Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is the oldest monument in Kanchipuram of Tamil Nadu State of India. It is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva and gains historical importance. This intricate structure was constructed by a Rajasimha Ruler of Pallava Dynaste during 685-705 AD. The monument was built in Dravidian architectural style containing large number of carvings, such as many half-animal deities which are from early period. This temple is most attractive tourist destinations of the city. The structure contains 58 small shrines which are dedicated to various forms of Shiva. These are built into niches on the inner face of the high compound wall of the circumambulatory passage.

Kailasanathar Temple is one of the three Kanchis the Shiva Kanchi, the other two Kanchis are, Vishnu Kanchi and Jain Kanchi. The Temple complex comprises of sanctorum, mandap, a high compound wall, an entrance gate, the gopuram, the pillars of the mandapa have the repetitive features of mythical lion mounts, the tower of the temple, above the main shrine is square in plan and rises up in a pyramidal shape. Its entrance wall has eight small shrines and a gopura, precursor to the main gopura. The main shrine has a 16 sided Shivalinga in black granite stone deified in the sanctum sanctorum. The outstanding feature of sculptures is the profusion of depiction of the erect lions projecting out in several directions.