Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram

Sthala Puranam

This temple's story is mostly historical. The Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built it around 700 CE. His son Mahendravarman III added the front facade and gopuram.

Local belief says the temple was a safe place for the rulers in times of war, and a secret tunnel built as an escape route can still be seen.

It is also believed that Rajaraja Chola I visited it and took ideas from it for the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur.

Speciality

• The foundation is granite and the superstructure and carvings are sandstone. The sanctum has a four-storey vimana, and 58 small shrines are set into niches of the compound wall.
• Devotees crawl through a narrow entry into the passage around the sanctum, called the 'Gate of Death', and come out of a narrow exit, the 'Gate of Birth'. Believers say completing it stands for rebirth.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri, the biggest festival (evening crowds)

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• The carvings are best seen in morning light. The passage is tight, so wear comfortable clothes.

Prayers for this temple

• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Shiva Gayatri (Rudra)