KanchiKailasanathar Temple

Architecture

Rajarani temple temple plan, scale 50 feet to 1 inch. The sanctum (deul or vimana) and the spot from which pilgrims see the sanctum are the two sections of Orissan temples (called jagamohana). The early deul temples lacked the jagamohana, as found in some of Bhubaneswar's oldest temples, but later temples included two additional structures: the nata-mandapa (festival hall) and the bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). The vimana's design is square, and the walls are adorned with ressaults (called rathas or pagas). The amalaka (also known as mastaka) is a stone disc with ridges on the rim that is put above the temple's bada (tower). Rajarani Temple is built on a high platform.The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone and is locally called as "Rajarani".

Vimana

It has a pancharatha plan with a curvilinear superstructure (rekha shikhara) that stands 18 metres tall (55 feet). Unlike other temples in Bhubaneswar, the vimana (tower) is encircled by a cluster of tiny towers with double crowning components and appears spherical, similar to the towers of Khajuraho temples. The temple is supported on a three-moulded plinth. In contrast to other temples, the bada has five sections instead of the normal three. From the bottom, the vimana rises to a height of 17.98 metres (59.0 feet). From the interior, the vimana (sanctum) is 10.25 ft (3.12 m) 10.25 ft (3.12 m), while from the outside, it is 31 ft (9.4 m) 29 ft (8.8 m). Its spire is adorned with clusters of turrets that emerge from the rib of the spire (a duplication of the spire itself). The temple is divided into five sections called panchanga bada: pabhaga, talajangha, bandhana, uparajangha, and baranda. The pabhaga, or bottom section, features five ornate mouldings: khura, kumbha, patta, kani, and basanta. The temple's superstructure (gandi) contains a number of small turrets (angashikharas). A fluted disc-shaped architectural component known as an amalaka crowns the superstructure, and a vase (kalasa) lies upon it.

Jagamohana

In the doorjambs of the jagamohana, there are nagins and guardian deities, with vimana in the backdrop.
Despite displaying a pyramidal form, the jagamohana (porch) has yet to achieve the status of a full construction on its own. It shows indications of the repairs made after it collapsed into ruins in 1903. The inside of the jagamohana is 17.83 ft (5.43 m)*17.83 ft (5.43 m) and the exterior is 36 ft (11 m)*36 ft (11 m). The interior and tiered (pidha) jagamohana are unadorned, presumably left unfinished. The jagamohana's plan is square, as opposed to the rectangular ones found in older temples.

Sculptures

Niche dedicated to Ganesh.
The sculptures have a richness to them that the Mukteswara Temple sculptures lacked. On the left, circular strong columns intertwined with naga surround the somewhat protruding entryway. The Guardians of the Eight Directions protrude in eight directions from the temple's base, beginning at the entry and moving clockwise around the porch and deul to the torana (entrance). Naga-nagi sthambha, saiva dwarapalas on the entry doorjambs, and lakulisa on the entry lintel, above which is the Navagrahas architrave, are among the other notable sculptures. The standing astadikpalas on the central façade of Kanika, seen on the jangha, are the best-preserved sculptures of the temple. Varuna's picture is complete, with noteworthy body adornment, coiffure, and face expression. The cult pictures at the temple depict scenes from Shiva's marriage to Nataraja and Parvati. Tall, slender, sophisticated nayikas adorn the sanctum's walls, depicted in various roles and moods in amorous dalliance with actions such as turning their head away from an emaciated ascetic, fondling her child, holding a branch of tree, attending to her toilet, looking into mirror, removing her anklet, caressing her pet bird, and playing instrument. On the protruding sections of the uparajangha, there are also sexual (mithuna) images carved in high relief. Vyala, jagrata, and gajakranta are among the numerous ornamental motifs carved. The scroll motifs include foliage, creepers, and vines (vanalata), each with rich foliage that is not attached to any stalk or vine. It's a Hindu shrine.

