It is one of the five major Shiva temples or Pancha Bootha Sthalams ,each representing a natural element. This temple represents the element - Earth. One notable feature of the temple is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "hallway with a thousand pillars", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple's inner walls are decorated with an array of 1,008 Siva lingams. The sthala-virutcham is a 3,500 year old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes.

Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was built in 7th century AD by a Pallava king named Rajasimha. Fragments of 8th century’s mural art are still a vivid reminder of the temple’s architecture. The walls and the Vimanam of this temple are filled with great art works in form of paintings and sculptures.

A 2.5 hour drive will bring us to Tiruvannamalai. We arrive at Tiruvannamalai to visit the world’s oldest Shiva temple. The origin of this temple goes back to antiquity. Chola Kings built the present structure in the 9th century. As per legend a walk around the 14 KM path around the temple removes sins, fulfills desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth!

A 3 hour drive will bring us to Srirangam where we halt for the night.