Kailasanathar temple, Kanchipuram

The Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram is also known as Kailasanatha temple and is a historical hindu temple built during the Pallava dynasty. It is dedicated to lord Shiva and is one of the oldest surviving monuments in Kanchipuram.

It was built around 700 CE by Narasimhavarman II in Dravidian style of architecture. It has a four stepped vimana, mukha mandapa, a maha mandapa and a primary garbha griha.

Significance:

The main inner shrine is surrounded by nine shrines all with forms of Shiva. This temple is renowned for its carved galaxy of Hindu art in the late 7th & 8th century Tamil tradition.

The temple complex contains 58 small shrines dedicated to various forms of Shiva. The temple was built around 700 CE with additions in 8th century. It is the first structural temple built by Rajasimha Pallaveswaram also known as Narasimhavarman II. 

It is of stone built architecture unlike the rock cut architecture built into caves or carved into rock outcrops as in Mahabalipuram. The tall gopuram is to the left & the temple complex is to the right. 

How To Reach:

Kanchi bus stand is located at a distance of around 2 KM from the temple. You can reach the temple by taking a local taxi or auto from the bus stand.