Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Temple is an ancient building in a Tamil-style Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is historically famous and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kailasanathar temple timings are from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
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The temple was built between 685 and 705 AD by the ruler Rajasinha (Narasimhavarman II) of the Pallava dynasty. Engraving on low-slung sandstone compounds has many semi-animal deities common in the early Pallava period.
The structure has 58 small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in various ways. These are nested on the inner face of the high compound wall of the perimeter path. Kailasanath Temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kanchipuram.
History
This structure has 58 small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in various ways. These are nested on the inner face of the high compound wall of the perimeter path. Kailasanathar Temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city.
Who built Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple?
The Pallava dynasty built the temple after establishing their kingdom as the capital city of Kanchipuram (also known as “Shiva Vishnu Kanchi” or “Kanchi”), which consider one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism.
Emperor Narasimhavarman I later expanded the Pallava lands to the north, west and South of Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Kannada, expanding their capital city of Kanchipuram and building many magnificent temples.
They were also known as Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram, Vaikunta Perumal Temple and Kailasanathar Temple AD. One of the two rare examples of temple architecture dates to 640-730.
Kailasanatha Temple was built between the years 685 and 705 in Kanchi. Narasimhavarman II (Rajasinha), also known as Rajasinha Pallaveswaram, built the first architectural temple in South India. Mahendravarman III, his son, completed the front entrance and the dome (dome).
Ancient temples in Mahabalipuram were made of wood or carved into stone faces in caves or rocks. Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Temple has become a model for similar temples in South India.
The temple served as a haven for the kingdom’s rulers during the war. The kings built a secret tunnel as an escape route, which is still visible today.
It said that Raja Raja Chola I (985–1014 CE) visited the temple and was inspired by it when it was built.
Architecture
The architecture has a simple layout with a plane or tower. The plane of the temple is square in plan and rises in the form of a pyramid above the main hall (sanctum sanctorum). Many levels in the tower grow proportionately.
A small dome-shaped roof can be seen at the top of the tower. Pallava-type pillar elements with mythical animal forms (lions on the base) are decorative elements. The dome walls had been plastered at the entrance.
Eight small shrines precede the central tower, and one tower can be seen on the entrance wall. An intermediate hall then connects the mandapam and the sanctuary, Ardhamantapam, which diminishes the beauty of the temple. There are rectangular walls around the temple.
The sanctum sanctorum in the main hall has a 16-sided Shiva lingam made of black granite stone. Inside the main shrine’s walls is a pedestal (central pedestal) with beautifully carved images of deities and a sculpture guarding the deity against a distance. There are sculptures of many deities on each face of the outer walls of the main temple.
The sculpture on the south side wall depicts Lord Shiva as Umamaheswar (Lord Shiva with his wife Parvati) on the lower level of Lingodbhava (Shiva’s fiery pillar – lingam), Brahma and Vishnu, and the flying immortals around.
The west-facing hall houses sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of Sandhya Thandavamurti and Urdhava Thandavamurti, as well as paintings of Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi and Parvati.
Kailasanathar Temple Timings
Below are the timings of the Kailasanathar temple:
Kailasanathar temple timings: the temple opens from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.
Festivals at Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Temple
This Kailasanath Temple in Kanchi hosts many festivals throughout the year. One of the festivals is “Maha Shivaratri.” Ganesha Chaturthi, Diwali, Tamil New Year and Rama Navami are important Hindu festivals. The festival of “Navratri” is celebrated with great reverence for almost nine days.
The best time to visit
Although the perfect time to visit Kailasanathar temple is throughout the year, in March, Shivratri celebrates the most glorious time in the temple, which is the perfect time to see it in all its glory.
Kanchipuram is a place that enjoys hot summers and mild monsoons. The winter is the best time to experience the region’s mild climate, from November to February.
Things to do
- Surprise yourself with the beautiful sculptures in the courtyard; most statues are built on the perimeter path outside the main hall.
- Look at the vast Nandi statue and the small pond near the Nandi, but visitors are prevented from getting into it with barbed wire.
- The green lawn around the courtyard is a place to sit and relax in a peaceful environment.
- Many parrots can be seen on the temple premises in the morning.
- Click on some great photographs in a beautiful backdrop with stunning architecture and greenery.
- The local shops outside the temple sell various small statues, local handicrafts and great souvenirs.
- Eat at many eateries that have outstanding South Indian cuisine to taste.
Nearby Restaurants
- Desert Dragon
- Eat Me
- Saravana Bhavan
- Upasana Hotels
- GRT Hotel
- Hotel Shakthi Ganapathy
Nearby Attractions
- Ekambanadhar Temple
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Sri Vardaraja Perumal Temple
- Kanchi Kudil
Visitor Information
Kanchi is famous for Serenity, Architecture Divinity.
Entrance Fee: No fee for this place of worship
Visit Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours
How to reach
Air:
The nearest airport to the temple is the Chennai International Airport. The temple is located at a distance of 80 km from the airport.
Rail:
The Kailasanathar temple is located close to the Kanchipuram Railway Station. You can use a bus or taxi to get an auto.
Bus:
Kanchipuram was well connected to most of the cities. There is plenty of local transportation. The bus stop is a short drive from the temple complex.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Address
Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501.