K
ASI Protected
Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
8th Century CE
The oldest structural temple in Kanchipuram, built by Pallava king Rajasimha. This temple is a masterpiece of Pallava architecture with its sandstone construction, elaborate sculptural panels, and 58 small shrines lining the inner courtyard wall. It served as a model for later Dravidian temples including the Kailasanatha at Ellora.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Pallava
- Style
- Early Dravidian (Structural)
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Kailasanathar)
- Languages
- Tamil, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Tamil, Grantha
Historical Significance
Oldest structural temple in Kanchipuram. Prototype for later Dravidian temple design. Inspired the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora. Contains important Pallava-era inscriptions
Architectural Features
58 sub-shrines lining the courtyardSomaskanda panelsTraces of original painted muralsLion-pillar motifsCircumambulatory passage within wall