The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram is a Pallava-era historic Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated to Shiva, it is one of the oldest surviving monuments in that area. It reflects a Dravidian architecture and was built about 700 CE by Narasimhavarman II with additions by Mahendravarman III. A square-plan temple, it has a mukha-mandapa (entrance hall), a maha-mandapa (gathering hall) and a primary garbha-griya (sanctum) topped with a four-storey vimana. The main sanctum is surrounded by nine shrines, seven outside and two inside flanking the entrance of the sanctum, all with forms of Shiva. The outer walls of the temple’s prakara (courtyard) is also surrounded by cells.[2]
The temple is located towards the west of Kanchipuram city, and is about 75 kilometres (47 mi) from Chennai.
