DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE

Dravidian cultureDravidian orderPallavan style- Rock cut productionRathas, Shore Temple MahabalipuramChola style-Brihadeeswara temple TanjorePandya style -Evolution and form of the GopuramSrirangam-Complexity in plan due to complexity in ritualVijayanagara & Nayak style-Meenakshi temple Madurai

DIFFERENT PHASES IN DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE The Dravidian style/ Southern style of architecture can be classified into the following periodsPallavan Style600AD 900ADChola Style900AD 1150ADPandya Style1100AD 1350ADVijayanagara Style1350AD 1565ADNayak/Madura Style1600 AD onwards

The Dravidian Style of architecture can be categorised as a distinct Evolution in Temple architecture through the various phasesThere is a marked evolution in the planning of the temple and the architectural treatmentComplexity in plannning due to the complexity in the rituals arose by the 12th c. AD (Pandya)Broadly the classifications would be as follows:Pallavan- Rock cut and Structural TemplesChola- Development of the Vimana (Shikhara),

Walled enclosures GopuramsPandya- Evolution of the Gopuram number, height, embellishment

High walls for enclosure for security( Muslim invasion)Vijayanagara- Addition of Mandapas, Secondary halls and GopuramsNayaks- Temple cities, addition of Gopurams to existing temples

GENESIS OF DRAVIDIAN STYLE UNDER THE PALLAVAS600 AD 900 ADThere were two phases of architecture under the Pallavas

1st Phase- Rock cut Mahendra Group 610 640 ADMandapas/ Pillared hallsMamalla Group 640 690 ADRathas and Mandapas

(Narasimhavarma)2nd Phase- StructuralRajasimha group 690 800 ADTemplesNandivarman group 800 900 ADTemples

Mandapas RathasExcavation MonolithOpen pavilionShrine/ Temple chariotSimple columned hall with Series of shrines which is an

one or more cellas at the rearexact copy in granite of a structural prototype

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADMANDAPASUNDAVALLIMANDAGAPATTU

Pillared hallsEntirely rock cutBuddhist influence shown- ViharasPrimitive detailingThe main pillared hall is served by a portico and having 1 or more cellas deeply recessed in the interior wallThe exterior is a faade formed of a row of pillars The early examples are found at Undavalli, Bhairavakonda, Trichy Columns:Sq. shaft where the middle third is chamfered into an octagon70 ht.The dia of the column 10-20Heavy bracket for capital- wooden origin of a beam and bracketRoll moulding added in later examplesThis roll cornice was ornamented at intervals with a motif kudu showing buddhist influence from the chaitya arch

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADMANDAPAS - MahabalipuramThere were a total of 10 mandapas at MahabalipuramFeatures:Similar proportions to earlier MandapasWidth 25 Height-15 20 Depth 25Pillars height 9Dia-1- 2Cells rectangular- 5 -10 sideShallow porticoes

Architectural treatment and sculptures combining with architecture.Faade contains- roll cornice decorated with KUDUS, above this a parapet or attic member formed of miniature shrines, a long one alternating with a short oneThe executor was primarily a sculptor

Basement was so planned and executed to provide a long and narrow receptacle for water for ablutionsPillars are the main contributions of this periodBeginning of the Pallava order of columnEg. Varaha, Krishna, Mahishasuramandapa, Adivaraha

Krishna MandapamVaraha MandapamSculptures depicting Mythological stories

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADEVOLUTION OF PALLAVAN ORDER

The early pillars were the rudimentary type of beam and bracketThis was modified to a sophisticated design of the capital and the shaftFinally the introduction of an element- lionThis figure was incorporated into the lower portion of the shaft and later at the capitalThis lion symbolised the ruling dynasty SimhavishnuDetails:Sq. shaft where the middle third is chamfered into an octagon70 ht.The dia of the column 10-20

PALAGAIIDAIEKUMBHATADIKALASASIMHA-LIONSTAMBHAMPARTS OF DRAVIDIAN ORDERThe principal elements in the faade of the Mamallapuram group is the lion pillar which rests on the animals headThe crude block bracket is obvious in early examples, later gets more refined and gracefulA natural leonine figure a deviation from a grotesque horned lion in the mandapasFluted banded shaft- StambhamRefined necking- TadiMelon Capital KumbhaLotus form IdaieWide Abacus - Palagai

