Kailasanathar Temple or Kailasanatha Temple is probably the oldest temple in the city. The Kailasanathar temple Kanchipuram was built in the 8th century and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex is made of sandstone and beautiful carving on it is an example of the superb craftsmanship of the time. That's why many semi-animal deities are carved on the walls and pillars of the temple. The temple is known for its vimana or lot with splendid architecture which is just above the unpublished small temple. There are many such panels in the temple on which the idol of Lord Shiva is carved as Nataraja.
History and Architecture
Kanchi Kailasanathar Templeis an important religious site located on the banks of the Vedavati River in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu on the western border. This temple is a very important place for the devotees of Hinduism. A large number of devotees visit the Kailasanathar Temple throughout the year, there is a huge increase in the number of devotees during Mahashivarathri. The major attraction of the temple is the sixteen Shiva Lingams made of black granite in the main temple. Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple is adorned with beautiful paintings and magnificent sculptures, which attracts someone towards it.
Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuramis a very ancient temple in Tamil Nadu and is the oldest among the temples. This temple is so attractive that its architectural beauty is different from all other temples in Tamil Nadu. The Pallava dynasty established their kingdom in Kanchipuram which is known as Kanchi or Shiva Vishnu Kanchi. Numerous temples were built by Emperor Narasimha Varman I of which Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram and Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple are the most attractive. The Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple was constructed from 685 A.D to 705 A.D. This temple is the first structural temple built in South India by Narasimha Varman I, also known as Rajasimha Pallaveeswaram. Later his son Mahendra Varman III completed the construction of the front portion and tower of the temple.
The Kanchi Kailasanatha temple has been constructed in the traditional Dravidian style which is very attractive to see. The foundation of the temple is made of granite. The outer structure and carvings of the Kailasanatha temple are all made of sandstone. The Kailasanathar Temple consists of forty-eight small shrines, adjoining the wall that surrounds the main temple. The main temple here has carvings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva in various dance forms. Apart from small temples, one can also see the main hall, an entrance gate in the complex which can be known as Gopuram. Apart from this, statues of lions can be seen on the pillars of the temple which are standing on their feet. The main temple or sanctum sanctorum has 16 Shivalinga made in black granite.
The most popular festival celebrated in the Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram is Maha Shivaratri, which falls on the thirteenth night and fourteenth day of the Magh month of the Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated in a very grand way in the temple.
How to reach Kailasanathar Temple
For any tourists who are going to visit Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram which is located 2.4 km from the bus station and 2.5 km from the railway station. If you are near both these places then you can hire a cab or auto to reach the temple.
The nearest airport to Kanchipuram is Chennai Airport. From the airport, you can hire any taxi or cab to reach the city or to go to the Kailasanatha temple.
If you want to travel by road, then Kanchipuram is easily accessible by road from South Indian cities. Bus services are easily available to this city. Tamil Nadu State Government-run Transport Corporation runs buses from most major cities to Kanchipuram.
Best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple
If you are planning to visit the Kailasanathar temple Kanchipuram, then the best time to visit the temple is in February and March. The Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated here in these months. The temple is decorated in a very attractive way during this festival. Visiting the temple during Maha Shivaratri is considered very auspicious. The months from October to March are best to visit here as the weather is very pleasant at this time.
Places to visit near Kailasanathar Temple
This temple is one of the alluring attraction of the city while the Kanchipuram boasts of several famous places which should be visited at least once. The popular places to visit near Kailasanathar Temple are Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, etc.
Kailashnathar Temple Kanchipuram Timings: 6:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Kailasnathar Temple Kanchipuram Entry Fees: Nil
