Thursday, March 24, 2011

Kailashnath Temple, Kanchipuram

There are many beautiful temples in Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). One such architectural gem is Kailashnath Temple. This temple is unique in its architecture.

In the late 7th century this temple was built by Pallava dynasty rulers Rajasimha and his son Mahendravarman.

It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone. The walls and sikhara of this temple are filled with great sculptures, and paintings. This temple of Lord Shiva has a four-storeyed octagonal sikhara.

A temple wall encloses the temple complex. The inner and outer walls of these shrines are adorned with fresco paintings while the walls of the main temple are profusely decorated with sculptures. There are all together row of 64 small shrines in the inner walls.

51 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Yes, yes, yes. Magical!

Teamgsquare said...

wonderful temple and amazing carving .

George said...

This is absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Aarti said...

Absolutely loved this temple, but was saddened at the restoration[so called] work going on..

RNSANE said...

I just cannot believe the number of exquisite temples that exist in India. An amazing tribute to your Gods.

Krishna said...

hi

good photos

enriched with sculptures

thanks for sharing

Kavita Saharia said...

Stunning architecture !

Debbie Taillieu said...

It's always amazing to me how they built this stuff so long ago! The 7th century!!!!
Have a fabulous day!
Debbie's Travels

Zuzana said...

In comparison to the architecture here in Europe, your temples and buildings are always so intricately decorated and sculptured. Beautiful.
xoxo

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Amazing architecture and incredible detailed art work!

Jeevan said...

Interesting details and pictures rajesh! I don't remember whether i visited this temple or not.

Bhushavali said...

Hey,
Remember my last post on this very temple where I was in this temple as a baby!!!
Great to know you visited here!!!
Exploring Chengalpet
Fashion Panache - Patiala Salwar Bottoms

Anonymous said...

Wow - such an ancient temple... Just lovely.

Sridharan said...

Beautiful temple that I visited and blogged recently. Feels good to revisit thru this

joo said...

Fascinating temple Rajesh!

Sharmila said...

u r such a like fellow to roam around all these exotic n beautiful places ... love to visit ur blog to know more new places.

This Kailasshnath temple is really beautiful ... most of the temple in Tamil Nadu are of similar architecture or maybe that's what it seems to me !!

Thanks for sharing :)

Sylvia K said...

Marvelous temple against clear, warm skies! Beautiful captures as always, Rajesh! Enjoy your weekend!

Sylvia

Pearl Maple said...

thanks for adding your photos to the sky watch party and making it an interesting journey around the world

7th century construction had some amazing designers

Eaglesbrother said...

More nice images of scultures and buildings...you must travel extensively.

Joyful said...

Very nice. The sky looks like it it hazy or was it about to rain? Happy SWF.

Unknown said...

There just seems no end to incredible buildings, and beautiful sculptures. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

clairz said...

Stunning temple. I really like seeing the visitors, too.

Jidhu Jose said...

nice shots

My Skywatch Friday

http://graceolsson.com/blog said...

OH, MY DEAR

THANKS FOR SHARING THESE PHOTOS WITH ME
CONGRATS
http://graceolsson.com/blog/2011/03/the-uruguay-of-my-dreams/

Anonymous said...

the details of every temple you feature is astounding.

Mrs.D said...

beautiful...:) Hope you can check out my Skywatch Friday entry as well. Thanks!

Kim, USA said...

It is indeed mystical. Is temple livable? Happy Wednesday!
SWF

Carver said...

The carvings in the temples in your part of the world always amaze me.

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed at how well the sandstone has stood the test of time. Isn't it fairly soft? It would have been a shame to lose out on the beauty of this temple.

Tara said...

Beautiful photos of buildings...

Indrani said...

Beautiful shots.

Liz said...

Beautiful skies and structures.

Liz @ A Simple Life

thomas said...

Beautiful carvings of yesteryears.

Vinni said...

I'm a fan of the ancient Indian craftsmanship's such beautiful artwork would be impossible to replicate today.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Iconic

Laura said...

More exquisite temples...you are so fortunate to be able to visit this sacred places!

stardust said...

Beautiful ancient temple built of sandstone, and marvelous sculptures! Thank you for sharing.

Karen said...

Such beauty in these buildings.

eileeninmd said...

I think these temples are just amazing. Wonderful photos, Rajesh!

Shrinidhi Hande said...

I've seen only 1 temple in Kancheepuram.. guess that's not this one

RIZALENIO said...

I want to be here. I think I belong here - I love paintings and sculptures. Thanks for sharing your photos and stories.

HAPPY WEEKEND.

Cassie said...

Amazing ShadowShots. I like that you included some people in the top ones too. Happy SSS to you!

Rajlakshmi said...

beautiful captures... the collage at the end looks so spiritual :)



SSS

Cynthia M said...

Look at those amazingly intricate temples, and beautifully captured, thankyou :)

Beverley Baird said...

Such a beautiful temple! thanks for sharing it!

eden said...

Impressive building. Great photos.

Have a great Sunday!

Sorry for my late visit, Rajesh.

Melusine said...

A very beautiful temple indeed,
the architecture and sculptures are amazing!

Chubby Chieque said...

Temples & churches, I love them...

It feels am cleanse with these buildings. YOur shots are magically amazing.

Happy SSS...

Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook said...

Stunning! The architecture and the sculpture are simply stunning.

My Unfinished Life said...

india's got some amazing temples!!!!

Rajesh said...

Thanks to all for appreciating this master craftsmanship.