Kailasanathar Shiva Temple Kanchipuram

Introduction to Kailasanathar temple:

Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is located in the city of Kanchipuram near Chennai. The word Kailasam depicts the heavenly adobe of Lord Shiva, and Kailasanathar depicts the Lord of Cosmic Mountain. It is one of the oldest and also the biggest temples across Tamilnadu. This temple is also dedicated to Planet Kethu, as a lot of Shiva temples are also famous for planets, which has a significant impact on the temple. Many Nayanmars and saints have praised this temple and have worshipped in this temple. There are almost 60 shrines inside the temple complex. The innermost pathway, which ambulates Lord kailasanathar, which depicts the person’s entry and exit to paradise. The temple is known as Sandtemple, as a lot of Sandstone are used in the construction. 

History and Legend of Kailasanathar temple:

This temple is one of the Kanchis, known as Shiva Kanchi, the other two Kanchi are Vishnu Kanchi and Jain Kanchi. The temple was believed to be built in the first century AD by the Pallava Kingdom. Once Kanchipuram was a big learning center, where people from many parts of the world had their education on various subjects like medicine, arts, alchemy, and other sciences. It is believed that the temple was the safe resort for all the people, and kings of the kingdom, where they could safely halt, during the times of war and other dangers. The temple is believed to have secret passages, tunnels, and escape routes. This temple was the inspiration for King Raja Raja Chola, to build Brihadeeswara Temple in Kanchipuram. 

The architecture of the Kailasanathar temple:

The temple stands in a huge complex and is built in Dravidian style architecture, which resembles close to Chola and Vijayanagara Emperors. There are several halls, which are filled with pillars, which are made of granite with intricate carvings. The temple has a temple tank, where the water required for the veneration of the idols are drawn here. The Vimana or the temple tower is of pyramidal structure and has a lot of intricate idols carved in it. There are separate shrines for Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and other deities. Shivalinga with 16 faces, and is ten feet tall is one of the architectural marvels. There are many forms of Lord Shiva such as Lord Dakshnamoorthy, Lord Lingothpavar, and Somaskandar are carved here. 

Erect lions that are protruding out of the walls are one of the prominent architectural wonders. There are several statues of Lord Shiva, playing Veena. The temple has several inscriptions about various Saiva Saints. 

Festivals Related to Kailasanathar temple:

There are several festivals celebrated in this temple. “Maha Shivaratri” is one of the festivals. Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepavali , Tamil New year, and Rama Navami. The festival of “Navratri”, is celebrated for almost nine days with great reverence. 

Benefits of Worshipping Kailasanathar temple at Kanchipuram:

The adobe of Lord Shiva has a special magnificent vibration, which has the effect to calm the mind and sanctify the souls. Many people are drawn to this temple, not only to see the architectural marvel but to be with the mystical powers, which transforms and allures the life, into a transcended spiritual progress. The purpose of the birth is described as to cleanse the Karma and to reach the stage, where all the past baggage of Karma is cleansed. Lord Shiva grants salvation of souls, and curbs the birth-death cycle.