Kailasanatha Temple

Kailasanatha Temple Review

Built mainly during the reign of King Rajasimha (700-728), Kailasanatha Temple—named for Kailasa, Shiva's Himalayan paradise—carried the development of Pallava temple architecture one step beyond what had come before. From the "dressed stone" (rocks formed into regular shapes) of the Shore Temple, the construction of Kailasanatha progressed to granite foundations and the more easily carved sandstone for the superstructure. The sculpted vimana (a tower over the inner sanctum) can trace its lineage in shape, design, and ornamentation to both the Shore Temple and the Dharmaraja Ratha. The cell-like structures surrounding the sanctum are similar in design to the Five Rathas: all have extensive sculptures of Shiva in various poses, symbolizing different aspects of his mythology. Lining the inner courtyard are 58 small meditation cells with remnants of multicolor 8th-century paintings on the wall. Less full of pilgrims than other temples in town, this quiet holy place is an exquisite place to contemplate some very fine stonework.