Kailasanathar Temple

About Kailasanathar Temple

Far From City: 2 kms from city center
Cost: About Kailasanathar Temple Weather: Time Required:1-2 hrs Open Time:6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost:No entry fee

History of Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple The Pallava dynasty had established their kingdom in Kanchipuram, which is also known as Kanchi or Shiva Vishnu Kanchi, as their capital city. The kings then expanded their territories within the Tamil, Andhra and Kannada territories and started building many temples of great significance and value under their Emperor Narasimhavarman I. Two of the temples that stand out and are worth mentioning are the Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram and the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. The name of the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple literally means Lord of the Cosmic Mountain and is built in the tradition of the Smartha worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Devi, Surya, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. The temple was built during 685 A.D. to 705 A.D. and is the first structural temple to have been built in South India by Narasimhavarman I, who is also known as Rajasimha Pallaveswaram. His son Mahendravarman III, later on, completed the construction of the temple's front facade and tower. Unlike temples that were built of wood or hewn into rocks, the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple became the first temple to be built in sandstone and became a trendsetter for all other temples that followed. The grand temple also acted as a safe sanctuary for the rulers during wars in those times. A secret tunnel was built by the kings to use as a safe escape route and is still visible. At present, the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. Architecture and Interiors of Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style of design and is indeed a marvel to look at. The foundation of the temple is made up of granite. It is this granite base that enables the foundation to withstand the massive, colossal structure of the temple. The outer structure and carvings are all composed of sandstone. The temple has fifty-eight small shrines in all, which are built into the niches of the compound wall that encloses the main shrine. The main shrine depicts the carvings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva in various dance forms. Other than these mini shrines, one can also find the main hall, a high compound wall and an entrance gate known as the gopuram, inside the temple complex. Statues of lions stand on their hind legs on the pillars of the mandapa, as if warning not to harm the temple. The layout of the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is relatively simple with a tower or a 'shikara' built in the centre of the complex. This tower rises in the shape of a pyramid and has a roof in the form of a dome at the top. The main shrine, or the sanctum sanctorum, comprises of 16 Shivalingas made in black granite. Both the inner and outer walls are carved with the images of many Gods and Goddesses such as Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi, Durga Maa and Lord Shiva in the destructive dancing pose. A sculpture of Nandi can also be found guarding the entrance. The south-facing wall of the temple has a very graceful image of Lord Shiva in a seated posture and quietude, which is known as Dakshinamurti; while the west wall has Shiva in the form of Lingodhbav. Festivals and Celebrations at Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple The most popular festival celebrated here is the Maha Shivratri, which is celebrated in a rather grand manner every year on the thirteenth night and fourteenth day of the Magha month of the Hindu calendar. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Timings The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and then from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Aarti takes place twice each day, once during the morning hours, and later in the evening.

Best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple The best time to visit the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is in February and March when the celebrations of the Maha Shivratri festival are ongoing. Visiting the temple during this time is considered to be extremely auspicious. How to Reach Kailasanathar Temple The temple is just 2.4 kilometres away from the bus station, and 2.5 kilometres away from the railway station. In case you are staying anywhere near these two places, you can hire a cab or an auto to reach your destination.

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