Sri Kailasanathar Temple – The Oldest Shiva Temple in Kanchipuram
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram is the third biggest temple in Kanchipuram, after Kamakshi Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. The temple is the oldest one in the city and is devoted to Lord Shiva as the main deity, surrounded by some 58 smaller shrines.Sri Kailasanathar Temple – A Quick Glance
Sri Kailasanathar Temple
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Famous for: serenity, divinity, architecture, religious significance
Timings: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Visit duration: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: February and March (during the celebrations of the Maha Shivratri Festival)
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Food available, Bathroom, Photography / Videography allowed, Footwear allowed
Sri Kailasanathar Temple – An Overview
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram is a popular religious site located on the banks of the Vedavathi River, and is a significant place of worship for the Hindu devotees who flock in thousands all year round. The number of visitors goes significantly up during the time of Mahashivratri, celebrated every year in a grand manner on the 13th night and 14thday of the Magha month of the Hindu calendar which usually falls around February-March.The temple was built during the Pallava dynasty ruling over the region. The construction has intricate designing with sandstone built during the period of 680 AD to 705 AD, and consists of around 60 shrines beautifully ornamented to attract tourists from all over the country. A large number of foreign tourists do visit the temple to treat their eyes with the exquisite construction.
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Major Attractions of Sri Kailasanathar Temple
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram was a trendsetter for other similar temples in South India. The Kailasanathar Temple (“Lord of the Cosmic Mountain”) is built in the tradition of Smartha worship of Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya (Sun), Ganapati and Kartikeya.The major attraction of the temple is the construction style built in Dravidian style of design which is an architectural marvel to its true sense. The foundation of the temple is made up of granite as base that helps it to withstand the massive, colossal structure of the temple. The outer structure and the carvings are made of sandstone.
The temple is bestowed with 58 stunning small shrines which are built into the niches of the boundary enclosing the main shrine which depicts the figurines of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva in various dance forms. Among the most striking feature is the sixteen-sided Shiva lingam made up of black granite and is placed at the main shrine.
Apart from these shrines, the main hall is worth visiting with is a high compound wall and an entrance gate (gopuram), inside the temple complex. There are statues of lions standing on their hind legs on the pillars of the mandapa built as a symbol of protection to the temple.
Architecture of Sri Kailasanathar Temple
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The main layout of Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram is relatively simple than its exteriors. It consists of a tower or “shikara” constructed right in the centre of the temple premise. The tower looks like a pyramid and has a dome at the top.
To keep up with the gorgeous architecture at the exterior, both the inner and outer walls are carved with paintings and images of several gods and goddesses including Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi, Durga Maa and Lord Shiva doing Tandava (destructive dancing pose).
To guard the entrance is the idol of Nandi, Shiva’s bull. The south-facing wall of the temple is complete with a majestic image of Lord Shiva is a seated posture with a tranquil facial expression (Dakshinamurti). The west wall depicts Shiva in the form of Lingodhbav
History of Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
The history of Sri Kailasanathar Temple dates back to the era when Pallava dynasty ruled the kingdom of Kanchipuram. It was known as Kanchi or Shiva Vishnu Kanchi and was the capital city of the Pallavas. The rulers expanded their territories within Tamil, Andhra and Kannada territories and kept on erecting several construction including temples to mark their region.Under the rule of Emperor Narasimhavarman I, two temples stood out for their architectural significance – Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram and the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.
As the name Sri Kailasanathar Temple suggests and means Lord of the Cosmic Mountain, it combines the tradition of the Smartha worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Devi, Surya, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. It was the first temple constructed in South India by Narasimhavarman I, also known as Rajasimha Pallaveswaram. The construction of the temple was later completed by his son Mahendravarman III who focussed on the temple’s front facade and tower.
Unlike other temples that were most built of wood or carved out of rocks, Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram was the first one to be built in sandstone and hence soon became a trendsetting example.
The gala structure used to act as a safe sanctuary for the rulers of that era during wars. There was a secret tunnel built by the kings which they used as a safe hidden escape route, which can be seen till date.
The Sri Kailasanathar Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Caves of Sri Kailasanathar Temple
There are 8 meditation caves at Sri Kailasanathar Temple lined up right in the front of the temple which acts like a screen to shield the temple premise. These 8 caves are actually the 8 shrines each with a Shivalinga placed inside them.The main entrance through the Gopuram asymmetrically stands between these caves, with two on one side and six on the other. The architecture is exclusive alluring for the art students with a keen interest in art history. The bottom of the round pillars are carved in the shape of mythical animal lions showcase the signature stamp of Pallava dynasty.
The Prakara, or the temple wall around the premise, encloses several small meditation caves. These caves can accommodate only one person inside and meditate. The walls facing the meditation caves are beautifully sculpted and painted with figurines of Shiva-Parvati and occasionally with that of Lord Ganesha. Though the constructions are pretty ancient, but the sculptures have withstood the test of time. However, the paintings have faded mostly and only few remain intact.
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