Kailasanatha Temple – It Is The Mostly Well-Known Tourist Lures Of The Kanchipuram City.

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE 

AT

KANCHIPURAM

Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was built in 7th century AD by a Pallava king named Rajasimha known as Narasimhavarman II. This Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is famous for its magnificent Vimana, the gopuram over the Sanctum Sanctorum.

It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone, and partly renovated in recent times. The modest scale of the temple, and the closeness of its enclosing wall, lend a feeling of intimacy to the surroundings.

It speaks volumes of architectural beauty that flourished in the reign of Pallava King. Kailasanatha temple is the biggest sandstone temple in the world according to K.T. Narasimhan, Superintending Archaeologist at Archeological Survey of India.

The foundation of the temple is laid on granite stones while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone. The pradakshinam path around the sanctum is made in such a manner that it requires visitors to climb up and down a flight of seven stairs and to crawl through narrow ways.

A huge kneeling Nandi stands in the front facing the temple and a look at it clearly indicates it must have been painted in gorgeous colours once. There is a curious tunnel around the sanctum sanctorum which has a very narrow opening at the entrance and a larger one at the exit.

Kailasanatha contains in embryo many of the features of the rapidly emerging South Indian style: gopuras, pilastered walls, a pyramidal shikhara, and a perimeter wall enclosing the complex.

The temple is aptly located in a rustic suburb away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The architectural beauty of this temple stands out from all the other temples in Tamil Nadu.

One of the unique features of this temple is the 16 sided Shiva lingam made up of black granite at the main shrine. Thousands of devotees visit the temple at the time of Mahashivratri, when you would even have to wait for hours in long queues for your turn.

Kailasnathar temple in Kanchipuram is the oldest one.58 small shrines with different forms of Lord Shiva surround the main shrine. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in different postures. According to the popular belief the temple served as a shelter to the king at the time of battles.

Maha Shivaratri is the biggest festival held in the temple when thousand of devotees throng the temple in the evening hours to offer prayers to the main deity.

By Air

Chennai is the nearest airport. From Chennai the temple is 75 kms away.

By Train

The nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram. From Kanchipuram, the temple is 2.7 km away. Private taxis are available to reach this temple.

By Bus 

Kailasanathar Temple situated west side of kanchipuram and is 3 Km from Kanchi bus stand.