Kailasanatha Shiva Temple Kanchipuram

The boundary wall of Kailasanatha Temple Kanchipuram seemed all worn out; the statues that once adorned the wall seemed to be crumbling. Surprisingly as I step into the Kailasanathar 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 Kanchipuram Shiva temple, the temple town of Tamil Nadu. King Rajasimha of Pallava dynasty built this Shiva temple in early 8th century. Have you seen anything as old as this? I visited another temple with similar name some time back, the Kailasa Temple Ellora, in Maharashtra. That too was built in 8^th century by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I.

Sri Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu India

We were among the first to visit the temple and the only ones too, perks of arriving at temples early in the morning. We had the temple to ourselves.

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple History

Kailasa temple Kanchipuram is dedicated to God Shiva. The name Kailasanathar in Tamil language means God of Mt. Kailasa, 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 Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram. 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.

Nandi in front of Kailasanathar Temple India.

Photo Essay on Kailasanatha Temple Kanchipuram

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. But I soon made a second visit to make up for that loss. This time there was quite a crowd.

Secret of 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 the first time but was successful in my second visit!

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 Kailasanatha Temple Kanchipuram

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.

Shrine on entrance wall of Kailasanatha 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.

Kailasanatha Shiva Temple Kanchipuram: An Ancient Wonder That Will Leave You in Awe

Kailasanathar Temple gopuram is special and unique in terms of architectural details because this temple houses one of the earliest Gopurams. It is square in plan, with a small gopuram, mukha mandapa, mahamandapa, ardhamandapa and garbhagriha. The first structure we came across as soon as we entered the temple complex was the Mukhamandapa. It is strikingly magnificent with sculptures of Mahishasuramardini and Jyeshta Devi adorning the padha.

The garbhagriha, houses a large Shiva Linga. The avudai of the linga has inscriptions on it which is a rarity. (‘Avudaiyaar’ as it is called in Tamil is the middle part of a Shiva lingam, the upper part called the ‘baana’ and the lower part called the ‘peeta’. These three parts from bottom to top signifies the presence of Trimoorthis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.)

We walked in to see the Gopuram and sub shrines. I least expected this small temple would house so many shrines, rather sub-shrines. Fifty-eight sub-shrines to be precise! Each shrine had a panel related to Shiva-leela, other gods, and goddesses.

Wherever I stood inside the temple complex I could see lions! The pillars that went around, all had a lion at the base… seemed like the lions were carrying the weight of the complex. Each pillar is complex and has all the components like palaka, podhika, purnakumbha, etc. The walls depicted different forms of Shiva.

A Guide to Visiting Kailasanathar Temple India

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 – 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 facade, walls and pillars are adorned with meticulously crafted sculptures. It houses 64 different forms of Shiva – Somaskanda, Lingodhbava, Dakshinamurti, Tripurantaka, Gangadara, Bikshatana and more. The sculpture of Bikshatana is portrayed with a half-bent leg, twisted body, and hanging right hand representing real-life action.

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

The elegant smile and the expression on the face, convey the gnana (knowledge)that the sculpture of Dakshinamurti represents Shiva in his aspect as a teacher of music, yoga and wisdom, giving an exposition on the shastras. The naturally-bent foot, with twisted body seem to burst with life.

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

Inscriptions in Kailasanatha Temple

I ran my fingers on the inscriptions. It is believed to be one of the earliest forms of calligraphy. The letters are beautifully carved depicting images of a duck, a peacock. The inscriptions in the temple list all 240 titles of King Narasimha II. The temple holds inscriptions in both Nagari and Grantha scripts. There is a rare inscription in Kannada (state language of Karnataka), that belongs to the king Vikramaditya II- Chalukya dynasty. Try to spot it on one of the pillars in the Mukha Mandapa. The inscription dates back to the 8th Cent CE.

Another inscription describes the gifts donated by the king and his wife to the temple. Vikramaditya II took architects from Kanchipuram and built a similar temple in Pattadakkal. The temple prevented another war between the two great Kingdoms-the Pallavas and the Chalukyas-who fought each other all through their time of reign. When Vikramaditya II marched to Kanchipuram, to avenge the defeat by the Chalukyas, he was dazed by the beauty of the Kailasanatha Temple and retreated.

Nandi of Kailasa Kovil Kanchipuram

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. Sadly, the pillars of this Nandi mandapa are highly eroded.

The Divine Beauty of Nandi in Kailasa Temple Kanchipuram

Faded Paintings in Facade of the Temple

The walls of Kailasanathar Temple, the pyramidal sikharas are profusely carved with sculptures.

The temple is said to have been painted from the top to the bottom. After its construction, the temple was washed with lime mortar, upon which vibrant colors were added. These pigments were extracted from natural elements like leaves, flowers and vegetables.

These rich bright colors were used 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 with bright colors in Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram

Faded paintings of Kailasa Temple Kanchi

Kailasanathar Temple Information

Kailasanathar Temple Location: This Kanchipuram Shiva 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!

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

Kailasanathar Temple 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.

Tour Time: 2 to 3 hours

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

How to reach Kailasanathar Kovil Kanchipuram

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

Tips to visit Kailasa temple Kanchipuram

• The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is a free sight. No entrance fee required to see the temple.
• Photography is allowed (thankfully) in the temple except in the inner sanctum.
• You can also visit an old heritage house-cum-museum called Kanchi Kudil nearby with modest entrance fee of 10INR.
• Shivaratri is celebrated with great fanfare here, and often very crowded. Plan to visit in the month of February/March if you want to be a part of the celebrations.
• Dress modestly, no bare shoulders and half pants. Leave footwear outside.

Conclusion

The Kailasanatha Shiva Temple in Kanchipuram 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 who continue to be worshipped here to this day.

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