Kailasanatha Temple

Explore the captivating beauty and spiritual significance of the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram. Discover the architectural marvels, legendary tales, and intricate sculptures that adorn this ancient temple built by Rajasimha Pallava. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kanchipuram as you unravel the unique features and engineering ingenuity of this remarkable shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

THE SACRED STORY

Why This Site Is Important

The Crown Jewel of Pallava Architecture

Built around 700 CE by Rajasimha Pallava, Kailasanatha Temple is the earliest and most complete surviving structural temple in Kanchipuram. Its innovative design became the architectural foundation for later Chola temples across South India.

The Temple of Poosalaar's Devotion

The temple is forever linked with the inspiring story of Poosalaar Nayanar, who built an imaginary temple within his heart. Lord Shiva chose to attend the saint's mental consecration before accepting the royal Kumbhabhishekam, demonstrating that devotion surpasses grandeur.

An Encyclopedia of Shaiva Iconography

Every surface of the temple is adorned with magnificent sculptures depicting numerous forms of Lord Shiva, Somaskanda panels, Ekadasa Rudras, Gajalakshmi, and intricate divine imagery, making the temple one of the finest open-air galleries of Pallava sculpture.

Engineering Beyond Its Time

The temple demonstrates remarkable engineering innovations, from its elevated superstructure and carefully planned sub-shrines to the unique Svarga-pradakshina passage, symbolizing the devotee's journey toward liberation.

WHY VISIT THIS TEMPLE

King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha Pallava), one of the greatest patrons of Pallava architecture.
Early Structural Dravidian architecture in sandstone, representing the pinnacle of Pallava craftsmanship.
Part of Kanchipuram's extraordinary temple heritage and widely regarded as one of India's finest early structural temples.
Celebrated as the temple where Lord Shiva honored the devotion of Poosalaar Nayanar before accepting royal worship.
Maha Shivaratri and the annual Brahmotsavam are celebrated with great devotion.
October to March is ideal for exploring the temple's architecture and sculptures.

Explore The Temple

The Main Sanctum

Experience the sacred Garbhagriha housing the sixteen-faceted Kailasanatha Linga, one of the finest surviving Shiva shrines of the Pallava period.

The Legend of Poosalaar

Discover the moving story of the humble devotee whose temple of the heart received Lord Shiva before even the magnificent royal temple.

The Pallava Sculpture Gallery

Walk through an unparalleled collection of sandstone sculptures depicting Shiva in numerous divine manifestations that influenced centuries of South Indian temple art.

The Svarga-Pradakshina

Explore the narrow circumambulatory passage surrounding the sanctum, traditionally believed to symbolize the soul's journey toward liberation from rebirth.

TEMPLE EXPERIENCE

Enter Through the Ancient Gateway

Receive Darshan of Kailasanatha

Experience the Svarga-Pradakshina

Explore the Pallava Sculpture Gallery

The Svarga-Pradakshina

Walk through an unparalleled collection of sandstone sculptures depicting Shiva in numerous divine manifestations that influenced centuries of South Indian temple art.