Religious significance

The historian M. M. Ganguly examined the Khuraprista (upper plinth), which is carved like a lotus with its petals, and described the temple as possibly dedicated to Vishnu. The names of most Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar end with "Iswara" like Parasurameswara, Brahmesvara and Mitresvara. But Rajarani Temple bears a peculiar nameand contains no images of any deity inside the sanctum. There are certain features of the temple which indicates a Saivite origin such as the presence of Saiva doorkeepers: Prachanda and Chanda, Dvarapla with jatamukha, and a garland of skulls reaching up to and a snake. K. C. Panigrahi believes that, based on the Ekamra Purana, the temple was originally called Indrevara and that it was positioned to the east of Siddheswara Temple. M. M. Ganguly, a historian, analysed the Khuraprista (top plinth), which is carved in the shape of a lotus with petals, and concluded that the temple was perhaps devoted to Vishnu. Most Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar have names that finish in "Iswara," such as Parasurameswara, Brahmesvara, and Mitresvara. However, Rajarani Temple has an unusual name and no representations of any god in the shrine. The presence of Saiva doorkeepers Prachanda and Chanda, Dvarapla with jatamukha, and a garland of skulls extending up to and a serpent are some of the temple's elements that indicate a Saivite heritage. According to K. C. Panigrahi, the temple was previously known as Indreva, according to the Ekamra Purana. The lintel of the jagamohana contains a depiction of Lakulisha, the founder of the Pasupatha sect of Saivism, in a sitting position with yogamuthra and his pupils. On both sides of the Lakulisha pictures are depictions of eight bearded ascetics. Three panels on the main temple's front depict pictures of Shiva dancing with his spouse Parvathi while surrounded by attendants playing musical instruments. On the western side, below the centre niche, is a sculpture showing Shiva and Parvathi's marriage. The appearance of Naga and Nagini at the entryway led to a local idea that the temple is related with the monarch (Raja) and queen (Rani), giving to the name Rajarani, though historians disagree. 

Architecture

Inner court or the circumambulatory passage with 58 subshrines. Typical design of pillar with multi-directional mythical lions. 

Temple view

The temple's Pallava architecture has been preserved in its original stylistic form, with influences from the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Emperors. It is made of stone, as opposed to Mahabalipuram's rock cut architecture erected inside sacred caves or carved from rock outcrops. To the left is the towering gopuram (tower), and to the right is the temple complex. The foundations of the temple are composed of granite, which can support the temple's weight, while the superstructure, including the sculptures, is built entirely of sandstone. At first, there was simply the main shrine, which had a pyramidal vimana and a separate mandapa (main hall).The garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum), antarala (inner enclosure), mandapa, a high compound wall, and a gopuram (entry gate) make up the entire temple complex. The mandapa, which was originally separate, was joined to the main temple by the addition of an ardhamantapa (smaller hall). The mandapa's pillars share the same attributes as fabled lion mounts.
The construction has a straightforward layout, with a tower or vimana in the centre.
The vimana of the temple is square in design and rises in a pyramidal form above the main shrine (sanctum sanctorum). Many storeys rise proportionately in the skyscraper. A little dome-shaped roof may be found at the summit of this tower. Pallava style pillar pieces with legendary animal forms (lions on the base) are decorative embellishments. The gopuram walls are plastered at the entrance. Eight tiny shrines and a gopura, which serves as a prelude to the main gopura, can be seen on the entry wall. The mandapa and the sanctuary were eventually connected by an intermediary hall known as the ardhamantapa, which is said to have detracted from the temple's splendour. The temple is surrounded on all sides. A sculpture in one of the niches of the 58 subshrines.
Sculpture depicting Shiva as Gangadhara capturing the river Ganges with a strand of his hair.
In the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple, there is a 16-sided Shivalinga made of black granite stone. Within the main shrine's boundaries, there is a padabhandaadhisthana (main pedestal) with very artistically carved statues of gods, as well as a sculpted Nandi guarding the goddess from afar. There are several sculptures of deities on each face of the main shrine's outside walls.
The west-facing hall has statues of Shiva in the forms of Sandhya Tandavamurti and UrdhavaTandavamurti, as well as representations of Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi, and Parvati.
Tripurantaka flanked by three ganas, goddess Durga with three ganas, and goddesses Bhairavi, Kaushiki, and Jyestha make up the Shiva sculpture on the north facing wall.
Bhikshatana, Somaskanda, and Shiva in Samhara-Tandava (destructive dance) stance adorn the outside faces of the vimana (tower).
There are images of Durga, Kartikeya, Bhavati, Tripurantaka, Garudarudha-Vishnu, Asura Samhara (demon slaying), Narasimha (Vishnu's avatar), Trivikrama (another Vishnu's avatar), Shiva Tandava (Shiva in a dancing pose), Shiva severing Brahma's fifth head, desecration of Yagna of Daksha, Brahma Among all the photos, the one of Ardhanariswara seated on a bull is the most notable. The south facing wall of Vimana features Shiva in the shape of Dakshinamurthy, a highly lovely depiction of Shiva in a sitting posture of calm and quietude, while the west wall has Shiva in the shape of Lingodbhava.
On all of the tower's external faces, there are many shrines that appear to be small shrines. The sala (rectangular), kuta (square), and panjara (apsidal) styles distinguish these shrines. The entry wall also has eight tiny shrines. The 58 miniature shrines, which are placed into the niches of the compound wall that surrounds the main temple, portray Somaskanada reliefs of Shiva and his bride Parvathi in various dance styles.
The temple might be made out of a geopolymer that resembles sand.

