The Inner Prakara of Kantimati Shrine

By -

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.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6



Location: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Tallest Murugan of Chennai

By -
Image
Consecrated in March 2021, the 40 feet high Bala Murugan icon at Saveetha Medical College campus is the tallest image of Murugan in Chennai. Malaysia has 140 feet tall Murugan. In April 2022, the 146 feet tall image of Murugan was consecrated near Salem in Tamil Nadu. However, they are all stucco images. But, the one that we find on the college campus is a monolithic granite icon. Thus, it is the tallest stone icon of Murugan in the entire world. A stone weighing 320 tonnes was brought from Siruvambur near Wallajah, and it was carved to 140 tonnes to get this beautiful and gigantic sculpture. The entire temple complex is designed in the shape of the Devanagiri letter "Om", which can be appreciated in the aerial view.  The west-facing gigantic sculpture is located atop the star-shaped pedestal. It dominates the entire landscape. A large meditation hall is situated below the pedestal. On the open corridor in front of the presiding deity, smaller shrines are found. They enshrine...
Read more

Little known Nimishamba Temple of Chennai

By -
Image
Site Name:  Nimishamba Temple Site Type:  Hindu Temple Location:   Kasi Chetty Street, Sowcarpet, Chennai city, Tamil Nadu state, India Highlights:   A rare temple of Nimishamba in Chennai city Nearest Railway Station:   Chennai - well connected from the cities/towns all over India Nearest Airport:   Chennai has both national and international airports How to reach:   Easily reachable by road as this is centrally located in the city Hotel:  Many star hotels, luxury hotels/resorts, and budget hotels are available in Chennai Restaurants:  All options - vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Chinese, South Indian, Gujarati, North Indian, Punjabi,....- you can find everything in Chennai city Chennai is considered as the gateway to South India. The capital city of Tamil Nadu state of India has hundreds of tourist sites which include museum, British period monuments, temples, beach, etc. Let us explore a little known temple called Nimisham...
Read more

Hastinapuram Navapashanam Murugan Temple

By -
Image
Navapashanam is an amalgam of nine poisonous herbs. It is said to act as a remedy for all types of diseases. It is believed that the Siddhas knew the secret formula to prepare this medicinal potion.  The sculpture of Murugan from the famous Palani is claimed to be made of Navapashanam. Similarly, there is a lesser-known temple near Chennai, which has a Navapashanam Murugan. In Hastinapuram near Chrompet in the southern outskirts of Chennai, in a congested lane called Masjid Street, this tiny temple of Bala Murugan is situated. Murugan, made of Navapashanam, is the presiding deity.  Jalakandeeswara Linga, Meenakshi, and the Siddha who found this temple are the other Murtis found in the temple. Happy travelling.
Read more