Kailasanathar Temple, Tamilnadu

About Kailasanathar Temple

Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. Built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra in 7 th century, this temple site is dedicated to Lord Shiva.This is the only temple that does not contain any signature art of Cholas or by Vijaynagar rulers. This temple of Kanchipuram represents typical Dravidian style of architecture.Kailasanathar Temple consists of large number of small shrines inside the temple dedicated to Shiva, Parvati and their sons.There are total of 58 shrines situated around the main shrine. Inner walls of temple are adorns with fresco-style of painting.

This temple is constructed mostly by sandstone. Fragments of 8 th century’s mural art are still visible reminder of temple’s architecture.The walls and the vimaanam of this temple are filled with great art works in form of paintings and sculptures.This temple is regarded more as an architectural wonder rather than as a holy place. A huge kneeling Nandi stands in the front facing the temple and a look at it clearly indicates it must have been painted in gorgeous colours once. In those days, all the sculptures were painted brightly. Now only traces are seen..

Climate/Weather

Weather of the temple city of Kanchipuram is pleasantenough. Essentially a tropical climate, the temperature here is stablebetween 280 C and 380 C all through the year. There are occasional rainswith an average rainfall being 87cm. Here, you can expect no wildturnaround in the weather’s mood.

Summer: 36.6° C to21.1° C, Winter: 28.7° C to 19.8° C

Interesting Places to visit

Vaikuntha Perumal temple is one of the hundred and eight `Divya Desams`. The Vaishnavas regards it as a very sacred place. This temple was once praised by the Tamil Vaishnavite saint, Tirumangai Alvar, who was a contemporary of Nandivarman. This temple was originally known as `Parameshwara Vishnugriham` after the name of this king, Nandivarman whose original name was Parameshwara.

Location info

**Address:**Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram tamil nadu India
District: Kanchipuram
Nearest City: Kanchipuram
Best time to visit: September to May

History of Kailasanathar Temple

The Kailasanathar Temple is one of the earliest and most remarkable temples that are found in the Kanchipuram area. It was built in the 7th century by the Pallava king Rajasimha.Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra in the 8th century A.D. There are 58 small shrines situated round the main shrine. Fresco-style paintings adorn the inner walls of the shrines. Sandstone was used in the construction of this temple. It is the only temple at Kanchipuram which is not cluttered with the more recent additions of the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers. Fragments of the eighth century murals which once graced the alcoves are a visible eminder of how magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built.

How to reach Kailasanathar Temple

**Nearest Railway Station:**Kanchipuram
**Nearest Airport:**Chennai International Airport
**Road Transport:**Well connected by a good roads and bus services to and from Chennai, Bangalore and other places.

Nearest visiting places

Arignar Anna Illam:
The former and Late Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, Arignar Annadurai, dwelled in this house which covers a land area of 273.78 sq.km. The house of Arignar Anna was converted into a memorial place on 16.09.1980. Things displayed in this memorial place are his statue, the life history and photos.

Chennai Trade Centre:
In order to develop and facilitate the tourism and tourists, Tamilnadu Trade promotion organization has made Chennai a trade centre which is convenient for tourists and to meet the Trade and Business Conventions and Exhibitions and fairs too. Chennai Trade Centre is located in Mount Poonamallee High Road, Nandambakkam, and Chennai-89.

Dash N Splash :
This spot is located 30 km away from Chennai. This artificial children park has wave, free-fall, spiral children slides and artificial rainfall. There is no vacation or leave for this park.

Kishkintha :
This is a theme park, located nearly 30 km from Chennai. This place is called Chennai Contalam. The attractions found here are water rides, Bumper car, Twister, Trooper and 30 Cinema shows. The fee varies.

Madurantakam:
In Madurantakam, there is an Earikatha Ramar Koil. This is situated 90 km away from Chennai on the Chengalpet-Villupuram high ways. This temple is located near the Agricultural Reservoir Bund. There is no portrayal or Statue or idol of Anjaneya (Hanuman) but he is not separated from Sri Rama Sri Ramanujam met one of his mentors, Maha purna (Peria Nambi) and acquired wisdom under the Bakula tree in the Rama temple.

Kolarai Lake :
This lake is located near Chengelpet, on the National Highways. This is a popular tourist spot. There is a boating centre in this lake. Rajiv Gandhi Memorial:On the way to Kanchipuram from Chennai lies Sriperumputhur. This place is the birth place of Saint Ramanujar who was a vaishnavite philosopher. Saint Ramanujar is the founder of Vishisdadhvaidham. The former prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated here on May 21, 1991. A memorial was built on this spot. There are no holidays for this memorial.

Sakunthala Jagannatham Museum of Folk Art:
This museum was actually the dwelling place of Damal, land owners and maternal ancestors of Sir. C.P. Ramasami Aiyar. This is situated in Brahma Mandiram. The house is about 400 years old.

Silk Industries:
The people of Kanchipuram are greatly dependent on the silk saree industries. They work directly or indirectly. But Kanchipuram does not produce silk or any raw materials. Here the industries are fully hand-woven and produced.

