A Catalogue of Pillar Sculptures in the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple

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I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, exploring its architecture, layout, iconography, deities, and various significant elements. In this episode, I will focus on the large sculptures found on the temple's pillars.



Here is a list of notable sculptures:

  1. Two life-size female sculptures in front of the Shanmukha shrine in the inner prakara of Kantimati.
  2. A female monkey holding her infant in the Sangili Mandapa.
  3. A male monkey in the opposite direction of the female monkey in the Sangili Mandapa.
  4. Two males holding deepams in their hands in the Sangili Mandapa.
  5. Vali and Sugreeva facing each other in the opposite pillars in the Sangili Mandapa.
  6. Arjuna in the Sangili Mandapa.
  7. Bheema with Purusha Mriga behind him in the Sangili Mandapa.
  8. Kurathi carrying a child in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  9. The Noble Warrior in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  10. A female dancer in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  11. Pagadai Raja in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  12. Veerabhadra in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  13. Karna in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  14. Arjuna in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
  15. A royal couple on the adjacent pillars on the west side of the Navagraha shrine.
  16. A female dancer opposite the royal couple mentioned above.
  17. Ten Nayaka Kings in the southern outer prakara of Nellaiyappar.
  18. Bheema and Purusha Mriga in the Maha Mandapa of the Arumukha Nayinar shrine.
  19. Manmatha and Rathi in the Maha Mandapa of the Arumukha Nayinar shrine.

In total, there are 34 unique and prominent sculptures across the temple's pillars. Some of these are life-sized, while others are even larger, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Nayaka era. I have previously detailed each of these sculptures in various episodes, and this post serves as a consolidated list. Note that Yazhis in different postures and forms are present on many pillars but are not included in this list. Documenting and categorizing all the Yazhis would be an interesting project, but it would require an extended stay in the town for about a month.

Happy travelling.


Location: 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006, India

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