EVOLUTION OF PALLAVAN ORDER

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADRATHAS - Mahabalipuram

NSeven pagodas exist, reproduced from wooden examplesBeam heads, rafters, purlins, all transferred into rockExteriors are completed and interiors are incompleteUnknown purpose of executionSmall Structures a maximum 42 long 35 wide 40 highDerived from the chaitya hall and viharasActed as a prototype for later temples

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADRATHAS - MahabalipuramDraupadi Ratha:Smallest among the group dedicated to DurgaSimplest and the most finishedA cell or Pansala square in planThe shape of the roof concave pyramidal roof-indicates it was a copy of the thatched structure portable shrineThe base is supported by figures of animals, a lion alternating with an elephantThe corner ridges were decorated with delicate carvings with volutes There are niches containing high relief carvings of the DurgaArjuna Ratha:Stepped pyramid structure decorate dwith KudusThe square details at the cornes are termed as Stupis and the oblong ones in the faade ShalisSquare in plan 5m High relief sculptures on external walls between pilasters

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADRATHAS - MahabalipuramBhima Ratha:Reproduces the Chaitya modeKeel or Barrel vaulted roof with a Chaitya Gable endThe structure is 2 stories highThe front portico consists of 4 columnsPrototype for the Gopuram of later temples with the oblong plan, diminishing stories, keel roof with pinnacles and gable endThe gable end of the roof is ornamented with a central symbol similar to the stupaDepicts a prayer hall with curved barge boards taking the place of the vaulted roof. Decorative brackets simulate the ribs of the vaultSahadeva Ratha:Reproduces the basilican plan with an apsidal end and a barrel vault roof Faces the south, 3 stories high

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADRATHAS - MahabalipuramDharmaraja Ratha:Dedicated to ShivaLargest of the 5 rathasSquare in plan 10mConsists of 3 stories the last of which is 13m highNo internal space other than galleries with columns at the entranceIt is a large scale version of Arjuna Ratha with a larger no. of miniature edifices carved in the roofThere are 12 square Stupis at the corners and 24 Shalas on the sides- kuduStupi Shala Kudu In elevation it has 2 partsSquare portion with pillared verandah belowPyramidical shikara/tower formed by converted cellsStrongly moulded stylobate ( Base)Lion pillared porticosTurreted roofGanesh Ratha:Dedicated to ShivaLion ornamenting a pier in the faade2 Lion pillars in the porticoAedicules on either side with carved sculptures3 stories with the keel roofPrototype for the Gopuram

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 610 690 ADRELIEF - Mahabalipuram

2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 690 - 900 ADSTRUCTURAL TEMPLESSHORE TEMPLE - MahabalipuramThe Shore Temple was constructed in 700 AD by Narasimha Varma II RajasimhaConstructed of dressed GraniteThe complex consists of 2 shrines dedicated to Shiva and 1 shrine dedicated to VishnuLocated near the shore of Mamallapuram the temple was constructed with the intention of the cella facing the east so that the first rays of the sun would illuminate the shrineAmong the breakers stood a stone pillar to act as a light houseThis concept led to the different arrangement of the parts in the layout

NPlanning:The placement of the cella in the east left no space for the mandapas, forecourts and gatewayThese were hence placed in the rear of the shrineThe central structure is surrounded by a massive enclosure wall, with the entry on the western side of the courtyardThe layout was further complicated by the addition of 2 shrines added asymmetrically on the west

2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 690 - 900 ADSHORE TEMPLE - MahabalipuramThe addition of the shrine on the west with the smaller spire gives the impression that it is the main entranceThe 2 supplementary shrines have converted the Shore temple into an unconventional double towered monument Verticality of the temple accentuated with a slender monolithic stupiThe central building seems to be a development off the Rathas with a difference in the treatment

Details:Square lower storeyPyramidal tower in diminishing tiers Change in the shape of the tower seeming to rid of the viharaRhythmic, buoyant composition than the rathas giving the temple a lightness and soaring qualityAppearance of a pilaster- rampant lion as a relief found wherever a structural form with an ornament was requiredThe lion pillar with the Dravidian capital projects at every angle and is also introduced at intervals around the lower part of the entire structureAs the style progressed the leogriff motif is frequently usedIdentifying symbol of the Pallavan period

