Kanchipuram or Kanchi is a famous town in Indian State of Tamil Nadu. This town is also known as the temple town of Tamil Nadu, due to the presence of numerous temples. No pilgrimage in the state is complete without paying obeisance at the temples in Kanchi. Within Kanchi, Kailasanathar temple carries the distinction of the oldest and the most revered holy place. All devout Hindus ensure their pilgrimage to Kanchi, to offer their deepest respects to the presiding deity. The temple has a distinct Dravidian architectural look. This holy place attracts the large number of devotees and tourists.

Legend

Indian mythology is full of stories and narrations about the interactions of numerous godly figures, including Lord Shiva, of the all powerful triumvirate of the Hindu pantheon. Lord Shiva is worshipped by Hindus with devotion and awe. Lord Shiva and other contemporary figures in mythology lived in human form, but were bestowed with special divine powers.

It is believed that Guru Agastya instructed Lord Shiva that humans, circumambulating the Kailasanathar sanctum sanctorum, be granted salvation. Many devotees follow this practice of circumambulation even today, believing that, they would certainly get them salvation. The process of circumambulation is an ordeal, as the passage meant for this activity is very narrow and people have to literally crawl to finish the task.

History

The meaning of Kailasanathar is Lord of The Cosmic Mountain. A visit to the temple certainly testifies the description. The Pallava dynasty ruled parts of southern peninsular India between 3rd and 9th centuries. They had Kanchipuram as their capital. King Rajasimha of the same dynasty is credited with the construction of this glorious temple. The creation of the temple started in year 685 AD and took twenty years to complete it in 705 AD. Rajasimha’s son Mahendravarman completed the façade of the temple complex and also added ‘Gopuram’, which is a tower with the particular design, specific to temples. It is believed that rulers in those days used the temple complex as a safe haven during war like situations.

Architecture

Kailasanathar temple has distinct impressions of Pallava architecture, characterized by intricate carvings in the courtyard structures and walls of the main temple. The foundation of the temple is made of granite, meant to withstand massive sandstone structure of the main temple above.

The temple complex is complete with all elements of temple construction fundamentals. There is sanctum Sanctorum for the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, covered from all four sides by inner enclosure. Other structures, including a huge hall, compound wall, entrance gate and a tower, called as ‘Gopuram’ make the temple perfectly complete in all architectural respects. Walls of the temple complex exhibit mythical half animal, half human figures. Such carvings were commonly seen in many temples and buildings, created in those days.

The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is seen in usual Lingam form, made from black granite stone. A sculpted figure of Nandi, the sacred white bull, serving as mount for Lord Shiva, is seen on the walls of the main shrine. Outer walls of the main shrine have carved figures of numerous gods. Lord Shiva, in famous Tandava pose is also seen. Images of Brahma, Vishnu and Lord Shiva’s consort, Parvathi add elegance to the embellishment of wall panels. The tower at the temple complex houses miniature shrines on external faces. Entrance wall also contains eight small shrines. The compound wall is home to 58 small shrines, with usual carved details. In fact the whole complex has many panels and paintings, reminiscent of mythological figures.

Festivals

Regular Puja to the deity is offered every day. Maha Shivaratri is the biggest and main festival at Kailasanathar temple. Mythological accounts say that Lord Shiva married Parvathi on Maha Shivaratri day. This day falls in the Hindu calendar month of Maghaa. The corresponding day in Gregorian calendar falls generally in February or March. Thousands of devotees and tourists throng the temple to participate in the celebration of this festival.

Best time to Visit

Devotees tend to visit this holy temple during festivities. However, tourists can visit the place any time of the year. General visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The main sanctum Sanctorum is closed between 12 noon to 4 p.m. However, other parts of temple complex are open to the general public during this time also.

How to Reach

Kanchipuram is located at distance about 70 kms from state capital city, Chennai.

By Train

Kanchipuram town has a railway network intra state and inter- state travel. Regular trains to Chennai are available throughout the day. Trains to and from other regions of India also have connectivity to Kanchipuram.

By Air

Chennai International Airport serves to international and inland tourists. Regular flights to and from all major destinations are available. The distance of about 70 kms from airport to Kanchipuram can be covered by numerous ways of road travel.

By Road

Roads in state of Tamil Nadu are good. Kanchipuram is well connected to rest of the country with good road network. State Highways and National Highways cater needs of all types of visitors. Buses and Taxis are easily available.