A depiction, thought to illustrate a Chinese voyager, adorns the walls of the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Constructed in the 8th century by the Pallava ruler Nandivarman II, the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, also called Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram, is devoted to Lord Vishnu and counts among the 108 Divya Desams.
This carving is situated on the front porch walls. Some academics propose that it may portray Xuanzang, the famed Chinese Buddhist monk, explorer, and translator, who is said to have journeyed to Kanchi.
The walls of the temple also feature reliefs showing Nandivarman’s ascension to the throne and figures bearing Cambodian characteristics. Kanchipuram, famously abundant with temples, served as a hub of importance historically, often visited by Buddhist intellectuals.