Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram - कैलासनाथर मंदिर कांचीपुरम

The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram is one of the oldest shiv temple in South India, and a fine example of early Dravidian / Pallava architecture.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple represents early Shaivism in the Pallava period, but the sculptures include Vaishnavite, Shakta & Vedic elements too, showing religious pluralism in the art. The temple is sometimes called the \"Sand Temple\" because of its dominant use of sandstone.

Kailasanathar Temple History and Architecture
❀ Kailasanathar Temple was built by Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, of the Pallava dynasty, around 700 CE, with later additions by his son Mahendravarman III.
❀ It is considered the oldest structural temple in Kanchipuram. (By “structural” meaning built of stone blocks rather than rock-cut.)
❀ The temple is noteworthy for many architectural features: Square-plan temple with mukha-mandapa (entrance hall), maha-mandapa (gathering hall), and a primary sanctum (garbha-griya) topped with a four-tier vimana.
❀ Extensive relief sculptures and friezes on the walls, depicting various forms of Shiva as well as mythological scenes.
❀ The main sanctum is surrounded by multiple small shrines — in total around 58 small shrines (cells) are built into the prakara (outer compound wall) facing the main sanctum. There are traces of fresco-style mural paintings on the inner walls of the courtyard cells. These are early examples of mural work in Tamil Nadu.
❀ There is what is called a circumambulatory passage (parikrama) around the sanctum; devotees sometimes crawl through narrow parts as symbolic acts. The temple is under protection by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Read About Ekambareswarar Kanchipuram.

Kailasanathar Temple Darshan Timing
The temple is open throughout the week and the darshan timings are from 5:30 am to 12 noon and from around 4 pm to 7:30 pm.

Kailasanathar Temple Prime Festivals
Mahashivaratri is the main festival at the Kailasanathar Temple. Besides this, Tirukarthigai (when many lamps are lit) is also a special occasion.

How to Reach Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram
Kailasanathar Temple is located on the western side of Kanchipuram, facing east, near the Vegavathi (Vedavathi) river. From chennai to kanchipuram is just 72 KM away. The Temple Well connected by buses from Chennai and surrounding cities. Kanchipuram has railway stations; after that one takes local transport (auto, taxi) to reach the temple. Nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport; from there one can take road transport to Kanchipuram.

Things to Consider Before Visting the Temple:
❀ There is a circumambulatory passage around the sanctum. In particular, a narrow entry where devotees crawl through, symbolic of beginning of life or rebirth; exit through another narrow passage symbolic of death / rebirth cycle. Completing this is believed by some to break the cycle of rebirth (moksha) or at least confer special blessings.

❀ Entry is free. As the temple is maintained by ASI, certain areas may have access restrictions.

❀ Dress / Etiquette: As in most temples, modest dress is advised. Being barefoot inside temple courtyard, etc. Also mornings and evenings are more comfortable, since stone can heat up during the day.