Indian Columbus

In the previous episodes of this series, I explored the extraordinary life-size sculptures housed within two mandapas of the Krishnapuram Venkatachalapati Temple , each pillar telling stories in stone with a finesse unique to the Nayaka period. In the previous article, I also traced the historical roots and inscriptions that reveal the temple's founding and sustenance. With this final episode, I now shift focus to the presiding deity , subsidiary shrines , and the architectural spaces that complete this magnificent temple. Krishnapuram Temple 🛕 The Temple Layout and Entrance The east-facing temple welcomes visitors with a gigantic five-tiered rajagopuram , a towering gateway that announces the grandeur within. Leading to this tower is a long covered pillared mandapa , where stone and light interact with quiet majesty. The base of the rajagopuram is richly detailed: Miniature shrines , vimanas , and kumbha panjarams Horse-shoe-shaped elements and small relief figur...