The Mukha Mandapa of Kantimati Temple

In this series of articles exploring the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, I have previously covered the Raja Gopuram and a few mandapas surrounding it. Now, in the fifth part of this series, I will focus on the Mukha mandapa of Kantimati.

As mentioned in my previous post, located directly behind the Raja Gopuram is a beautiful Oonjal mandapa. On either side of the Oonjal mandapa, there are pathways that lead to the impressively spacious Mukha mandapa in the western direction.

The Mukha mandapa is a grand structure adorned with intricately carved pillars, with a majestic lion seated atop, supporting the ceiling. Towards the southern end of the Mukha mandapa, the pillars showcase exquisite carvings of Dwarapalikas. However, it is worth noting that only a few pillars near the western end of the Oonjal mandapa feature exceptional sculptures, including depictions of Rama, Manmada, a dancing girl, and Kuravan.

Within this area, the tall dhwajastambha, bali peetha, and the Nandi mandapa are found. The Nandi mandapa is truly a sight to behold, exhibiting exceptional craftsmanship and intricate designs. No words can describe well the artistic beauty of Nandi mandapa.It houses the revered Nandi, the vahana of Kantimati, facing towards the west where Kantimati herself is enshrined.

The Mukha mandapa seamlessly connects with the Maha mandapa, which I will delve into in forthcoming articles. There are three shrines to the south of the Maha Mandapa entrance, while one shrine is to the north. All of these shrines face eastward. Regrettably, they currently contain no murtis and are being utilized as storage rooms. However, these shrines boast oblong-shaped shalakara vimanas, with the unique feature of having three tiers resembling gopurams. Such architectural designs for vimanas are quite distinctive. On either side of each superstructure, sculptures of two females can be observed. The first shrine showcases Gaja Lakshmi, accompanied by Ganesha and Subramanya on the lintel, while the other shrines solely display Gaja Lakshmi on their lintels.

Additionally, near the entrance of the Maha mandapa, one can find shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Subramanya. Both of these shrines feature Gaja Lakshmi on their lintels.

Another shrine faces southward, characterized by its three-tiered gopuram-like vimana and Gaja Lakshmi sculpture on the lintel. Presently, this shrine serves as a Yaga sala.

Happy travelling. 

This article is Part 5 of the series of articles I write about Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple. 

The other parts of the series can be accessed through the below listed links.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4