These ancient temples which are built according to a certain set of codes and rules, have many features in common. The structural elements, idols, sculptures, layout and other aspects have deep meaning and symbolism. Some of them are repeated in many different temples with many interesting variations. Despite the common themes, these temples also differ in many ways and each one is a unique masterpiece. Knowing the common elements and their symbolism helps the visitor appreciate the thoughts, ideas and meticulous planning that have gone in to building these works of sacred art. We will explore each of these features of the South Indian temple in this post, moving from the outside of the temple towards its core and then exploring other associated features .
External Walls: Most large temples are enclosed by multiple walls with the most external walls being the tallest. They are often very plain and built of granite blocks. In some others they are painted in red and white alternating vertical stripes. Not all temples have this pattern. The more ancient temples do not have this and it might be a relatively new phenomenon . Although there are attempts to find philosophical meaning to this practice, it seems more a tradition than anything else. Perhaps it was a way of defining the outside walls of a temple to passersby. The top of these walls are often adorned with sculptures. In many Sivan temples you will find a series of Nandhis.
Gopurams: These towering structures are the most prominent features of the Dravidian style of temples that are prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Visible for miles around, they are the first structures that we notice when approaching a temple. Initially, relatively small structures, they have increased in height since the 12th century onwards, Over the ages they have evolved into the tall structures that we see today. There are many variations in style and height. They are generally built over the entrances in the four cardinal directions with the one over the main entrance, the tallest and usually called the rajagopuram. If there are multiple enclosures there will be a set of gopurams at the entrance of each enclosure with their height diminishing as we approach the sanctum. The gopurams are often made of brick and wood and adorned with stucco figurines depicting stories from Hindu mythology. As these are perishable materials, these structures are prone to damage unless cared for constantly. They are rebuilt periodically when the damage is too great. Some of the gopurams are painted white, while some others are given a pastel shade. Some have figurines that are colourfully painted in vibrant colours. This practice appears to be a later development and likely originated in the Nayakkan period. In some temples the gopurams are quite plain and are devoid of any figures.
Entrances or Vayil: These entrances of the temples in all four directions are usually built of granite or other sturdy material and have sculptures and inscriptions on them. They often form the base for the gopuram above. Some do not have a significant gopuram and are called a mottai gopura vaasal.
Nadai or Doors: These are doors at the entrances that are shut when the temple closes during the afternoon or at night. They are opened at dawn and are closed shut at midday to open again in the afternoon around 4 pm and remain open till late at night when the temple closes. They are usually wooden structures with metal reinforcements and are sometimes fortified.
Prakarams or circumambulatory enclosures: Many temples have a series of walls and entrances leading to the sanctum. They thus form a series of enclosures between walls and these are called prakarams. it is customary to circumambulate the temple along these pathways in a clockwise direction, although in some temples and on certain days the circumambulation takes an elaborate course. These prakarams are are home to various subsidiary shrines and idols, processional idols and vehicles, administrative areas, storage rooms. kitchen, library etc. The prakarams symbolize the many layers of the universe.
Mandapams: The mandapams are halls inside the temple. the large hall that you encounter at the entrance of the temple, where the Kodimaram, the balipeedam and the Vaahanam are situated is often called the Mahamandapam or the Muhamandapam. Other mandapams can be in the axis of the entry to the temple or in the prakarams. Some are additions in later years like the 1000 pillared halls from the Nayakkan period. These have many ornately carved pillars. They are used for various functions including weddings, performances etc. They also have subsidiary shrines.
Kodimaram or Dwajasthambam: This is the first structure we encounter as we enter the temple. It is the flagstaff. It is usually a metal or stone structure that is ornately designed. It is used to hoist a flag on special days.
Balipeedam: The Balipeedam is literally a sacrificial pedestal. It is used in certain rituals. As devotees move towards the sanctum they should sacrifice their egos and expectations here.
Vaahanam or vehicle: In Sivan temples this is the Nandhi. The sculpture of the sacred bull that is Siva's vehicle comes in various shapes and sizes. The Nandhi usually faces the sanctum. In the occasional temple it can also face the entrance. In Vishnu temples the Vaahanam is the Garuda. Sometimes the vaahanam sits in a mandapam built for it.
Dwarapaalakar: These are the two guardian deities on either side of the entrance to the Arthamandapam. They are imposing figures and sometimes have a fierce look.
Arthamandapam: This is the mandapam immediately in front of the sanctum sanctorum or the Karuvarai/Garbagriham. It is usually the last chamber the general public is allowed in. It is the ante-chamber of the karuvarai.
Karuvarai or Garbagriham: This is the sanctum sanctorum and houses the primary idol. In Vishnu temples there are idols of the various avatars of Lord Vishnu in a lying, standing or sitting posture. In Sivan temples it is usually a Sivalingam. This usually a square or rectangular chamber. It is quite small and there is limited space only for the priest to do his pooja. Sometimes this chamber can be circular or apsidal.
Vimanam: The vimanam is the tower that is built over the karuvarai. It also comes in various interesting shapes and sizes. There are regional as well as historical differences. Certain vimanams were popular in certain periods in time and in certain places. They started out as small structures with a single layer but have evolved over time into very elaborate creations with multiple layers and interesting adornments. Like the gopurams they are also often decorated with interesting stucco images from Hindu mythology and likely became popular in Nayakkan times. The vimanam historically became larger and taller and reached its peak during the height of Chola power with the one at the Big Temple at Thanjavur, becoming one of the tallest ever built. In later times, from the late 12th century onwards, the gopurams grew gradually taller and dwarfed the vimanams in most temples. They differ in shape and design too. The simplest are square and pyramidal. Some are cupola or dome shaped. There are rare ones like the Ashtanga Vimanam which have eight sides. The Thoonganai Maadam or Gajaprishta Vimanam popular in the Thondai Nadu in the late Chola period, is named after an elephant's back which it resembles. It is built over an apsidal sanctum sanctorum
Koshta Idols: In the recesses on the outer walls of the Karuvarai, several idols are found. Commonly seen idols here in Sivan temples are Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Durga, Perumal etc.
Subsidiary shrines: Apart from the primary or presiding deity, there are other deities within the temple complex. The larger ones are usually found in the outer prakarams. There is usually a Ganesha shrine in the far right corner and a Murugan sannithy in the far left corner as you face the temple. There is usually an Amman or Goddess shrine in the complex and it is smaller and is either parallel to the primary shrine, either to the left or right or at right angles to it facing the Mahamandapam.
Processional idols or Uthsavamoorthy: These are metal (usually bronze) idols and are used during festivals. They are carried around the temple or in the surrounding streets of the town in procession.
The Ther or chariot: These are large wooden structures with wheels that are decorated and used to carry the processional idols around the temple and on city streets. They are pulled by a set of ropes that devotees will grasp to move the chariot or car.
Theertham: Every temple has one or more waterbodies associated with it. These can be a nearby ocean, lake, river or other natural waterbody. Very often there is a temple tank or pond within the complex. There are a series of steps leading down to the water's edge and taking a dip in the waters are part of the worship ritual.
Thalavirutcham or Temple Tree: The temple usually has a tree associated with it. It is usually found in one corner of the temple premises and is cared for and worshipped. There are a wide variety of trees that are used in this manner. Some of the trees are very old.
Temple animals: Many temples have elephants and cows etc.. These are resident animals that participate in the everyday functioning of the temple. There is a Goshala or cattle-shed where cows and bulls are fed and cared for.
This is a brief overview for the reader to appreciate the many symbolic aspects of a temple in Tamil Nadu or Pondicherry.
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