History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Legend, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Kanchi Kailasanthar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Kanchi Kailasanthar Temple, is solely dedicated to the Lord Shiva and well known to be as the one of the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is located on banks of the Vedavathi River at the western limits and in east side of Kanchipuram. The temple has 58 shrines looks like meditation cave where different forms of Lord Shiva are placed within the campus, near the main shrine. The Kailasanthar means Lord of the Cosmic Mountain. This was built in the tradition of Smartha worship of Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Devi, Ganpati and Karthikeya. The Shiva Lingam made of black granite with the sixteen faces and ten feet high is the main attraction of the main shrine. The main shrine, inner and outer wall are carved with Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva in various dance forms, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Nandi, Durga Maa etc. Idol of Nandi is placed at entrance as guarding of temple. Image of Lord Shiva, in seated posture pained on south side wall which is known as Dakshinamurti. Another key attraction of the temple is the inner-most pathway that runs around the idol of Kailasanathar.
The temple was built in Dravidian style of architecture during Pallava dynasty from 685 – 705 AD by king Rajasimha or Narasimhavarman II and his son King Mahendra Varma III had completed the front façade and the gopuram. The temples foundations are made up of granite, which could withstand the weight of the temple, while the superstructure, including the carvings, are all made up of sandstone instead of wood or rock. The excellent architecture and carving of this temple resembles the temples of Mahabalipuram which were also constructed by Pallavas. This temple was also safe site for the rulers during wars and there was a secret tunnel built use as a safe escape route. The unique features of this temple is the 16 sided Shiva lingam made up of black granite at the main shrine.
Kanchi Kailasanathar temple attracts millions of heritage and religious tourist throughout the year.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated very nicely with all the decorations and millions of people comes here to visit the temple.
Nearby Attraction from Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipurama
Kamakshi Temple, Sankara Mutt, Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Adi Kamakshi Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Sankupani Ganapati Temple, Trilokyanatha Temple, Chitragupta Swamy Temple, Sathyanatheswarar Temple, Ashtabujakaram Temple etc. are the nearby other shrine which attracts tourist and devotee in Kanchipuram.
How to reach Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The city Kanchipuram – one of sapt puri and major pilgrimage destination of Tamil Nadu and India is well connected with the other cities of the state. There are many private and government state buses available to reach Kanchipuram. The Bus Station of Kanchipuram is just 800 metres at a distance from this temple. The Railway Junction is also there in Kanchipuram at a distance of 1km. The nearest air connectivity is in Chennai International Airport at distance of 75kms.
