The enormous 11th-century Chola-built Varadaraja Perumal Temple in southeast Kanchi is dedicated to Vishnu. Non-Hindus cannot enter the central compound, but the artistic highlight is the 16th-century ‘100-pillared’ marriage hall, just inside the western entrance. Its pillars (actually 96) are superbly carved with animals and monsters; at its corners hang four stone chains, each carved from a single rock.
Every 40 years the waters of the temple tank are drained, revealing a huge wooden statue of Vishnu that is worshipped for 48 days. Next viewing: 2019.
