The Kailasanathar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a Pallava-era Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built around 700 CE by Narasimhavarman II, with later additions by his son Mahendravarman III, it is one of the oldest surviving temples in the region. The temple's architecture follows a square plan, featuring a mukha-mandapa (entrance hall), a maha-mandapa (gathering hall), and a sanctum topped with a four-storey vimana, surrounded by nine shrines dedicated to various forms of Shiva.
Renowned for its intricately carved sculptures, the Kailasanathar Temple showcases late 7th- and early 8th-century Dravidian art. Although primarily dedicated to Shaivism, the temple's carvings include themes from Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Vedic deities, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the time. Additionally, the temple boasts some of the earliest Hindu murals in Tamil Nadu, which are found on the inner walls of the courtyard cells, in a style similar to the Ajanta Caves and the Vaikunthaperumal Temple.
The Kailasanathar Temple contains 58 small shrines, dedicated to various forms of Shiva, integrated into niches along the inner compound wall. These shrines and the temple’s epigraphs are significant for the study of early Tamil temple traditions and regional history. The temple also holds a prominent place among Kanchipuram's religious landmarks, alongside Ekambaranatha, Kamakshi Amman, and Varadaraja Perumal temples, making it one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Historically, the Kailasanathar Temple was constructed by the Pallavas, who expanded Kanchipuram as their capital city. As one of the earliest structural temples in South India, it set a trend for future temple architecture in the region. The temple was also believed to serve as a safe sanctuary for Pallava rulers during wars, with a secret tunnel still visible today. The Archaeological Survey of India currently maintains this historical monument, preserving its legacy for future generations.