Kailasanathar Temple

Kailasanathar Temple is a Shiva Kanchi, which is one among the three Kanchis in Kancheepuram, the other two being the Vishnu Kanchi and the Jain Kanchi. Kailasanathar Temple is located on the banks of the Vedavathi River at the western limits of the Kanchipuram facing east. It is the oldest temple in Kancheepuram.

Kailasanathar Temple was built by the Pallavas during 650 AD- 705 AD. It is the first structural temple in South India built by Rajasimha Pallaveswaram and later completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava, so mesmerized were the Pallavas with this city that they made Kancheepuram their capital. Later on the Cholas took over Kancheepuram after the Pallavas. It is a popular belief that during wars this temple served as a safe haven for the rulers. There was a tunnel built by the kings as an escape route which can be seen even today. Currently Kailasanathar Temple is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as it is in a little deteriorated state owing to old age.

This temple was first of its kind made of stone architecture as compared to other structures which made out of stone carvings or rock carvings. The foundation of this temple is made of granite which enables it to withstand the massive structure, while the outer structure and carvings are made up of sandstone. The temple has 58 small shrines built into the niches of the compound wall enclosing the main shrine. The shrine depicts the carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in many dance forms. Apart from the sub-shrines there are sanctum sanctorum (main shrine), mandapa (main hall), a high compound wall, and an entrance gate, the gopuram. The pillars of the mandapa have statues of lions standing on their hind legs as if trying to warn not to harm the temple.

The entrance of the Kailasanathar Temple has gopuram walls plastered. The entrance wall has eight small shrines and a gopura. Kailasanathar Temple has simple layout with a tower (Shikara) at the center of the complex. The tower of the temple rises in pyramid shape and has a dome shape roof on the top.
The main shrine (sanctum sanctorum) has 16 sided Shivalinga made in black granite. The inner and outer walls of the temple are carved with the images of numerous Gods and Goddesses. There is also a sculpture of Nandi guarding at the entrance. Gods and Goddesses who have their carvings in the outer walls are Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi, Goddess Durga with three Ganas and Shiva in Samhara-Tandava (destructive dancing) pose.

The inner walls of the temple has many images of Goddess Durga, Skanda, Bhavati, Tripurantaka, Garudarudha-Vishnu, Narasimha Vishnu (Vishnu in the incarnation of lion faced man), Shiva Tandava (Shiva in a dancing pose), Shiva severing the fifth head of Brahma, desecration of Yagna of Dakhsa, Brahma and his wife, Vishnu flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi, Lingodhbava (emergence of linga), Bhikshatana, Ravana, and Vali offering prayers to Atmalinga Chandikeshvara. The temple’s south facing wall has very elegant image of Shiva in a sitting posture of peace and quietude known as Dakhshinamurti, and its west wall has Shiva in the form of Lingodhbav.

This is the only temple in Kanchipuram which has retained its originality after being built by the Pallavas, rest of all the temples has been tampered or modified later by the kings of Cholas and/or Vijayanagar rulers after built by the Pallavas. There is numerous depiction of sculpture of erect lions in all directions of the temples. A circumambulatory passage exists along the wall of the temple. It is a narrow passage through which devotees must crawl through after climbing seven steps to reach the passage. It is said that passing through this passage is similar to passing through life and attaining moksha or freedom from life and death circle. The experience of making circumambulation around the deities is truly divine.

Maha Shivratri is the most popular festival celebrated here. It is celebrated every year on the 13th night/ 14th day of the Magha month of Hindu calendar or in the month of February/March. Visiting this temple during Maha Shiv Ratri is considered to be extremely auspicious. Every year thousands of devotees visit the temple during this occasion.

Kailasanathar Temple Rd, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram,
Tamil Nadu 631501
Telephone: 044 2744 2232

Kailasanathar Temple opens at 06:00 am and remains closed from 12 noon to 4 pm. The temple reopens at 4 pm and closes at around 7 pm.

Kailasanathar Temple is mostly visited by the tourists more for its architectural marvel than the religious significance. However Puja is offered daily two times to Lord Shiva, one in the morning and one in evening.

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