Kailasanathar Temple is regarded as the oldest surviving temple in Kanchipuram, built by the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II, known as Rajasimha, in the early 8th century CE (about 700-728 CE). It is one of the earliest large structural sandstone temples in South India and an important milestone in the development of Dravidian architecture.
Kailasanathar Temple is regarded as the oldest surviving temple in Kanchipuram, built by the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II, known as Rajasimha, in the early 8th century CE (about 700-728 CE). It is one of the earliest large structural sandstone temples in South India and an important milestone in the development of Dravidian architecture.
The temple's granite foundations support a sandstone superstructure covered in carvings and stucco figures, including many forms of Shiva. It also preserves early stone inscriptions of the Pallava king. Unlike the city's big pilgrimage temples, it is maintained as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India and is usually calm and uncrowded.
Entry: Free entry; being an ASI-protected monument there is generally no ticket, though photography rules may apply (indicative)
About 2-3 km west of Kanchipuram town centre, reachable by auto-rickshaw or local bus; Kanchipuram is roughly 70-75 km from Chennai by road or rail (indicative)
Being ASI-protected and comparatively quiet, it is ideal for unhurried viewing of the carvings; remove footwear and dress modestly as it remains a place of worship (indicative)
Road km to Kancheepuram; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
October to March is the most comfortable season, and early morning offers gentle light and quiet for photography.
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Add a nearby businessOctober to March is the most comfortable season, and early morning offers gentle light and quiet for photography.
Entry: Free entry; being an ASI-protected monument there is generally no ticket, though photography rules may apply (indicative). Timings: Typically ~6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and ~4:00 to 8:00 PM; sources vary, so confirm locally (indicative). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
Reach it by auto-rickshaw or local bus from Kanchipuram town centre; it sits a little apart from the busy temple cluster Remove footwear before entering and dress modestly, as it is still an active shrine as well as a monument Take your time with the carvings and ask the on-site ASI staff about the sculptures and inscriptions
Around 45 minutes to an hour is usually enough to explore it comfortably.
Nearby you can pair Iravatanesvara Temple (630 m), Muktheeswarar Temple (690 m), Matangeswarar Temple (740 m), Kanchi Kudil (750 m).
Reported timings vary between sources and can change on festival or conservation days, so confirm before visiting (indicative)