Jurahareswarar Kancheepuram

Jurahareswarar Kancheepuram is an architectural marvel which is being maintained by the Architectural Survey of India (ASI). It is also called Iravataneswara Temple. The entrance to this temple is through a 3 tiered Rajagopuram from the east. A large campus opens out and on the left as you enter are Naagar idols under a Peepal tree. One of these idols is with Krishna on the Snake Kalinga and another is with a Shivalingam on top of the Serpent. There are 2 Nandis, one large and the other one smaller closer to the sanctum. On the sanctum in front of the nandi and to its left is a small carving of Ganesha. The usual idols in the niches around the sanctum are absent so are the niches which are replaced by beautifully carved windows. The tall sanctum is in a circular shape and the vimana is a circular conical shape which is a unique style. The Lord is at a height in the sanctum which is reached by a small flight of steps on both sides. The carvings around the sanctum and the temple itself was dilapidated and was renovated to the best possible level by ASI. This Pallava era temple is built with Sandstone and Granite.