Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is the oldest
structure in Kanchipuram, located in Tamilnadu, India, it is a Hindu temple in
the Dravidian architectural style. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and is known for
its historical importance. The temple was built from 685 – 705 AD by Rajasimha ruler
of the Pallava Dynasty. The low-slung sandstone compound
contains a large number of carvings, including many half-animal deities which
were popular during the early Dravidian architectural period.
The structure contains 58 small shrines which are
dedicated to various forms of Shiva. These are built into niches on the inner
face of the high compound wall of the circumambulatory
passage. The temple is one the most prominent tourist
attractions of the city.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
Geography
The temple is located on the banks of the Vegavathi at
the western limits of the Kanchipuram. It faces east. Its location,
demarcated according to the religious faiths, is in one of three
"Kanchis", the Shiva Kanchi; the other two Kanchis are, Vishnu Kanchi
and Jain Kanchi. It is 75 kilometres (47 mi) from the Chennai,
the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
Kailasanathar is one of several notable temples in
Kanchipuram, the others being Ekambaranatha Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kumarakottam Temple & Varadaraja Perumal
Temple.
Architecture
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 6.30 P.M daily..
Festivals
Maha Shivarathri is the biggest festival
held in the temple when thousand of devotees throng the temple in the evening
hours to offer prayers to the main deity.
Contact
Kailasanathar Temple,
Putleri Street, Pillaiyarpalayam,
Kanchipuram – 631 501
Phone: 044
2744 2232
Connectivity
Kanchipuram is located at a distance of 75 km from
Chennai, 68 km from Vellore, 108 km from Tirupati & 127 km from
Pondicherry, Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites
in South India. It is a temple town and the headquarters of Kanchipuram
district. Kanchipuram is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chennai
and one of the major pilgrimage sites in Tamilnadu.
Kanchipuram is well connected by train and bus from
major cities in South. There are frequent buses to Kanchipuram from Chennai,
Vellore, Tirupati, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, etc. It usually
takes about 2 full days to visit the major sites in Kanchi.
By Bus:
Kailasanathar Temple situated west side of Kanchipuram
and is 3 Km from Kanchi bus stand; and 2.7 km from railway station. Somehow
there is no local bus service in Kanchipuram. But there are many auto-rickshaws
that drive you to the temple. Temple located 1.5 km away from Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram is 75 kms from Chennai.
By Train:
The nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram. From
Kanchipuram, the temple is 2.7 km away. Private taxis are available to reach
this temple.
By Air:
Chennai is the nearest airport. From Chennai the temple
is 75 kms away.
