The Divine Beauty of Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

The boundary wall of Kanchi Kailasanathar temple seemed all worn out; the statues that once adorned the wall seemed to be crumbling. As I step into the Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple complex, the sight of a vast green well manicured lawn greets me. A board there mentioned, the temple is in care of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) team.

Kailasanatha Temple is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, the temple town of Tamil Nadu. King Rajasimha of Pallava dynasty built this temple in early 8th century. Have you seen anything as old as this? I visited another temple with similar name some time back, the Kailas Temple Ellora, in Maharashtra. That too was built in 8th century by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I.

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu India

Sri Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu India

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple History

Kailasa temple Kanchi is dedicated to God Shiva. The name Kailasanathar in Tamil language means God of Mt. Kailas, i.e… God Shiva. It is a live temple, meaning prayers are offered at this temple even today.

Narasimhavarman II, known also as Rajasimha Pallaveswaram, a ruler of the Pallava Dynasty laid foundation of this Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. He reigned during the first half of the 8th century AD. However records state that construction of the temple began in 685 AD. Kailasanathar Temple at Kanchipuram was completed in 705 AD under supervision of one of the king’s sons, Mahendravarman.

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Nandi

Nandi in front of Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.

Photo Essay on Kailasanathar Temple Kanchi in Tamil Nadu

The temple has 58 small shrines built into the niches of the compound wall enclosing the main shrine. Main shrine of Kanchi Kailasanatha temple has a tower that rises in pyramid shape and has a dome shape roof on the top. Inside, the sanctum has 16 sided Shiva ling made in black granite. Sadly when I arrived the doors were closed. I had to be content seeing the smaller shrines with Shiv ling inside.

Secret of Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple

On a spiritual level it is believed that a circumambulatory passage exists inside along the wall of the main shrine. The passage is so narrow that devotees must crawl through it. It is said that passing through this passage is similar to passing through life and attaining moksha (freedom from rebirth). I missed doing this, guess I am not blessed enough!

If you are ever there, request the priest to take you around that, a very interesting experience even if you don’t attach religious significance to it. It is not disclosed to all, most often they say the darshan timings are over. Sadly no photography is permitted inside this passage area of the Kailasanatha Temple.

Entrance Wall of the Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple

The entrance wall has eight small shrines and a gopura. Here are pictures of one of the shrines with Shiv ling made of black granite stone inside.

A Must-Visit for History and Architecture Enthusiasts

Shrine on entrance wall of Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple: A Must-Visit for History and Architecture Enthusiasts

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Architectural Details

Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram is built of sandstone in Dravidian architectural style. It has been renovated in the recent times. It is said that after the success of using sandstone for making this temple, it became a norm by other rulers of that era to use stone for construction. Kind of trendsetter in those days!

The foundation of the temple is made of granite which explains how it is able to withstand the massive structure. The outer structure and carvings are made up of sandstone which is lesser resistant to nature’s forces when compared to granite.

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple facade detail

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple: An Ancient Wonder That Will Leave You in Awe

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple shrine

A Guide to Visiting Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple in Tamil Nadu

Though worn off at some places the sculpted images still retain a good details. Parts of it is painted in white. I was stunned to see the temple has retained the Pallava architecture in its original style. Though there is influence of the architectural styles developed by the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Emperors.

The sheer magnificence of the ancient structure takes my breath away. The remains of intricate carvings on the walls are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the ancient artisans who built this temple over a thousand years ago.

Gods and Goddesses carved in niches

Gods and Goddesses carved in niches – Bottom 1. Vishnu flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi 2. Narasimha Vishnu

The inner walls of the temple have many images of Gods and Goddesses. I could clearly identify the images even in that partially damaged condition, wishing Tamil Nadu Tourism would step in to take care of what is remaining.

The temple’s south facing wall has very elegant image of Shiva in a sitting posture of peace and quietude known as Dakhshinamurti

Elegant image of Shiva in a sitting posture of peace and quietude known as Dakhshinamurti on the temple’s south facing wall

The striking architectural specialty is that Kailasa temple Kanchi has a stone built architecture unlike the rock cut architecture built into hallowed caves or carved into rock outcrops as in Mahabalipuram.

Nandi of Kanchi Kailasa Kovil

No Shiva Temple is complete without having a seated Nandi idol in front of the temple facing the shrine. The bull Nandi is Shiva’s primary vehicle and is the principal gana (follower) of Shiva. He is considered the gatekeeper of Shiva and Parvati. Read more: Third Largest Statue of Nandi.

The Divine Beauty of Nandi in Kanchi Kailasa Temple

The Divine Beauty of Nandi in Kanchi Kailasa Temple

Faded Paintings in Facade of the Temple

The walls of Kailasanathar Temple, the pyramidal sikharas are profusely carved with sculptures. These were painted with rich bright colors centuries back, but now nothing remains. All have peeled off, only patches are left here and there in the crevices and deep enclosures which have escaped the wrath of nature.

