Kailasanathar temple

Kailasanathar temple is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram which is dedicated to Lord Shive. This temple which was built during 685 and 705 AD by Rajasimha of Pallava Dynasty is in Dravidian architectural style. Some say it is the First structural temple built in south India which later on became the trend setter for other temples of Tamil Nadu. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram. It is built of sandstone and has innumerable carvings of Pallva art.

All the walls around and inside the temple are filled with great sculptures. Magnificient sculptures and paintings can also be seen on the walls and Vimanam of this temple.

 

It is said that the first Rajaraja Chola visited this temple and was inspired to build Brihadeeswarar Temple or Big temple at Tanjavur.

 

Here one can see 58 small shrines each dedicated to one form of Shiva. They are built into niches on the inner face of the high compound wall. The front facade and the gopuram (tower) were built by Second Mahendravarman who was the son of Rajasimha. It is the only temple at Kanchipuram which is not cluttered with the more recent additions of the cholas and vijayanagar rulers. Probably this might be the only temple in Kanchipuram which has not been modified after its original creation.

 

 

 

The outstanding feature of sculptures in this temple is the depiction of the erect lions projecting out in several directions! The temple also has the earliest stone inscription records of the twenty eight Shaiva saints in which the Pallava King Rajasimhavarman states his faith in Shaivism. The murals on the inner walls are reasonably preserved.

 

 

Of all the temples in India, no other edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the 64 aspects of Lord Shiva. The temple is unique in its architecture and is viewed more as an architectural wonder than as a holy place.

Currently this temple is maintained by Archeological Survey of India. Photography is allowed freely in this temple.