A visit to Kanchipuram - "City of 1000 temples" | "Golden City of Temples"

"City of 1000 temples", "Golden City of Temples". Kanchipuram has many names to its credit and is one of the oldest city in South India. It underwent many name changes, in ancient times it was called Kachi, Kachiampathi and Kanjivaram in different periods. This city of temple is ruled by many dynasty from Pallavas, Cholas, Vijaynagara & Mughals to British. Few temples are incarnated during Pallavas dynasty (3th-9th centuries) period and later  extended or added during Cholas & VIjayanagara Dynasty. The city is revered as one of the seven sacred city in India and is in 2nd place next to Varanasi. The remains of Budhist stupas reminiscence the presence of Buddhism religion at that time. Jainism is also prevalent here. The majority of spoken language here is Tamil and Telugu. You might know the art of Shoulin Temple is preached by an Indian Buddhist Monk, the same monk was hailed from this city only. 

Its 75km from Chennai and is well connected by Buses and Train. Regular buses ply from Chennai as well as local train

How we reached

Koyembedu-local-bus-journey

We took Chennai Express train from Hyderabad to reach Chennai. Stayed at Fab Hotel Priyadarshini, Park Mount Road which is located in the center of city and very near to railway station. Took a bus from Koyembedu Bus stand to reach Kanchipuram around 10AM and reached by noon. 

Since the temples were closed during the noon time, we had visited some famous whole sale Kanchipuram silk shops near the Vishnu temple. My wife finally after seeing all the sarees selected one for mom. Fun fact, these sarees would cost double/triple the price in any big city.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

After shopping, we headed for Vishnu temple which is in the one end of the city, area which is commonly called as Chinna Kanchi (little Kanchi) where most of the Vishnu temples are erected and other side where Shiva temples are is called Shiva Kanchipuram. The very importance of this temple is that it is one of the 108 Divya Desams. There are 108 Vishnu temples which are considered as Divya Desam's, 105 are in India, 1 in Nepal and 2 is not on this earth. 

There are total 18 Divya desams in Kanchi itself and all are very ancient built at the time of 9th-13th century during Pallava Dynasty. There are three Idols incarnated here, Life size idol of Lord Vishnu is in the upper portion of the main temple where ground level is occupied by Lord Narismha and on to the right resides Goddess Tyaar (incarnation of Goddess Laxmi). It is few km far from Kamakshi temple at the end of the city. 

Few architecture like 100 pillar (actual 96) mandapum is built during Vijayanager Dynasty. Each pillar is exquisitely sculpted depicting the pillars in various forms mainly a horse rider with each sculpture differing with other. Now housed as a ticket counter.

There are two lizards at roof of the temple and everyone is allowed to touch them to get relieved of all ailments.

The prasadam are available just opposite to the 100 pillar structure, not free though. 

Kamakshi Amman Temple

The presiding deity of this city is Goddess Kamakshi (Incarnation of Paravathi) & is one of the triad temple of Maa Shakti, the other being Madhurai Meenakshi & Kasi Visalakshi. The temple is situated in the heart of city and is surround by many other ancient temples near by. Its noteworthy that this famous temple is not the original temple of Kamakshi. The acutal one is near to this and is called Adi Peeta Parameswari, though I missed to visit this. Its also noteworthy that the present temple was once a Jain Tara temple until 12th century after which it was gradually converted to Shakti temple. 

The famous Sri Chakara which is installed in this temple is not the actual one installed by Adi Shankaracharya (Great Hindu Saint and disciple of Goddess Shakti) but in the original temple i.e. Adi Peeta Prameswari. There are few inscription which clearly shows that this was once a Jain temple. There isn't any entrance fee and camera can be carried inside the temple but not allowed to take snap of the sanctum. The deity is in sitting posture and can be seen within 7-8 feet distance. Since we went on Sunday so didn't faced any major rush. 

The gopuram of sanctum sanctorum is gold plated. The whole temple is fortified with stone wall. Each side has a gate having a temple like structure built as a gate way (common in almost all South Indian temples).

The pond is on the back side of the temple a common for all temples, not maintained at all and looks like it gets its share of fresh water only through rains.

Saw one old elephant in the entrance gate beautifully marked on his forehead and standing helplessly. I suggest its better to feed fruits etc then to give money, by giving fruits at least you know that you fed.      

Best time to visit: November/December.

Procedure to obtain a NOC for interstate vehicle transfer in INDIA

N.O.C is basically needed when you intend to have a new registration number (re-registeration) of your vehicle. You'll have to get a N.O.C from the RTO of parent state and submit it to the RTO of current state (where you have moved your vehicle) along with the road tax to be paid.

I'm shifting from Bangalore to Hyderabad and had to get an NOC for my bike so applied at RTO Office, Bangalore East located near Ramamurthy Nagar. The broker(travel ,driving school agents) approached me and demanded 3k. I was like why and WTH, I had asked RTO officials about the procedure who were so impatient, intolerant and gave expressions as if I was asking their bank money. After 2 days of struggle at their offices I could complete the process. This post will help someone of you-

Overall the process is simple, yet we usually have problems with the documents we need. 

So just to clarify the procedure of applying for NOC in the Current State (Bangalore in my case), here it is:

1. If your bike is Hypothecated, first and foremost get an NOC from the Bank that provided you loan, this NOC (says loan was cleared).

2. Prepare the following documents:

• 3 copies of Form 28, available near RTO. Fill it in original and imprint bikes chasis  number in 2 places on each form using HB Pencil only.
• Hypothecation NOC certificate from Bank (Optional only if bike was purchased on loan).
• Copy of valid PUC (Pollution Control) certificate.
• Copy of valid Insurance of the bike.
• Original RC book/Card put inside Plastic Zip pouch.
• Self Addressed envelope (one with thread pasted inside for safety). Stamps as per distance (Bangalore to Hyderabad needed 42 INR stamps)
• A simple file to hold all these documents, stapled or pinned inside this file (for some reason we do like applications with documents organised neatly).

3. Find the Counter for NOC, hand them the above file with all your documents, the person there will verify if everything is in order. Then you will be given a "letter of request" asking to submit to Deputy Commissioner of Police(Crime) if any theft relating to the vehicle confirmation. 

4. Take this letter, go to Traffic Management Office and they will verify if any violation or pending dues; If all is good the incharge will sign and put a seal behind the request letter.

Now handover this letter at the "Office of Commisionar Of Police, Bangalore". The concerned person will ask for a RC copy and then gives an acknowdgement letter which has a seal of Police Inspector CCRB.

5. Now hand over the complete file with acknowledgment received from Police to the concerned person in RTO office. They will give you the acknowledgment slip which states you will receive the NOC at the mentioned address on Envelope and is valid for 30 days.

It costed me 50 rupees overall. Have some patience with the RTO officials and they do help you.