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Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
கைலாசநாதர் கோவில்
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Pallava dynastyDravidaHindu (Shaiva)ASI-protectedAI Compiled
The Grandeur of Tamil Nadu: Kanchi Kailasanathar Shiva Temple of ... — cultureandheritage.orgAll copyright belongs to the original artist.
About
The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram is the oldest surviving structural temple in Tamil Nadu and a jewel of Pallava architecture. Built by the Pallava king Rajasimha around 700–728 CE, it served as the royal temple of the Pallava capital.
The temple represents the earliest phase of Dravida-style temple architecture before the style matured into elaborate multi-storied gopurams seen in later Chola temples. The outer wall encloses 58 small sub-shrines, many containing painted stucco sculptures retaining some original pigment.
The sandy-gold sandstone glows beautifully in afternoon light. Kailasanathar is an important pilgrimage stop on the Kanchipuram circuit.