About Kailasanathar Temple
The Kailasanathar Temple lies on the western side of Kanchipuram, the ancient temple city of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Lord of Mount Kailash, it is the oldest standing structural temple in the city. It is quieter than the great temple complexes of Kanchipuram, but it is highly valued by historians and devotees for its age, its sculpture and its place in the story of Dravidian temple building. Worship continues in the sanctum, and the temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The temple was built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, known as Rajasimha, around the end of the 7th century or the beginning of the 8th century CE, and is said to have been completed by his son Mahendravarman III. Pallava inscriptions on the walls record the king's titles. The temple is believed to have inspired later works: when the Chalukya king Vikramaditya II took Kanchipuram, he is said to have admired it and spared it, and features of it appear in the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal.
Built mainly of sandstone, the temple has a pyramidal vimana over the sanctum, where a sixteen-sided linga is enshrined. Around the main shrine, the inner walls of the enclosure are lined with a long series of small shrine cells, each with carvings of Shiva in many forms, such as Gangadhara, Tripurantaka and Nataraja. The Somaskanda panel, showing Shiva with Parvati and the child Skanda, appears several times. Traces of old paintings survive in some cells. Rearing lion pillars, typical of Pallava art, stand along the walls. A narrow passage around the sanctum, through which devotees crawl, is linked by tradition with freedom from rebirth.
Kailasanathar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kailasanathar Temple
By air
Chennai International Airport is about 65 km away.
By train
Kanchipuram railway station is about 3 km away; Chengalpattu and Arakkonam junctions are about 35 km away.
By road
Kanchipuram is well connected by bus with Chennai, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai. Autos are easily available in the town.
Festivals at Kailasanathar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Karthigai DeepamNov/Dec
- Arudra DarshanDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional or modest clothing is recommended. Footwear must be left outside.
- Entry
- Free entry. The temple is an ASI-protected monument where worship still continues.
- Visit in the morning when the sandstone carvings are best seen and the site is quiet.
- Walk slowly around the enclosure to see the carvings in each of the small shrine cells.
- Do not touch the soft sandstone sculptures, which are fragile.
- Combine the visit with the other great temples of Kanchipuram in a single day.
- Kanchipuram is famous for silk sarees; buy from established shops if you wish to shop.
Places to visit near Kailasanathar Temple
- Ekambareswarar TemplePancha Bhoota Sthala of the earth element, about 2 km away
- Kamakshi Amman TempleFamous temple of the goddess Kamakshi, about 2 km away
- Vaikuntha Perumal TemplePallava-era Vishnu temple with historical panels, about 2 km away
- Varadharaja Perumal TempleMajor Divya Desam temple of Vishnu, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram?
It was built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) around 700 CE and is said to have been completed by his son Mahendravarman III.
What are the Kailasanathar Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Is puja performed at Kailasanathar Temple?
Yes, worship still continues in the sanctum, though the temple is also a protected monument.
Is there an entry fee at Kailasanathar Temple?
Entry is generally free.
How far is Kanchipuram from Chennai?
Kanchipuram is about 75 km from central Chennai and about 65 km from Chennai airport.
What is the aarti time at Kailasanathar Temple?
Morning puja: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Kailasanathar Temple?
Traditional or modest clothing is recommended. Footwear must be left outside.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
