Kailasanathar Temple, Karaikal, Puducherry

Kailasanathar Temple, Karaikal, Puducherry

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Karaikkal Town in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Kailasanathar Temple is one of the three most famous temples in Karaikal city. This temple is located opposite to the another most famous Karaikal temple, the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Soundarambal.

History

The temple is believed to be constructed before 2000 years ago which makes it the oldest temple in Karaikal district. It was reconstructed by the Pallavas in the 8^th century and again in the French rule.

The Temple

The temple is constructed in a large complex surrounding it making it the largest temple complex of the famous temples in Karaikal city. The main attraction of the temple be the four elaborate doorways in each directions of the temple complex. The street where the temple located is named after the temple as Kailasanathar Kovil street. The entrance of the shrine of Subramaniar faces the doorway to the west.

Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Soundarambal. Shrines of Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaga, Various Lingams, Two shrines for Lord Muruga along with Devasena and Valli, Saraswathi, Lakshmi,  Small statues of 63 Nayanmars, Durgai, Chandikeswara and Navagrahas can be found in the Temple.

Festivals

Mangani Festival:

The Mangani Festival is associated with both Kailasanathar Temple and Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple. The important figure of the Mangani festival, Lord Bikshatanamurthy is of the Kailasanathar Temple.

Float Festival in Chandra Theertham:

The temple tank Chandra Theertham is associated with the main three temples of Karaikal. The Float festivals in Karaikal with the idols of Lord Kailasanathar from this temple and Lord Nithyakalyana Perumal from the Perumal temple is an important festival celebrated here.

Chariot Festival:

The chariot of Karaikal is dedicated to Kailasanathar Temple. The Karaikal Chariot festival is celebrated once a year. The idol of Lord Kailasanathar is taken in the chariot through the important streets of Karaikal.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at Bharathiyar street at the heart of Karaikal town. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Karaikal Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Karaikal Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thirunallar, 14 Kms from Nagore, 3 Kms from Dharmapuram, 21 Kms from Nagapattinam, 21 Kms from Thirukkadaiyur, 9 Kms from Nedungadu, 6 Kms from Neravy, 8 Kms from Tirumalai Rayan Pattinam, 4 Kms from Kottucherry, 13 Kms from Tharangambadi, 128 Kms from Puducherry, 143 Kms from Trichy and 284 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (148 Kms).

Location