Manimandapam, Orikkai — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

A memorable shrine dedicated to the memory of THE GREAT SAGE OF KANCHEEPURAM SANKARA MUTT SHRI CHANDRASEKHARENDRA SARASWATHI aka "MAHAPERIYAVA". AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL THAT HAS BEEN BUILT RESEMBLING THE STYLE AND ARCHITECTURE OF THANJAVUR BIG TEMPLE. DEDICATED TO THE SAGE. HIS "PADUKA" IS KEPT ALONG WITH HIS PORTRAIT IN THE SANCTUM. BUILT IN 2010 OR SO WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE SAGE'S DEVOTEES. SHOULD ONE HAVE ADEQUATE TIME IT'S A MUST VISIT SHRINE DEDICATED TO THE SAGE'S MEMORY. ONE MAY FIND A PRIEST OR AN USHERER WHO WOULD PERFORM AN AARTI. IF THE VISITING MEN FOLK COULD REMOVE THEIR SHIRT, THEY MAY BE ALLOWED INSIDE THE SANCTUM. ONE COULD VIEW RARE PORTRAITS OF THE SAGE. THE PITY IS THAT HAVING BUILT THIS MONUMENTAL MONUMENT THE CARETAKERS HAVEN'T BESTOWED ADEQUATE CARE TO PRESERVE IT'S PRISTINE ARCHITECTURAL GLORY. RAW ELECTRICAL WIRING, BIZARRE COB WEBS, UNKEMPT COURTYARDS WOULD BE AN EYESORE. ADVISABLE TO VISIT BEFORE SUNSET WITH AN HOUR OR PLUS TO SPARE. DURING DAY ONE MAY FIND ONESELF CAUGHT IN SUMMER SHINE. NO SHADE OR GREENERY AROUND. BEWARE. IT'S ALSO THE PLACE WHERE THE sage's successor got initiated into SANYAS. HE IS SAID TO HAVE PERFORMED HIS MAIDEN "CHATHUR MASA VRATA" - Penance here. A VEDHA PATASALA IS IN THE SAME PREMISES. Planting greenery and landscaping is the need of the hour. A great place to sit in meditation without much noise in Kancheepuram, the caretaker permitting. Jaya...

Visiting the Manimandapam at Orikkai was a truly humbling experience. Built entirely out of granite, the structure stands as a modern-day architectural wonder, reminding us of the magnificence of ancient temples like Brihadeeswarar. The 100-pillared mandapam, the massive Nandi mantapam, and the finely carved sculptures leave you in awe of the craftsmanship and devotion that went into building this shrine.

The spiritual atmosphere is equally powerful. The moment you step inside, there’s an unexplainable calmness that settles in. The Padukas of Mahaperiyava and the idol radiate a divine presence, and one can truly feel connected to something higher. The silence inside encourages reflection and prayer, while the chants and rituals add to the sanctity of the space.

What I loved most was that it’s not just a monument—it’s a living place of devotion. The Veda Patasala nearby, the Go Shala, and the ongoing cultural activities make it vibrant and meaningful. Accessibility is quite easy from Kanchipuram town, and the local devotees are very welcoming. Just remember that men are expected to remove shirts before entering the sanctum.

Overall, Manimandapam at Orikkai is more than just a temple—it’s an experience. Whether you go for its architectural brilliance or to seek peace and blessings, it’s a must-visit for anyone near...

Well maintained place. Beautiful decor. Place for orthodox weddings. I am not a big fan of deification of humans, but you have to believe in the believers. Not too crowded. Access roads were good. You are male,then have to be shirtless to go inside the inner sanctorum. Some genius decided not to have a clean toilet anywhere in the temple vicinity (but there is a GoShala /Cow Shed). You have to walk to another building- a good 500 feet away and then we were told you have to go upstairs to a room. Most of the attendees are older people (as we all get religion late in life), likely with all kinds of ailments, especially knee , back problems etc.. , they all have to hold it for a few hours while trying to find a toilet. Some one will say suffering is penance, and penance is devotion. Maybe this...