Paintings of Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram

Paintings with bright colors in Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram

Paintings of Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram

Faded paintings of Kailasa Temple Kanchi

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Information

Location: Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple is situated a little away from the more crowded and popular temples of Kanchipuram. The temple is located on the banks of the Vedavathi River at the western limits of the Kanchipuram. A guaranteed spot to spend some great tranquil moments!

Address: Kailasanathar Temple Rd, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501.

Timings: Kailasanatha Temple Kanchipuram open timings are 6 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 7 PM. Do check out once for public holidays.

Tickets: No tickets required to enter the temple. It is a free sight.

Pooja timings: Puja is offered daily two times to God Shiva, once in morning and once in evening. If you are a tourist, not spiritually inclined and keen only in the architecture of Kanchi Kailasa Temple, avoid visiting during the Pooja timings.

Festivals Celebrated: The main festival celebrated in Kailasanatha Temple is Maha Shiva Ratri.

How to reach Kanchi Kailasanathar Kovil

By bus: Kailasanathar Temple is 3 km from Kancheepuram bus stand.
Nearest Railway station: Kancheepuram.

Conclusion

The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is not just a temple, but a marvel of ancient Indian architecture and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. My visit to this magnificent temple has left me with a sense of wonder and reverence for the ancient artisans who built it, and the gods and goddesses who continue to be worshipped here to this day.

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29 Responses to “The Divine Beauty of Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

  • What a lovely post on the Kailasanatha Temple, and it was just the other day that I was reading about the Pallava dynasty.

  • My most favourite haunt. There's something about this place that just overwhelms me each and every time i vist.

  • Salute to the artisans and their wonderful sculptures! Amazing!

  • I am in Madras every year, and every time, I say to myself that I must make a trip to Kanchipuram, and never do! Your photos and writeup have further fueled my determination to go there the next time I'm in Madras!

  • The 'simha thoon' or the Lion pillars are so majestic…I dont remember my visit there but I know I've been there as a kid. Let's see when time takes me there again..

    Frankfurt – Germany
    Styling for a Casual Date

  • I so like the fluid movements of the figures carved into this temple. They are so very graceful. A wonder, to be sure.

  • It is just so amazing how they have preserved this great architecture of the ancient ruins. Very intricate work of art!

  • aloha,

    what an incredible place and ornate temple, thank you for showing us a little bit of your world for tuesday…

    have a good remainder of the week.

  • Very nice pictures. We visited Kanchi one summer few years ago and we had to run since it was so hot that we missed quite a few of these beautiful sights. Thanks for capturing them.

  • i love the dragons and the fat little dancers.

    Tales on Tuesday – Lost in Space

  • Wow — it breathes of ancient times and memories! Glorious.

  • 8th century? 1100 years old? Wow.

    Love that row of tubby little people – some of these sculptures have a great sense of humor.

  • Lovely Indra….this is my long pending wish! to visit these amazing temples…

  • What a magnificent place to visit. Great shots of an amazing tempel.

  • wow! excellent sculptures!

    My World on Tuesday

  • This is one of the temples I have heard so much about, but have been unable to visit yet…. beautiful pics

  • Awesome temple survived the test and ravages of time!!! I really liked the interesting piece of information and your photos.

  • Excellent shots of the beautiful temple. Thanks for helping me to revisit these places.

  • Such a fascinating post and always so different to anything in my world,j

  • Unique temple shots
    Its amazing handcraft
    those sculptures !!!
    I wonder that the grass is green in your hot country …… LOL
    Here i must always squirt 🙁
    in my garden
    while we have regular rain …..
    🙂
    🙂

  • Amazing artwork created 1200 years ago. Is there a reason they do not do modern reconstruction of the colors to bring the sculptures to their full glory? Very good! Thanks for sharing. Please visit my blog.

  • That is an amazing structure!

  • I can only echo Hilary! It is indeed mind-boggling that it is still standing! How I would love to visit there!! It's amazing that you can still see traces of the colors! As I've said many times, living in such a young country as the US, it's hard to conceive all of the incredible places that are still, not only standing, but gorgeous. I felt that way when I was in Greece and I would love the opportunity to see these in India! Have a great week, Indrani!!

    Sylvia

  • You couldn't build anything today that would stand up 1200 years worth. These places have always fascinated me.

  • That is amazing how old it is and so beautiful. I am always so entranced by bas relief work and this has some fantastic examples.

  • I believe you when you said it's a guaranteed spot for some tranquil moments.

  • It's mind-boggling to me that something man-made is still standing so perfectly after so many hundreds of years. I'll bet it was quite the sight when colours were still visible.

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