pizza a few feet away from the temple, just in case you need to satisfy a grumbling stomach.

Featured image courtesy: http://karthikwander.blogspot.com/2017/11/kanchi-temples.html