Iravatanesvara Temple, Kanchipuram, Hindu temple in Kanchipuram, India.
Iravatanesvara Temple is a Hindu shrine in Kanchipuram featuring a sandstone tower with granite foundations oriented to the east and decorated with detailed carved elements across its form. The interior is thoughtfully arranged with a central sanctum and multiple alcoves for different deities.
The temple was built between 700 and 728 AD by King Rajasimhan, also called Narasimhavarman II, during his reign in Tamil Nadu. This structure emerged during a period when the Pallava dynasty demonstrated its artistic and architectural prowess.
The temple is dedicated to Shiva and shows religious devotion through its central linga and sculptures of Dakshinamurti and other deities positioned throughout the shrine. Visitors can observe how pilgrims use these sacred spaces and how the building itself expresses spiritual beliefs.
The site is accessible to visitors daily and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, which oversees ongoing preservation work. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense and the light makes viewing the fine details more pleasant.
The sanctum has a circular shape with four openings in different directions that provide ventilation to the interior and represent a practical solution for the climate. A tank called Jurahara theertham sits on the grounds and is visited by people who follow the belief that its water holds healing properties.
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