Kailasanathar Siva Temple

The Kailasanathar Siva temple is situated in the temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. It was constructed by the Pallavas in the early 8th century. It is renowned for its glorious Vimana. It also contains many panels displaying Lord Siva as Nataraja in various positions. This temple was constructed by Pallava King Narasimhavarman II  known as Rajasimhan. The King Rajaraja who was the Ist Chola ruler visited this temple and titled this temple as Kachipettu Periya Thirukatrali also known as Stone Temple of Kachipettu.

 It is considered by many archeologists that this Kailasanathar Temple must be the divine guidance for Rajaraja Chola I to built the Tanjore Brihadeeswarar temple. The temple has huge kneeling Nandi stands in the front facing the temple and it clearly points out that it must have been painted in beautiful colors before. In those days, all the architectures were painted brightly. Now only shadows are seen and they are not humble to those of Ajanta. Though the construction of the Kailasanathar Temple was started by Rajasimha Pallava, it was his son Mahendra Varma Pallava who completed the construction. Local people thought that the temple Kailasanathar served the purpose of a shelter for the king during the time of the battles. 

The origin or the legend behind building this temple is lost in the distant past. This is a specific example of Dravidian style of architecture as it is built mostly by sandstone. Parts of 8th century's partition art are still visible in the reminder of temple's sculptures. The walls and the Vimana of this temple are stuffed with great art works in form of sculptures and paintings. Possibly it is most beautiful temple in Kanchipuram, this temple is pointed more as an architectural wonder rather than as a holy place. Currently, the temple is well preserved by Archaeological Survey of India. Kanchipuram's Kailasanathar Temple can be accounted as the replacement of the rock temples at Mahabalipuram. The foundations of the pillars in Mahabalipuram temples have seated lions while the Kailasanathar temple has overconfident facing lions standing on their hind leg. Kailasanathar Temple is a perfect example of complex architecture typical to South India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has unique look by the Pallava King Rayasimha. Till today, the quality and originality of the temple has been reserved by the 8th century paintings which exist even today.