Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

This is another of the 108 temples dedicated to Shiva that exist only in this city. This particular temple is regarded as the oldest, having been built in 700 AD, during the reign of the Pallava king Rayasimha. It is surrounded by a wall of sandstone, whereas the temple is built in red sandstone. Opposite the main entrance you can see a large sculpture of the bull Nandi, which appears like it's watching you. In the temples of Mahabalipuram, the lions that appeared at the feet of the columns were sat down, whereas here the lions are on their hind legs, as if ready to defend the temple. Inside, there are small altars in honor of Shiva.