Kailasanathar Temple - Kanchipuram
The oldest temple in Kanchipuram the Kailasanathar temple (Lord of the Cosmic mountain), is famed not only for beauty and grandeur but for its historical presence. It was built by the Pallava king, Rayasimha in the 7th century. This temple is built for the worship of Lord Shiva and is one of the best preserved temples of such an age in India. Other temples of a similar vintage have been built upon or otherwise tampered with by the kings who ruled later.
Kailasanathar Temple - Kanchipuram - Tamil Nadu
Specialty
The temple is often visited by unmarried men and women seeking a partner- woman tie a wedding knot directly to the Mother Goddess, while men do the same to the Nandi statue in front of Lord Shiva Circumambulation of this temple is slightly different to elsewhere as devotees have to crawl a few steps inside a passage which indicates the passage of life and the exit is through another passage which symbolizes death.
History Of The Temple
The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was built between 650 and 705 CE by King Rayasimha Pallaveswaram and completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava. The temple is known for its sculptures and served as a haven during times of war. It also has a tunnel through which the people could escape.
Festivals
Thiru Karthigai, Pradosham and Mahashivarathiri are observed in the temple and on full moon days special pujas are conducted for the Lord and Mother Goddess.
Temple Timings
It is open from the early hours of 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and between 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Dress Code:
No specific dress code is recommended for a visit to this temple. Still, costumes covering upper arms and legs are suggested as a mark of respect to the temple customs.