Pillared Mandapa

In front of the main temple is a pillared mandapa. It is now closed. This was the temple's own mandapa, which was eventually connected to the main temple by constructing an Ardh-Mandapa between them. You may perceive some disproportionality from where you stand.

The Temple corridor

A side entrance to the temple may be found a little distance ahead. The temple is run by a single priest. He appeared to be waiting for devotees, unlike the army of priests at Ekambareshwar Temple who were busy scurrying around. That isn't to say he wasn't courteous or didn't have airs about his priesthood.

Sanctum

Inside the sanctum, the temple is rather simpler. There is a 16-faced Shivalinga in black granite. Behind the Shivalinga is an image of Somaskanda that is Shiva, Uma with Skanda or Kartik..
Sculpted walls
The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow parikrama walkway. It's claustrophobic since it's so narrow. What was the rationale for the construction of such a tiny circumambulatory path? It isn't even a straight line; you must ascend a flight of steps and then slither down the other side to do the parikrama, then repeat the process at the exit.

Pyramidal Shikhara

The Shikhara at this temple is pyramidal, with carved figures on each later. The stone plates appear to be gently balanced on top of one another while holding the narrative they must impart. A spherical dome-like finish adorns the top, almost like a cherry on top. The Nandis are arranged in four orientations on the layer underneath the top.
Durga sculpture surrounded by PallavaLions
The sequence of lion foundation pillars can't be missed from any vantage point. If you stand in the corner facing the temple, you'll feel as if you're in a lion's den.
On the walls are depictions of Shiva in every imaginable shape. One shrine devoted to Kartikeyan may be seen beyond the main temple's rear wall. His Vigraha is carved in black stone and may be seen here. A beautiful Durga sculpture and Saptamatrikas may be found here.
The Kailasanathar Temple Complex is a temple complex in Kailasanathar, India.
This temple is a one-of-a-kind, with no other temples in the complex. As you may be aware, Shiva temples at Kanchipuram do not have a Devi temple, as is the case with Shiva temples throughout India.
Vigrahas in the caves.
Open-air Nandi Mandapa

Nandi Mandap

The main Nandi Mandap is around 100 metres apart from the temple, across the extensive gardens. Although there is a gap and numerous layers of stone between the Linga and the Nandi, the Nandi is mid-sized and faces the sanctuary. On the mandap, four separate pillars stand, although everything appears to be patched together. Whether the Nandi Mandap was always that far away or if it was relocated as part of a conservation effort.
When you go away from the temple and into the grounds, you'll notice lions emerging from the outer wall at regular intervals. whether they were formerly free-standing pillars that were subsequently glued together. Smaller shrines or meditation caves have Shikharas that are visible from the outside, like a little counterpart of the larger one. As in every Shiva temple in Kanchipuram, Nandis perch on the wall between them.

Temple tank

There is a tank located diagonally across the temple at the other end of the lawns.

Deity

Lord Shiva

	Religious Activities
	Daily Routine	Temple is open from 6 AM -12 PM and then 4 PM-9 PM
	Aarti	Ushakkala Pooja (Sun Rise Pooja)-06:00 A.M Kaalasandhi Pooja-07:00 A.M UchikkalaPoojaa (Noon Pooja)-12:00 Noon Saayaraksha Pooja (Sunset Pooja)-06:00 P.M Ardhajama Pooja (Night Pooja)-08:00 P.M

Celebration/Festivals

Shikharas are visible from the exterior of smaller shrines or meditation caves, resembling a little version of the main one. Nandis sit on the wall between them, as they do in every Shiva temple in Kanchipuram.

