The famous Kailasanathar Temple is a perfectly innovative sacred place being made by Rajasimha. The architecture and whole work of art are truly monumental and people get captivated of its architectural beauty that standouts this temple in all South Indian edifices. It has been located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu India. It was constructed to emulate Lord Shiva’s palace in Mount Kailash.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple History
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple history belongs to 685-705AD Pallava dynasty. Pallava dynasty established their kingdom in one among the Hindu sacred cities, Kanchipuram. After winning from Chalukyas, they constructed a number of temples. The construction was helmed by Rajasimha Pallaveswaram. The gopuram and front façade was constructed by Mahendravarman III, Rajasimha’s son. It is believed that, for rulers during the war, this particular temple acted as the sanctuary. There was a secret tunnel constructed for emergency times which is still visible. The whole construction is really majestic.
Kailasanathar Temple Architecture
The entire temple witness wondrous stone carvings. The granite has been used for solid foundations and superstructure has been erected by using sandstone. The whole temple comprises of Antarala, entrance gate, Mandapa, Garbagirha, Gopuram, and high compound wall. Mythical lions being carved on the pillars showcase another example of Pallava style.
At the center of the whole temple complex, one tower exists and vimana is established above the main shrine. At the entrance, the gopuram walls have been plastered showing a gopura and eight small shrines. The 16 sided Shivalinga has been made by using black granite stone. On the main shrine’s walls, the images of Nandi have been carved. On the southern walls, Lord Shiva’s images can be witnessed as Umamaeshavra besides Lingodbhava being surrounded by Vishnu and Brahma and on the lower part, flying Amaras can be seen. Similarly, western and northern walls have carvings of different deities on it, raising the sacredness of this place.
Kailasanathar Temple Timings
- Morning: 6:00AM – 12:00PM
- Evening: 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Kailasanathar Temple timings are uniform for all the days.
How to reach Kailasanathar Temple?
You can comfortably pick any traveling mode. Here are the details:
- By Air
Meenambakam is the nearest airport located in capital Chennai, which is 75kms far from Kanchipuram. You can easily reach by air and after reaching Chennai, you can either hire a cab or a bus to reach here.
- By Road
You can take buses from any metro city or any other areas. From the temple, it’s just 5km away. So, that’s the easiest route to reach here.
- By Rail
Rail facility is also available and you can opt for trains to reach the temple. The railway station is just 8kms away from it.
Kailasanathar Temple may refer to various temples being situated in India, these are:
- Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Kailasanathar Temple, Ellora, Maharashtra
- Kailasanathar Temple, Tharamangalam, Salem, Tamil Nadu
- Kailasanathar temple, Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
All temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The whole structure of Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram is well-constructed and has become South India’s first structural temple. Being an architectural freak, I toured Venkateswara Temple recently which also has a grand architectural history just as Kailasanathar Temple. If you love exploring and admiring artistry then these are ideal places for you to visit. So, make your plans and behold the perfection.
