The Kailasanathar temple is dedicated to Shiva in Kanchipuram. It is located on the banks of the river Vedavathi in the western limits of Kanchipuram. This east-facing temple is the oldest in Kanchipuram, more than two thousand years old.
Kanchipuram is a city of traditions with an age-old charm. Its cultural heritage takes one back in time, making it a destination that reflects history in all its glory. The town is believed to be over a thousand years old and is referred to as the 'Golden City of a Thousand Temples’. There are many Divine places of worship and architectural wonders rich in art, sculpture, and timeless elegance.
The Kailasanathar temple is one such temple that defines the spiritual essence of this ancient city, which was ruled by several dynasties, including the Cholas, Pallavas, Vijayanagara and subsequently, the British. It is a sacred pilgrimage city of great architectural splendour.
Temple History
The temple was built by Pallava King Rajasimha Pallaveswaram 1300 years ago, between 650 and 705 AD, and was finished by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava. According to historians, it is the first structural temple in South India, and its unique architecture, huge towers, and intricate sculptures and figurines set the standard for the temples of South India.
The Pallavas were so taken with this city that they made it their capital, with its abundant flora and fauna and the river Palar flowing serenely through the western part of the region. The Chola dynasty later took it from the Pallavas. It is believed the temple served as a safe haven for the rulers during wars. A tunnel built by the kings can be viewed even today.
The Archaeological Survey of India currently preserves this ancient temple.
Temple Architecture
The temple dedicated to Shiva is one of the finest examples of classical Dravidian architecture. It is believed to be the first stone structure built. Its foundation is made of granite, which enables it to support the massive structure. Sandstone marks the outer structure and carvings. The temple has fifty-eight small shrines called Devakulikas built into the niches of the compound walls that enclose the main shrine.
Renowned for its intricate carvings, the temple houses some of the first mural artworks in Tamil Nadu. The temple walls depict inscriptions in early scripts that enable the study of regional history and traditions. The temple has a grand entrance hall, a Mandapam (Hall), and the sanctum sanctorum topped by a four-storey Vimana. The pillars of the Mandapam have statues of lions standing on their hind legs.
There are nine shrines around the main sanctum, each depicting a different form of Shiva. The innermost pathway circles the main idol of Kailasanathar (Shiva) and signifies the entrance and exit to the temple. The sixteen-sided Shiva Lingam is made of black granite in the main sanctum. The Padabhanda Adhisthana, or central pedestal, is located within the walls of the main sanctum with a sculpted Nandi guarding the deity and carvings of Shiva and Goddess Parvati in dance forms.
The outer walls have carvings of Gods and Goddesses, including Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi, Goddess Durga with three Ganas, and Shiva in Samhara Tandava (Destructive Dancing) pose. The temple's South-facing wall has an image of Shiva in a peaceful posture known as Dakshinamurti, and its west wall has Shiva in the form of Lingothbavar.
Temple Speciality
The temple, with its rich inscriptions and carvings, is a timeless testimony to the grandeur of historical architecture. It is the only temple that has remained original, being built by the Pallavas. The other temples underwent modifications by later kings of the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties.
The mythological lions face different directions, and there is a rare idol of Shiva holding an unusual depiction of the musical instrument, the Veena. There is a circumambulatory passage along the wall of the temple. It is a narrow passage through which devotees squeeze after climbing seven steps to reach it. The traditional belief is that passing through this passage is akin to passing through life and attaining Moksha (Salvation). The experience of circumambulation around the deities is a Divine experience.
Religious Significance
The temple holds immense spiritual significance and has a positive vibration that calms the mind. Worship of Shiva at this temple can cleanse one of karmic baggage, grant relief from the eternal cycle of death and rebirth, and grant salvation.
Temple Festivals & Rituals
The temple celebrates the Maha Shivaratri festival during February-March (Masi) and Thiru Karthigai during November-December, when approximately one lakh lamps are lit in the temple. The temple observes the monthly Pradosham days and the Full Moon Days (Pournami) with Poojas and rituals. Pooja is offered twice to the deity, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Temple Timings
Morning 5:30 am – 12:00 pm
Evening 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Transportation
By Road- Frequent buses travel daily from the Mahendra City bus stop in Chennai to Kanchipuram. The bus stops are located close to the temple in Kanchipuram.
By Rail- Kanchipuram Railway Station is very close to the temple, and one can take a bus or cab to it.
By Air- The nearest airport is Chennai, nearly 80 km away, and from there, one can take a cab, bus, or train to Kanchipuram
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