The Mandapas of Kantimati Temple

As part of this series of articles about the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple, I have already written about the Raja gopuram and the mandapa with the wooden carvings at the entrance of the Kantimati shrine. In this article, the fourth part of the series, I cover the other mandapas near the temple entrance.

Located at the western end of the historic Amman Sannadhi street and facing the Raja Gopuram of the Kantimati temple, we find the Anuppu Mandapam. The term "Anuppu" in Tamil means "to send". This mandapa consists of four rows with a total of twenty pillars, with each row containing five pillars. The inner pillars are notably more intricate in design. Above the corbels (potikas) on these inner pillars, there are seated lions providing support to the mandapa's roof. All the pillars are adorned with beautifully sculpted carvings. It is believed that this mandapa was constructed in the 1700s.

Anuppu Mandapam

The Anuppu Mandapam stands out from traditional mandapas by lacking a superstructure above it. Instead, it boasts an additional floor adorned with three arches in the east and west directions. This architectural addition, commonly seen in mandapas of the Tirunelveli region, was likely constructed in the late 1800s or early 1900s. However, the unfortunate occupation of this mandapa by shops prevents visitors from fully appreciating its splendor. For nearly a century, people have been unable to enjoy the complete view of this mandapa.

Anuppu Mandapam

Adjacent to the temple entrance, on the true left side, we come across the Soundara Sabha. Primarily serving as a library, it is frequently closed to the public. Within this mandapa, there is an east-facing shrine housing the Shiva Linga and a south-facing shrine dedicated to the Goddess. Surrounding these shrines, a small circumambulatory path (prakara) can be observed. The Maha mandapa features expansive pillars adorned with seated lions, supporting a traditional Kerala-style wooden roof. Additionally, the beam of the mandapa showcases numerous intricate miniature sculptures. Regrettably, this mandapa is not easily accessible to the general public.

Soundara Sabha

To access the temple, we must first pass through the mandapa adorned with exquisite wooden carvings, which I have previously discussed in my earlier article. Following that, we encounter the grand Raja Gopuram built in 1626 CE, which I have also covered in detail in a separate article. Please refer to it for more information.

Entrance

As we approach the entrance of the tower, we are greeted by separate shrines on either side, housing the divine figures of Ganesha and Subramanya. Additionally, there are two small images of soldiers mounted on elephants. Along the base of the tower, between its beginning and end, we find four pairs of broad pillars. The outer pillars are particularly elaborate in their design. The upper half of these pillars showcases intricate patterns resembling creepers, while the lower half features depictions of two small temples with three-tiered superstructures instead of the usual figures of Ganga and Yamuna. Four standing elephants on top of each pillar support the ceiling. Moving our gaze to the ceiling, we can observe various designs and an image of Kantimati seated in a composed posture.

Directly facing the Raja Gopuram stands the Oonjal Mandapam, featuring an impressive array of 96 exquisite Yazhi (Vyala) pillars. These pillars are adorned with prominent sculptures of Yazhi, accompanied by numerous smaller figures. Following the divine wedding ceremony of Kantimati and Nellaiyappar, the bronze icons of both deities are placed on a swing within this mandapa. As the swing festival occurs here, the mandapa is aptly named Oonjal, meaning "swing" in Tamil. The construction of this mandapa dates back to 1635 and was undertaken by Cherukula Vallal Piravi Perumal Pillaiyan. Additionally, the auspicious celebration of the divine baby shower festival occurs during the Tamil month of Aadi within this mandapa. The mandapa has a rectangular (technically called Salakara vimana) superstructure.

The space between the Raja Gopuram and the Oonjal Mandapam is occupied by a covered mandapa, supported by twelve grand pillars featuring seated lions on their tops.

Mandapa between Gopuram and Oonjal Mandapam

Moving towards the true right side of the Oonjal Mandapam, specifically on the southern side, we encounter a spacious open area. Further south from there, we come across the Thousand-pillared Mandapa, also known as the Ayirankaal Mandapam in Tamil. This impressive hall stretches over 520 feet in length and 63 feet in breadth, and it houses the deity Ucchistha Ganapati. During the Tamil month of Panguni, on the auspicious day of Uttara nakshatra, a significant festival takes place here, involving the ceremonial offering of a scepter (known as Chenkol in Tamil, often mispronounced as "Senkol") to Ninraseer Nedumaran Pandya. Additionally, the sacred wedding ceremony of Nellaiyappar with Kantimati is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi within this mandapa.

A massive tortoise is observed supporting the structure of this mandapa, which is connected to a sacred legend. 

Oonjal Mandapa

Devas and Asuras teamed up to obtain the elixir of immortality (amrita) from the milky ocean. They utilized Mandara Mountain as a churning rod and Vasuki the serpent as a rope. However, the mountain tilted, causing worry. They sought assistance from Vishnu, who transformed into a colossal tortoise and stabilized the mountain on his back. 

As the treasures were gradually revealed, the elixir finally emerged. Vishnu filled with pride and mistakenly believing he had obtained the elixir, transformed into a larger tortoise and caused chaos in the world. Concerned by this, everyone implored Lord Shiva, who commanded his son Ganesha to subdue the disruptive tortoise. 

Ganesha swiftly arrived at the sea, consumed all its water, and confronted the turtle. With a mighty blow, the tortoise shrank and weakened. In the form of a tortoise, Vishnu approached Lord Shiva, seeking guidance on overcoming regret. Shiva advised him to visit Tirunelveli and worship him in the same form as a remedy for his remorseful actions. 

Vishnu arrived at Tirunelveli, where he established and worshipped the Shiva Linga, finding solace in making amends. Since then, Vishnu, in various incarnations, would visit this place and pay homage to Nellaiyappar. This act of worship led to the paddy field being known as "Vishnu Puram" and the area being named "Kachapalayam" due to the reverence for the tortoise form (Kachapa).

Ayirankal Mandapam

The thousand-pillared mandapa is not accessible on regular days but only during festivals. It serves as the entrance to the temple from the south direction, but it remains closed permanently.

Now, turning our attention to the centrally located Oonjan mandapa, there is a covered pathway on its left side (north). Continuing northward, we find the Pottramarai tank and nearby areas, which will be discussed in future articles.

Happy travelling. 

This article is Part 4 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