Thiruparuthikundram:
This village lies on the banks of the palar River, a suburb of the Pillaiyaar palayam of Kanchipuram. There are 2 great monuments of Jainism that flourished in Kanchipurams ancient times. Now Siva kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi exists. This area can be termed Jina Kanchi. This goes to the 9th century AD and Lord Mahveer is the main idol of the temple.

Uthiramerur:
The village is very unique. It deals with the constitution and election. One can find the written historic inscription of the Constitution here. The written inscription deals with election of the village assembly, qualifications required for candidates, disqualifying of candidates, election mode, period of office for the elected candidates, recall of elections in case of failure in duties of the candidate. It is really startling to know how the democracy was enforced here. There is also an ancient Shiva Temple in Uthiramerur. It was built according to the Shilpa Shastras

Queens Land :
In Queens Land one can enjoy the thrill of going on a longest sky Journey for 30 minutes by cable cars. It is the longest in India. Apart from this free fall tower, centrox, Himalayan water Ride, Alphen Blitz, and Water slides are also found here. This is located on the Bangalore Trunk Road in Palanijar, Chennai

Vedanthangal:
One of the major water bird sanctuaries in India is located in Vedanthangal. This place is 48 kms away from Kanchipuram. The season for birds which migrated from other countries is during the months from October to March. Storks, Egrets, Cormorants, Darter, Flamings, are the rare breed of birds which arrive here. There is also a 24 inch high observation point which shows the clear view of the whole place. This point is near the lake bund.

War Cemetery:
This is a circular shaped war cemetery built in memory of 855 commonwealth soldiers both men folks and women. This is maintained by both Government of India and common wealth war Graves Commission in Collaboration. This war cemetery is located in Nandambakkam, Chennai

Kalpakkam (RRC):
There is a Reactor Research Centre (RRC) in Kalpakkam, established in 1971. It is undertaken by the Department of Atomic Energy which belongs to the Indian Government. In 1985 it was given the name after the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was named as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). It is a broad based sector and it is aimed in developing the fast Breeder Reactor Technology.

Best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple

November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. Early morning (6–8 AM) is ideal for a peaceful darshan. Temple festivals (Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram) are spectacular but crowded. Avoid midday heat (12–4 PM).

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. Some temples open continuously from early morning until night. Pooja timings vary by season — check locally.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is usually free. Special darshan tickets may cost INR 50–200. Camera fees: INR 20–50 for still photography, INR 100–150 for video. Some major temples have separate ticket counters for special abhishekam.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a typical visit. Allow 2–3 hours for larger temple complexes with multiple shrines and mandapams. Festival days require more time.

Safety tips

Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas during festivals. Keep valuables secure. Wear comfortable footwear that can be removed easily — temple floors can be hot in summer. Stay hydrated. Follow security instructions at major temple complexes.

Things to carry

Remove footwear before entering the sanctum. Carry a cloth bag for shoes. Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered). Small change for offerings and prasadam. Drinking water — temple premises can be warm.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

By Air: Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the primary international gateway. Regional airports include Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), Madurai International Airport (IXM), and Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), depending on location.

By Train: Tamil Nadu has an extensive railway network. Major junctions include Chennai Central (MAS), Coimbatore Junction (CBE), Madurai Junction (MDU), Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ), and Salem Junction (SA). From the nearest station, local transport is readily available.

By Road: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates an extensive bus network connecting all parts of the state. National highways NH 44, NH 48, and NH 32 provide excellent connectivity. Private buses and taxis are also available from nearby towns and cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Tamil Nadu’s temple cities (Madurai, Thanjavur, Rameswaram) have excellent vegetarian restaurants, temple prasad counters, and traditional Tamil meals served on banana leaves. Major cities offer multi-cuisine dining.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Chennai, Madurai, and hill stations (Ooty, Kodaikanal) have accommodation from colonial-era bungalows to modern hotels.

Things to do at Kailasanathar Temple

Visit the temple during different pooja times to experience the spiritual atmosphere. Explore the temple architecture — the gopurams, vimana, and pillared halls. Observe the daily rituals and ceremonies. Participate in the temple festivals if visiting during auspicious dates.

Things to visit & highlights

The main sanctum sanctorum is the spiritual heart of the temple. The towering gopurams (gateway towers) are adorned with colourful sculptures depicting deities and mythological scenes. The temple’s mandapams (pillared halls) and the sacred temple tank are key highlights.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police: 112. Ambulance: 108. For medical emergencies, the nearest government hospital or primary health centre can provide assistance.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town and along the approach roads to the temple. Major fuel stations (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum) are within 5–10 km.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple? Early morning (6–8 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan. Temple festivals and special occasions draw large crowds.

Is photography allowed inside Kailasanathar Temple? Photography rules vary — still cameras are usually allowed in the outer precincts. Flash photography is typically prohibited inside the sanctum. Video cameras may require special permission.

What is the dress code for visiting Kailasanathar Temple? Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required. Traditional Indian attire (saree, salwar kameez, dhoti, pyjama) is preferred.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Tamil Nadu has several historic churches including San Thome Basilica in Chennai (built over the tomb of St. Thomas) and the Velankanni Basilica (Our Lady of Good Health). The colonial-era churches in hill stations and Fort St. George are smaller but photogenic. Shoot early morning for the best light.