Enchanting Elegance: The Captivating Tower of Kantimati Temple

The Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple is a breathtaking sight, filled with beauty in every aspect. Every detail, from the nooks and corners to the intricate stonework, showcases exquisite artistry. The temple's grand entrance is marked by a stunning Raja Gopuram, serving as a captivating preview of the visual delights that await within the temple complex.

As mentioned in previous articles, the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple comprises two distinct temples, dedicated to Kantimati and Nellaiyappar. This particular article centers on the temple tower positioned at the main entrance of the Kantimati temple. Referred to as Ammai Gopuram, Amman Gopuram, or Kantimati Gopuram by the local community, this massive six-tiered Raja Gopuram faces the east direction. Opposite the tower lies the historically significant Amman Sannadhi Street, which was once an Agraharam.

The impressive six-tiered tower of the temple showcases breathtaking stucco images depicting various deities, celestials, and characters from Puranas in all directions. Each tier features multiple miniature sub-shrines sculpted on the parapet (called hara) and a mini entrance at every level.

At each level, flanking the tiny entrance, are two Sala vimanas, characterized by a rectangular base and a molded plinth with four corner pillars supporting an oblong wagon-vaulted roof. The ends of the wagon vault are semi-circular or gabled. The elevation includes a small pavilion with a horseshoe-shaped element called Nasi at the top, held by two pillars.

Between the Sala mini shrines, there is a Panjara shrine and a pathway called harantara. The Panjara shrine has an apsidal-shaped roof supported by four corner pillars, with an elevated plinth in the front holding a semi-circular element called Nasi. The harantara pathway features a Nasi on top, supported by two pillars.

At the corners of the tower, there are Karna kuta mini shrines with square-shaped superstructures (Vesara vimana) supported by four corner pillars. The elevated plinth with two pillars supports a Nasi at the top.

Between the outer Sala and Karna kuta shrines, there is a Panjara shrine flanked by two harantaras. The Panjara shrine has a distinct superstructure featuring a larger semi-circular element called Maha nasi with a Kirtimukha (a fierce monster face with fangs and an open mouth) at the apex. The harantaras on either side of this outer Panjara follow a similar style, with nasis as their roofs.

All harantaras either have sculptures on their front side, obstructing the view of the elevation, or sculptures standing near them.

It's important to note that the arrangement of miniature sub-shrines described above applies only to the east and west sides of the gopuram. On the north and south faces of the tower, there is a central rectangular Sala projection flanked by two harantaras, followed by two Panjaras with nasis as their roofs, and finally, two more harantaras and karna kutas at the corners.

The gopuram has seven talas (tiers), excluding the base. The seventh tala lacks karna kutas but features female Bhuta Ganas at the corners.

The pinnacle of the tower is adorned with seven kalasas, while the central section is embellished with a grand Kirtimukha, serving as a torana for the niche where Nellaiyappar sits alongside Kantimati.

The seventh tala of the tower features sages (Rishis) on all sides, symbolically connecting to the legends associated with this sacred site. Eighteen sages, comprising two groups of Sapta Rishis and four Sanaka Rishis, disillusioned by the increasing wickedness during the Kali Yuga, sought Brahma's guidance for a suitable place on Earth to perform penance. Brahma recommended Tirunelveli as the finest location worldwide. They arrived in Nellai, worshiped Nellaiyappar and Kantimati, and installed eighteen Lingas on the banks of the Tamraparni river.

Numerous sculptures in the gopuram depict the legends of Tirunelveli, although deciphering their precise connections can be challenging. In addition, there is a collection of sculptures portraying various stories from the life of infant Krishna, as well as depictions of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata in wooden attire, Lakshmi Narasimha, Uma Sahita Iswara, Hanuman, Nataraja, dancing Kali, and Kantimati seated on Rishabha vahana. The gopuram also features sculptures of numerous sages, celestial beings, and other characters from Puranas.

On the western side of the topmost tala, Vishnu is flanked by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in the center. The eastern side mini entrances are guarded by female Bhuta Ganas, while the western side mini entrances are guarded by female Deva Ganas. Additionally, the tower depicts Bharavahakas and Bharavahikas supporting the structures on their shoulders.

At the base of the tower, separate shrines house Ganesha and Subramanya on either side of the entrance.

Overall, the tower's vibrant and captivating appearance requires a minimum of one hour to fully explore and appreciate all its intricate elements.

Happy travelling.

This article is Part 3 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