Sri Kanchi kailasanathar temple

Address

Sri Kanchi kailasanathar temple Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India

Diety

Kailasanathar

Introduction

The temple is located on the banks of the Vegavathy River 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 from the Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Kailasanathar is one of several notable temples in Kanchipuram. The KanchiKailasanathar temple is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram.. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and is known for its historical importance. The temple was built from 685-705 AD by Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II) 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 Pallava architectural period.

Puranic Significance

The Kailasanathar Temple (meaning:”Lord of the Cosmic Mountain”), is built in the tradition of Smartha worship of Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya (Sun), Ganesha and Kartikeya, Kanchi is considered one of the seven sacred cities under Hinduism. In Kanchi, after the Pallavas expanded their territories to the north, west and south both within Tamil, Andhra and Kannada territories under Emperor Narasimhavarman I, they started expanding their capital city of Kanchipuram and built many temples of great magnificence. Among the two unique specimens of temple architecture of the period 640-730 AD are the TiruParameswaraVinnagaram, which is also known as the VaikuntaPerumal temple and the Kailsahanathar Temple. The temple was built during 685-705AD.It is the first structural temple built in South India by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), and which is also known as RajasimhaPallaveswaram. His son, Mahendravarman III, completed the front façade and the gopuram (tower). Prior to this temples were either built of wood or hewn into rock faces in caves or on boulders, as seen in Mahabalipuram. The Kailasanathar temple became the trend setter for other similar temples in South India.According to local belief, the temple was a safe sanctuary for the rulers of the kingdom during wars. A secret tunnel, built by the kings, was used as an escape route and is still visible.It is believed that Raja RajaChola I (985–1014 CE) visited the temple and drew inspiration from this temple to build the Brihadeeswara Temple.Currently, KanchiKailasanathar Temple is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India

Special Features

The outstanding feature of sculptures is the profusion of depiction of the erect lions projecting out in several directions. There are two sculptures of Shiva here which are seen holding the Veena (musical string instrument) in the hand. There is a lot of difference between the Veena found in the said sculptures and the present day Veena. The temple also has the earliest stone inscription which records of the twenty eight Saivagamas (Shaiva saints) in which the Pallava King Rajasimhavarman states his faith in Shaivism

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri 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.