The Inner Prakara of Kantimati Shrine
In the preceding six parts of this series, I provided an overview of the Raja Gopuram, the sanctum, the front side mandapas, and the Mukha mandapam of the Kantimati temple in Tirunelveli. Now, in this seventh installment, I will shift our attention to the inner prakara of Kantimati, the temple's main deity.
Within the southern circumambulatory path (prakara), nine small circular structures called peethams are seen. Seven of these peethams are aligned in a single row, facing northward. They represent the Sapta Matas, Ganeshas, and Veera Bhadra. Similar peethams can be found in numerous temples in Tirunelveli. These peethams were believed to be added in the 1700s when Tirunelveli was under the rule of Kerala kings.
At the kanni moola (the southwest corner), stands the Kanni Moola Ganapati shrine. The entrance of this shrine features two additional icons of Ganeshas. On the northwest corner, there is a splendid shrine dedicated to Murugan, with his consorts Valli and Devasena by his side.
In the northern prakara, there is a small shrine facing southward, which houses Chandikeswari, the feminine form of Chandikeswara.
The temple walls are adorned with numerous intricate carvings, including depictions of Veerabhadra, Hanuman in prayer to the Shiva Linga, and a cow pouring milk on the Shiva Linga, among others.
The Jalavatayanas (windows) display exquisite craftsmanship.
On the northeast corner, there is a shrine facing southward, dedicated to the beautiful metal murti of Shanmukha, accompanied by Valli and Devasena. This shrine has its own prakara and frontside pillars. The pillars are embellished with two life-sized sculptures of captivating girls. These sculptures exhibit artistic details such as the traditional Andal hair bun (kondai), well-shaped breasts, attractive circular earrings, slender waist, graceful attire below the waist, and the characteristic pose with the left hand resting on the waist. These sculptures were likely created during the Nayaka period.
Happy travelling!
This article is Part 7 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.
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