Kailashnath Temple
The Kailashnath temple at Kanchipuram is one of the favourite monuments of any art historian or visitor. The temple stands in an uncongested open space. A small Nandi mandap is in front of the enclosure identifying the temple as that of Shiva. The Shikhara of the temple is beautifully proportioned. Each wall contains an image or manifestation of a deity. The temple was built during the time of Rajasimha. The amazing maturity and confidence is distinguishable in the Kailashnath Temple. The confident grimacing lions stand on their hind legs, ready to pounce out of the wall at anyone who might cause harm to the temple of god.
Around the temple, the wall space is divided into alcoves. The Cholas, who succeeded the Pallavas, used a similar formula in their temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and later Chola temple of Darasuram near Kumbakonam. The miniature temple motifs along each tier are also perfectly integrated to create an unrestricted visual movement up to the pinnacle of the temple.
