Deity
Shiva (Kailasanathar)
Main deity
श्री कैलासनाथर
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is an early Pallava-era Shiva temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, dated to the 8th century. Known for its Pallava architectural style, it is a key heritage shrine for devotees and visitors exploring Kanchipuram’s historic temple landscape.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Historic Shiva temple
Heritage focus
Architecture
Pallava style (8th century)
Dynasty: Pallava
Location
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram district
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 700 AD
- Founder
- Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
- Construction
- 685 - 705 AD
- Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple was constructed between 685 and 705 AD by Pallava King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) and completed by his son Mahendravarman III. Built from carved sandstone, it stands as the oldest surviving structural temple in Kanchipuram. The temple served as the architectural model for subsequent Dravidian stone structures including the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal.
Significance
- Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple represents the earliest structural stone temple in South India built in pure Dravidian style. The inner courtyard walls house 58 small sub-shrines containing exquisite relief carvings of Lord Shiva in various cosmic forms. It is maintained as a protected national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Visit during open sessions
Timings are approximate; aim for 06:00–12:30 or 16:00–20:00 and keep extra time for entry and darshan.
Prefer early hours
Morning visits can be calmer for photography-free viewing and unhurried circumambulation.
Carry water and sun protection
Kanchipuram can be warm; bring water and basic sun protection for walking between sites.
Plan a heritage circuit
If you are exploring Kanchipuram, group this visit with other nearby temples to reduce travel time within the city.
Respect temple decorum
Maintain silence in inner areas and follow any on-site instructions regarding queues and restricted zones.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Morning timings
06:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening timings
04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Feb–Mar • Major annual observance
Maha Shivaratri
Night-long worship and abhishekam cycles draw high pilgrim participation.
Jul–Aug • Monthly observance
Shravana Somvar
Shravana Mondays are observed with Shiva-focused vrata and offerings.
Oct–Nov • Festival period
Kartik Deepam
Lamp-lighting rituals and evening devotion are widely observed.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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श्री कैलासनाथर
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
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