Kailasanathar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the lord of Mt Kailash, the Kailasanathar Temple is among the most important temples in town. The large temple complex has 60 smaller shrines, but one of the most unique aspects is the main idol of Lord Shiva, which has 16 stripes. The architecture of the temple is in the traditional Pallava style of pillared halls, a vestibule, and a pyramidal tower.

There are 240 or so panels engraved into the temple walls that display Nagara and Pallava Grantha scripts; incidentally, some of the earliest works of calligraphy are also found at Kailasanathar Temple. It holds one of the earliest sculptures of Jyeshta Lakshmi (Moodevi) and Vaali as well. Showcasing the Dravidian style of architecture, this place is ideal for meditation and reflection.

Visited by tourists from India and abroad, perhaps the most popular attraction of the temple is the innermost pathway that runs around the idol of Kailasanathar, signifying the entry of a person’s soul into paradise. Lord Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi (bull god), is also worshipped here.

The temple compound is made of stone, so the best times to visit are mornings and evenings, because the stone heats up under the harsh afternoon sun, and makes walking barefoot a challenge.

History of Kailasanathar Temple

The Kailasanathar Temple (meaning: “Lord of the Cosmic Mountain”), is built in the tradition of Smartha worship of Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya (Sun), Ganapati, and Kartikeya, in Hinduism, a practice that replaced Buddhism.

Temple construction is credited to the Pallava dynasty, which had established their kingdom with Kanchipuram (also known as “Kanchi” or “Shiva Vishnu Kanchi”) as the capital city, considered one of the seven sacred cities under Hinduism.

There was an interregnum when the Chalukya rulers defeated the Pallavas and occupied Kanchipuram. However, the Pallavas regained their territory and started expanding their capital city of Kanchipuram, and built many temples of great magnificence. The only temple of this period that is extant is the Kailsahanathar Temple.

The temple was built during 685-705 AD. It is the first structural temple built in South India by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), who is also known as Rajasimha Pallaveswaram. His son, Mahendravarman III, completed the front façade and the gopuram (tower). Prior temples were either built of wood or hewn into rock faces in caves or on boulders, as seen in Mahabalipuram.

The Kailasanathar temple became the trendsetter for other similar temples in South India. According to local belief, the temple was a safe sanctuary for the rulers of the kingdom during wars. A secret tunnel, built by the kings, was used as an escape route and is still visible.

The temple has gone by other names such as Kachipettu Periya Thirukatrali (meaning: Stone Temple of Kachipettu, the old name for the present-day Kanchipuram) when Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola Dynasty paid a visit to this temple. Inspired by the architecture of this temple, he built the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Currently, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture of Kailasanathar Temple

Located in the Kanchipuram city of Tamil Nadu, the Kailasanathar temple was built from 685 A.D. to 705 A.D. The Pallava ruler, Rajasimha started the construction of the temple but it was completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava. The architecture of the temple is a fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture carved out of sandstone.

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 popular belief, the temple served as a shelter to the king at the time of battles.

The temple is aptly located in a rustic suburb away from the hustle-bustle of the city. A huge kneeling Nandi with a face towards the temple stands right in front of the entrance. 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.