Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

The Kailasanathar temple is a landmark of early Dravidian architecture that influenced later Pallava and Chola temple-building across South India. Dedicated to Shiva as the Lord of Kailasa, it is a serene centre of worship in Kanchipuram, one of the seven Moksha Puris. Its rebirth passage and its 58 forms of Shiva express profound theological ideas in stone. It is cherished both as a living shrine and a heritage treasure.

The Kailasanathar temple, built by the Pallava king Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II) and completed by his son around 700–730 CE, is the earliest structural temple in Kanchipuram, constructed of soft sandstone rather than the granite favoured later. Its walls are lined with 58 small shrines, each depicting a different form of Shiva, and traces of ancient frescoes and exquisite reliefs of Shiva, Parvati and mythological scenes survive. A narrow circumambulatory passage around the sanctum, which devotees traditionally crawl through, symbolises death and spiritual rebirth. Its serene, uncrowded atmosphere makes it a favourite of art lovers and pilgrims alike.