Kailasanathar Temple
at Kancheepuram
see also Kailasanathar Temple at
Brahmadesam
The
beautiful temple, Kailasanathar Temple, at Kancheepuram was built by the Pallava
ruler Rajasimha Pallava, and was completed by his son, Mahendra Varma Pallava.
Rajasimha Pallava ruled Kanchi during the period from 685 A.D. to 705 A.D. Dedicated
to Siva, Kailasanat
ha is one of the earliest temples built by
Rajasimha. This temple is unique in its architecture. It was constructed mostly
of limestone. The walls and vimaanam of this temple are filled with great
sculptures, and paintings. There are 58 small
shrines situated around the main shrine. Paintings in Fresco-style adorn the
inner walls of the shrines. This temple is free from the more
recent additions of the cholas and vijayanagar rulers. Fragments of the eighth century murals which once graced the alcoves are a visible remainder of how
magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built.
It is believed that this temple served as a shelter for the king during wars. The architecture of the temple appears to confirm the belief. The remnants of an escape tunnel built by the kings is displayed with pride, even now.
The Kailasanathar temple at Brahmadesam, then famed for its scholars in all the four Vedas was known as Chaturveda Mangalam or Brahmadhayam, is located near Kallidaikurichi in Ambasamudram taluk of Tirunelveli district . The original deity in this temple Badhari Vaneswara is said to have been worshipped by Romasa Maharishi, the grand son of Lord Brahma, and so the village was named Brahmadesam. This too is a magnificient temple dedicated to Lord Kailasanatha and Godess Brahmanayaki.