Gangaikondan Kallapiran Temple

Gangaikondan is a small town located near Tirunelveli. To commemorate the victory of Rajendra Chola over the region of Gangetic plains. There is a magnificent temple of Kailasanatha located here. Besides this historic temple, another ancient temple remains unknown to outsiders. This temple, known as Kallapiran, is dedicated to Vishnu.

The moderately sized east-facing temple enshrines Vaikunthapati flanked by Perundevi and Kumudavalli. The four-armed Vishnu holding a discus and conch in his upper arms is in the standing posture.

The bronze images of Kallapiran and his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, are enshrined in the same shrine. The temple is named after this processional (utsava) icon and not on the stone image.

The temple consists of moolasthana (sanctum), antarala, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa and a wide mukha mandapa or mani mandapa. The images of Vishwaksena, Ramanuja and Nammalvar are found in mani mandapa.

Garuda, flagstaff and bali peetha (offering pedestal) are located facing the main shrine.

On the prakara (cicumambulatory path), the sub-shrine of Sudarsana, with the image of Narsimha on his backside, is situated.

The moolasthana walls are renovated. The tall superstructure of vimana is two-tiered. 

The outer walls of structures other than the moolasthana are intact and display the original architectural features that look beautiful. 

Koshta (niches) are not there on the outer walls, but instead of them, there are beautifully ornamented panjaras. (Panjara is an architectural element that resembles a miniature mandapa with an arch or roof above).

At the entrance, there is no raja gopuram (tower). However, on either side, there are thinnai-like big mandapas with pillars (thinnai = shaded verandahs).

The temple has no inscriptions. Based on the architectural features, it appears to have been built in the 13th century by the Pandyas.

Happy travelling.

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