Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Explore one of the oldest structural temples in Tamil Nadu!
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of GopuramFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
A view of the Gopuram and sub shrines
This temple is a testament to the skill and exceptional architectural skills of the Pallava artisans. Nestled on the banks of the River Vedavathi, it is one of the oldest surviving monuments in the town. Currently, it is protected by the ASI.
This is one of the earliest structural temples that served as a precursor for the Dravidian style of Temple Architecture
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of VimanaFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
A view of the Vimana
The Temple holds its roots deep in the annals of history, with its construction dating back to the majestic Pallavas, who ruled from the 3rd to 9th Cent CE. The garbhagriha, houses a large Siva Linga, the avudai has inscriptions on it which is a rarity.
The temple was built using two main raw materials, viz. sandstone and granite. Granite was used in the foundation to withstand the entire weight of the superstructure made out of Sandstone.
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of Inscription in Kannada ScriptFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Mukhamandapa
This is the first structure we come across as soon as we enter the temple complex with magnificent sculptures of Mahishasuramardini and Jyeshta Devi adorning the padha
Kailasanatha Temple: A long view of Kailasanatha TempleFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
A view of the Gopuram and sub shrines
The Vimana was given the pride of place and the Gopuram was either shorter, or even absent, in many temples. This temple houses one of the earliest Gopurams. It is square in plan, with a small gopuram, mukha mandapa, mahamandapa, ardhamandapa and garbhagriha.
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of Sub-ShrinesFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Behold a row of sub shrines....
The temple has many small or sub-shrines around the Vimana. The temple houses fifty-eight sub-shrines, each of which houses a panel related to Sivalila, other gods, and goddesses. Each of these shrines has all six components of Dravidian Architecture, similar to the Vimana.
Powerful Rearing Lions...
The base of each of the temple pillars, is styled with a rearing or jumping lion, showcasing the Rajasimha or Narasimhavarma II style. Each pillar is complex and has all the components like palaka, podhika, purnakumbha, etc.
Realistic Sculptures
The sculptors of Kailasanatha have depicted the facial expressions and postures of each figure brilliantly. There are sculptures depicting mythological tales, celestial beings and celestial events, intricately etched with utmost precision and skill.
Magnificent Lingodhbava
The temple is known for its meticulously crafted sculptures that adorn its walls and pillars. It houses 64 different forms of Siva - Somaskanda, Lingodhbava, Dakshinamurti, Tripurantaka, Gangadara, Bikshatana etc.
Mahishasuramardini in all her glory...
Here, we can see the invincible, yet graceful Durga. Pallavas had a special connect with Mahishasuramardini as she played an important deity in their times which is evident through Mahishasuramardini cave, Mamallapuram and other Pallava temples.
Unique Bikshatana
Here the sculpture of Bikshatana is portrayed with a half-bent leg, twisted body, and hanging right hand representing real-life action.
Enlightening Dakshinamurti
The elegant smile and the expression on the face, convey the gnana that the sculpture of Dakshinamurti represents Shiva in his aspect as a teacher of music, yoga and wisdom, giving an exposition on the shastras. The naturally- bent foot, with twisted body are all very realistic.
Kailasanatha Temple: Pallava CalligraphyFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Earliest form of calligraphy
The temple has evidence of the earliest calligraphy. The letters are beautifully carved, not just to convey information, but also to please the eyes. Images of a duck, a peacock, an annam (aṇṇa paravai), etc. have been carved by letters and this is
Kailasanatha Temple: Evidence of earliest calligraphyFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Pallava Grantha inscriptions
The inscriptions in the temple list all two hundred and forty titles of King Narasimha II. The temple holds inscriptions in both Nagari and Grantha scripts.
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of mandapa with pillarsFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Rare Chalukya period Kannada inscription
An rare inscription in Kannada, that belongs to the king Vikramaditya II- Chalukya dynasty, can be found engraved in one of the pillars in the Mukha Mandapa. The inscription dates back to the 8th Cent CE.
Peace induced by Beauty
The Pallavas and the Chalukyas were rivals, who fought each other all through the pages of history. When Vikramaditya II marched to Kanchipuram, to avenge the defeat by the Chalukyas, he was taken aback by the beauty of the Kailasanatha Temple and retreated.
Incredible Inspiration
The inscription describes the gifts donated by the king and his wife to the temple. Vikramaditya II took architects from Kanchipuram and built a similar temple in Pattadakkal. The temple prevented another war between the two great Kingdoms.
Painted sculptures
The temple is said to have been painted from the top to the bottom. After its construction, the temple was washed with lime mortar, upon which vibrant colors were added, to augment the beauty. These pigments were extracted from natural elements like flowers, vegetables, etc.
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of Nandi MandapaFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
A realistic Nandi
Opposite the Gopuram, we can spot a realistically carved Nandi, placed on the Nandi Mandapa. As in other temples, here too, the Nandi faces Lord Siva. Being exposed to the natural elements, the pillars of the mandapa are highly eroded.
Kailasanatha Temple: A view of Outer wall with sculptures of Vyali and riderFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
A view of the Outer Wall
The entire temple was built within a rectangular outer wall, which is also decorated with sculptures of Vyali and a rider. The temple is one of the largest sandstone monuments that has stood the test of time and stands as a testament to the architectural genius of ancient India.
Some of the exotic sculptures of Kailasanatha Temple; Revered as one of the earliest structural temples of South India, this magnificent edifice is a treasure trove of exquisite architectural features, breathtaking Vimana, and intricate sculptures.
Text & Images: Akshatha A
Edited by: Sharmila Devadoss & Sudha R
Images: Sharmila Devadoss, Akshatha A
Tech support: Sivakumar S
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