The temple has fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The "vimanam" (temple tower) is high and is the tallest in the world. The "Kumbam" (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons. There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about long and high at the entrance. The entire temple structure is made out of granite. 