kailasanatha temple

It is a masterpiece in Stone built in 650 AD..one of the oldest architectural wonders of India.The Tanjore Brahadeeswarar was inspired by this Temple only.An hour's drive from Chennai,one must not not miss this ancient architectural marvel of India!

" A forgotten Wonder" is the first thought that shot from our minds at the very first sight.We stood almost bedazzled. Poverty of vocabulary forced us into a state of silence.We visited the temple around 7pm when it was very dark. We happened to visit it after completing our visit to the Ekambareswar Temple and Kumarakottam temple. It was by sheer accident that we came to know about it from an auto driver who offered to take us there for Rs50/- Doubting the authenticity of the information provided by him, we were almost about to drop the idea of a visit when we were prompted by a passerby not to miss it. It is situated in the outskirts of the city about three Km from the Kumarakottam temple. The state in which we witnessed the Temple made us feel very sad. It is not maintained well at all to say the least and the last.It looked deserted. The temple architecture is unique and distinct in every aspect but there is inadequate illumination to enhance its grandeur and majesty."Godliness is next to cleanliness" is the apt proverb to describe the pathetic state in which the temple presented itself.Certainly, it doesn't deserve the indifference and neglect it is being subjected to.It is a colossus standing as a grand and sad testimony to man's passion and indifference.It was built by the pallava king Narasimha varman-II in the 8th century.

Built in the late 7th century, it is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram. Construction of the temple was interrupted when the Chalukyas captured Kanchipuram but continued as soon as it was retaken; unlike other invading armies, the Chalukyas had not destroyed the construction site. Unlike most of the temples at Mahabalipuram, Kailasanatha is one of the oldest stone temples not carved out of rock that is still standing in India.The Pallavas clearly had a thing for Somaskanda, for there are dozens of depictions of him all over the temple. Occasionally, you might spot him sitting on his peacock but by and large, he his happily settled on his mother’s lap. Another form of Shiva the Pallavas seem to have loved is Dakshinamurthy, of whom there are also several depictions. The temple has 58 shrines in it and Nandi sits on a pedestal far from the entrance across a lawn. However, it is clear that the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings added to this temple as well; the original temple consisted only of the sanctum sanctorum and a detached sabha mantapa. Now, there are umpteen shrines surrounding the temple. Some of these shrines even have some of the original paint intact. This gives an idea of what the original temple must have been like – a white main temple surrounded by colourful shrines.The main shrine has a 16-sided black granite shivalingam, with the walls carrying depictions of Umamaheshwara and Shiva performing the tandava. One interesting statue I noticed was of Shiva dancing the ananda tandava but instead of standing on one leg bent at the knee, he seemed to be in some sort of quasi-virabadhrasana! Another posture Shiva can be found in is the urdhva tandava; clearly, the Pallavas had a diverse compendium of Shiva postures for their artwork.

This is temple of lord shiva. The temple is of 7th Century i.e. 1400 years old and still in same position without any changes except needed essential by Archology Survey of India. This temple is under supervision of A.S.I. and a representative remains present and explains if needed. Temple remains open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In temple there is a huge Shivinga in shining black stone. There are more than 50 shivlinga surrounding in compound. Hundreds of idols of various God/Goddess/Devi/Devata in sand stone on outer wall of Main temple. If you are intrested to see in details come with atleast more than one hour in your pocket.

This temple is outside the main temple circuit and is maintained by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). It has a huge Siva Lingam in octoganal shape as the main deity and surrounding compound has various sculptures. Outside the temple complex is a well maintained lawn and there was one person from ASI who was helping people understand the temple's history.

Temple sculptures is in a terrible state. Temple of trying to restore, but don't do it qualitatively. It's not most interesting sightseeing in city.

In a city dominated by large temples, this one is quaint and with better ambiance and surrounding as well as probably more historical (with fewer alterations and improvements, unlike others)

The most well maintained Temple in Kanchipuram in my opinion. Seemed to be an architectural beauty and with most of the structures being outside the architecture was much more pronounced and enjoyable. The greenery outside along with the Nandi gives it the perfect ambience. There is not much rush as in Kanchi Amman Temple which again helps. A must visit in Kanchipuram

We visited the temple a week back. This temple is maintained by ASI, and was originally built by Pallavas. Quaint temple with a nice lawn, great architecture. It seems no one has yet figured out what the composition of the building material for the temple is, and hence are finding it difficult to maintain. Modern engineering is yet to come to terms with our old architecture marvels.

This was the last of the 4 temples we visited at Kanchipuram. And it was the best. The neat, green garden around it made it look perfect. Its the oldest of the temples, and unlike the others is made of sandstone. So, many of the sculptures have lost their detail to the wind and elements.Loved it

Billed as the best temple in Kanchi in terms of both divinity and archeological marvel, any visitor to Kailasanathar temple who crawls around the sanctum is free from the next birth. This is the oldest temple in the region and the construction spanned three centuries ( began in the 6th century).

The Kailasanathar Temple is one of the oldest temple in India. It was built during the Pallava Dynasty during early medieval period (about 8th century). The Temple gopuram and sanctum is made of sandstone which is rare.The Temple is dedicated to Lord Kailasanathar (Siva). The temple sculptures and carvings depict the tales of lord Shiva. The Temple is famous for its architecture with Yazhi pillars, small mandapams. Supposedly Raja Raja Chola was inspired to built the Big Temple in Tanjavur after visiting Kailasanathar Temple.The Temple is now maintained by ASI (Archeological Survey of India). The ASI is currently working on preserving the temple murals which had been subjected to corrosion over time.So what's special about the Kailasanathar Temple - Its one of the oldest temple in India- If you like the Pallava Architecture, like in Mahabalipuram, this place is a must see- The Yazhi pillars and mini temples- Ideal place for Photography enthusiastsTips for fellow travelers,- The temple is situated very near to Kanchi town and is easily accessible via road- open from morning 6.00 am- No Admission or Camera Fee- Restaurants or Coffee shops present in nearby Kanchi main town only- Best stop for Bike riders looking for a early stop near Kanchi before long travel

We didn't know about this temple before hand.We visited it evening time,.we felt it is different from others and while going round we could see many sculptures,depicting various aspects and stories of Lord Shiva as if whole Siva purana is laid before us.Minimum one hour is required to savour/drink the whole display which is a treat to eyes, mind and soul! Would like to visit again.One more interesting aspect is 16 sided Shiva Linga which might be only one of its kind.Day time visit with sufficient time and energy gives satisfaction and contentment to devotees and tourists alike.This temple is a true example of India's historical, cultural, spiritual, mythological, artistic and religious heritage!!

Obviously the best in Kanchipuram.. The temple is one km away from Ekambareshwarar temple. Autos will charge more. Better walk and reach the temple. But in hot sun, it will be sweating and difficult to walk. So visit early or in the evening. The temple's architecture is scintillating. You'll be surely astonished. The temple is built in a different kind of rock. You'll find the difference when you see the other temples in Kanchi. There is only one Sannadhi in this temple. Yes the one for Kailasanadhar. No female shrine.. But A huge Nandi is there.Inside the main sannadhi, you'll have a surprise.

The temple has been built using sandstone. The sculpted imagery is not the sharpest probably because of erosion due to wind, over the year, but still they are very pretty to look at. Not a very crowded place and the temple complex is also very small as compared to other temples in Tamil Nadu. Worth a visit, while in Kanchipuram.