Kanchipuram Visit - Kailasanatha Temple

Back to Kanchipuram

We wanted to cover one or two temples in the evening of the same day we arrived at Kanchipuram. Our autorikshaw driver was only too glad to take us around.

He first took us to Kanchi Kailasanatha temple located in the west of Kanchipuram. He dropped us just in front of the temple.

The temple has a high rising tower at the entrance. The temple, built in Dravidian style architecture, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in 650 AD-705 AD, by the Pallavas, it is the oldest temple of Kanchipuram. Currently it is looked after by the Archeological Survey of India.

Numerous carved images of Gods and Goddesses are seen on the inner and outer walls of the temple. One of the unique features of this temple is the 16 sided Shivalingam made up of black granite at the main shrine. Since it was in the evening we could not capture photos properly. However, I am posting one photo which I actually took the next morning while passing that way.

This is the only temple in Kancheepuram which retained its originality after being built by the Pallavas. All the other temples have been modified by the other rulers.

After the darshan, we came out and sat on the steps for a while watching the temple architecture and the pond. I wished if it was day time we could have enjoyed the architecture better. Without spending more time there we came out and got into the autorikshaw to reach the next temple before it is closed.

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