Vaikunta Perumal Temple
வைகுண்ட பெருமாள் கோயில்
An 8th-century Pallava Vishnu temple whose three-tiered sanctum and cloister reliefs record the dynasty's history, an early masterpiece of South Indian stone architecture.
Vaikunta Perumal Temple (also known as Parameswara Vinnagaram) was built in the 8th century by Pallava king Nandivarman II. Together with Kailasanathar Temple, it is considered Kanchipuram's most important surviving Pallava structure. Unusually, the main sanctum enshrines Vishnu in three tiers, in standing, seated, and reclining postures. The walls of the cloister around the main shrine are covered with continuous narrative reliefs depicting the Pallava dynasty's lineage, wars, and coronation scenes, regarded as a “history book carved in stone.” The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is free to visit. It is open about 06:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:00. It is near the central railway station and can be visited on foot together with Kamakshi Amman Temple. Shoes must be removed before entering, and clothing should cover the shoulders and knees.
Opening hours
About 06:00–12:00, 16:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Chitragupta Temple
- Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
- Kanchipuram Silk Weaving Workshops
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Kachapeswarar Temple
- Kumarakottam Temple
- Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham
- Ekambareswarar Temple