	Guideline
	Do’s &Don’t	·         Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the premises which has got a lot of statues built into the circumambulatory path outside the main shrine. ·         Look into the huge Nandi statue as well as the small pond which is located near the Nandi but is prevented from visitors getting into it by barbed wire. ·         The green lawn which is around the premises is a place to just sit down and relax within the serene environment. ·         A large number of parrots can be found on the premises of the temple if visited in the morning. ·         Click some really great photographs in the beautiful backdrop which consists of amazing architecture and greenery. ·         The local shops which are located just outside the temple sell a huge variety of small statues, local handicraft items and great souvenirs which can be collected. ·         Eat out at the numerous eateries which have got great South Indian cuisines to be tasted.

Visitor Guide

By Air

The nearest airport to this temple is located at Chennai. Chennai is an international airport, and the temple is located almost 80 Km from the airport.

By Rail

Kanchipuram Railway station is located very close to this temple people can resort to either a bus or a cab to an auto. 

By Road

The town of Kanchipuram is well connected to most of the cities. Local transport is available in plenty. Busstop is located very close to the temple complex. 

Nearby Temples

Nearby Tourist Places

The Ekambareswarar Temple

One of Shiva's five principal temples, is the city's greatest centre of devotion, spanning 10 hectares. Its initial building was established in the sixth century by the Pallava Dynasty and underwent considerable renovations under the Tanjore Nayaks' control. The gopuram, a gatehouse tower that stands at 59 metres and is one of the state's highest, was built during this time. The Ekambareswarar Temple holds Kanchipuram's most major religious festival, the PanguniBrahmotsavam, a 10-day spectacle that takes place from March to April.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is the Vaishnavas' favourite temple in Kanchipuram. The temple is one of the 108 DivyaDesams, which are the most revered Vaishnavite sanctuaries dispersed across the country and are supposed to have been visited by the 12 Alwars. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has around 350 inscriptions ascribed to practically all of South India's main kingdoms. The iconic "100-pillared hall," which features sculptures and relief constructions portraying various significant Hindu gods, is the temple's most outstanding architectural element.

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Vamana, Lord Vishnu's fifth avatar, is the inspiration for this small temple. This temple, like Varadaraja Perumal's, is one of the 108 DivyaDesams. It has a typical Dravidian architectural style and is mentioned in prominent Tamil literary works from the sixth century. Nearly a dozen yearly festivals are held at the temple, which is known for its yearly Brahmotsavam and ther-vizha.

Trilokyanatha Temple
ShrineKanchipuram (Kanchi) city, Tamil Nadu, India, with colourful traditional houses. Shutterstock/Natalia Davidovich
Trilokyanatha Shrine, erected during the Pallava Dynasty, is the most significant temple for Jainists in Kanchipuram. It is one of the few Jain temples with a largely Dravidian architectural style, and it is famous for its superb wall murals and inscriptions depicting the life of Hindu god Krishna, as well as other prominent Jain deities.

Chitragupta Swamy Temple

Chitragupta Temple, India. Aruna Bhat / Alamy Stock Photo

Chitragupta, a minor deity and the assistant (or accountant) of Yama, the Hindu god of death, is honoured in this temple. It is one of Kanchipuram's few significant temples whose construction can be traced back to the Chola Dynasty. Despite its diminutive size, it attracts more visitors than many other large temples since it is thought to be the location where Chitragupta keeps an eye on man's good and bad activities.

Sathyanatheswarar Temple
This seventh-century shrine is the tiniest of Kanchipuram's main temples, measuring only 2290 square metres, yet it is historically and religiously significant. It follows the Shaiva tradition and is dedicated to Sathyanatheswarar, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple's main gopuram has three storeys and a sanctum sanctorum with a granite lingam. The 275 significant Shiva temples described in the Tamil Shaivite literature include Sathyanatheswarar Temple.

Ashtabujakaram Temple
Kanchipuram's Ashtabujakaram Temple is a well-known Vaishnavite shrine. The current structure of the temple is a mash-up of architectural styles influenced by the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The temple pond within its walls, which is related with the legendary legend of Gajendra Moksha, is its most noteworthy feature. The most well-known event linked with the temple is the VaikuntaEkadasi 10-day festival, which takes place in December and is a major festival for Vaishnavism devotees.