Kanchipuram - Kailasanathar Temple

The Kailasanathar temple was built by the Pallava emperor Rajasimha Varman and his son Mahendra Varman. Unlike most other Dravidian temples, it is constructed out of sand stone. Anyone who has seen the Mamallapuram monuments and then come to Kailasanathar temple, will experience a sense of deja vu.

Although the priceless carvings and frescoes are poorly preserved by the authorities, it remains a treasure house of art, architecture and sculpture, equalling the best of Dravidian heritage monuments.

The elderly and most erudite priest, willingly provides interesting information about the temple. Thanks to him, we looked for and found, the remnants of the damaged frescoes in the meditation cells that line the inner walls of the complex.

The sanctum sanctorum is closed between 12 noon and 4pm but the complex is open all day.

Kanchipuram is within 2 hours driving distance of Chennai, well connected by public transport.

Temples of Tamil Nadu by AV Shankaranarayana Rao has useful information about this temple.

www.eprarthana.com/temples/kancheepuram/tn460kail.asp?tid...