2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 690 - 900 ADSHORE TEMPLE - MahabalipuramSurrounded by an outer rectangular enclosureWater Chambers:Portions of the ground floor of the enclosure consisted of a system of shallow cisterns which could be flooded on certain occasionsThe space could hence be resolved into a water temple Some of the conduits and receptacles can be tracedThe water was fed into the system by means of canal and conveyed by sluices Overflow was carried through the rear of the shrine to the sea

Enclosure:Surrounding wall had a parapet and coping with figures of kneeling bullsBold projecting lion pilasters on exterior wallEntrance through a richly ornamented doorway on the western sideLeading to a corridor on one sideRectangular Mandapa whose foundations remain

2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE 690 - 900 ADSHORE TEMPLE - MahabalipuramHalfway along the corridor was a pillared arcade containing an altar probably for Naga worship as all the courts and passages around could be filled with waterSeries of carved panels on the side walls on mythology

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE 900 - 1150 ADThe capital of the Chola dynasty was the city of Thanjavur from 836 1267 ADThe great temple of Thanjavur was founded by Rajaraja I The Cholas ruled the Deccan and emerged victorious among many other kingdoms such as Pallavas, Pandyas, Chalukyas, RashtrakutasThey advanced as far as Bengal, Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra and had trade links as far as IndonesiaTheir military and economic power was reflected in the grand architectural productions under this period at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Dharasuram and Tribhuvanam

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple1014-1044 ADAirateswara Temple-Darasuram1146-1173 ADKambahareswara Temple-Tribhuvanam (Kumbakonam) 1178-1218

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE 900 - 1150 ADEarly TemplesTypical Features:The temples are of modest proportionsBuilt entirely of stoneEgs. At Pudukottai- Sundareswara at Tirukattalai, Vijayalaya at NartamalaiThese show the Dravidian style in its formative stagesUse of well dressed granite Pallavan influence observed in the vimana - similar to the rathasSimilarities to the Chalukyan in shape of the domical finial of the shikhara, which is similar to egs. at PatadakkalTreatment- simplification of the exteriors compared to the Pallavas with elimination of the detailsAbsence of the lion motif and pillarThe capital is modified to by addition of a neck moulding padmabandham and the pot kalasa. The Palagai is expanded to combine the Idaie underneath

Koranganatha Temple TrichyPillared hall or mandapa with an attached Vimana50 length totally, Mandapa 25 x 20, Vimana 25 squareHt. of 50 with the cornice of the mandapa at 16A small hall with 4 pillars makes the interior with a vestibule and passage leading to the cella 12 square

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 AD

The Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjavur was constructed around 1000 ADThe largest, highest and most ambitious project at its time a landmark in the evolution of South Indian ArchitectureSuperb architectural treatment and ProportionsThe main structure is 180 long above which is the tower 190 highPlanning:Dedicated to ShivaSurrounded by 2 walled precinctsThe first one measures 270m x 140 m consisting of a high wall running along the banks of the river KaveriThe 2nd wall consists of a portico with a double row of pillars, measures 150m x 75mThe Temple is entered through The perimeter wall forms a rectangular cloister which could be divided into 2 squares The center of the 1st square contains the Nandi Pavilion and the 2nd contains the CellaOver the cella is the main Gopuram 60m high and 15m at its base

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 ADPlanThe Garbagriha is a mere 5m square surrounded by a thick wall with a narrow corridorAxial planningThe main cella is preceded by 2 hypostyle halls and a narrow vestibuleEntered through a pillared portico on the west

N

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 ADComponents of Vimana:The main Vimana is a huge solid block on the western end consisting of 3 parts:Square vertical baseTall tapering bodyDomical finial

Vertical base:Square of 82 rising to a ht. of 50The square vertical base rises for 2 stories to accommodate the Linga which was increased in ht. An upper gallery was hence added creating a 2nd storey, with the 2 levels of the tower receiving the same treatment

Pyramidal portion:13 diminishing stories until the width of the apex is 1/3 baseCupola:On the square platform stands the cupola, the inward curve of the neck breaking the rigid outlines of the composition

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 AD

Architectural treatment:Vertical face:The wall is divided into 2 stories by means of an overhanging cornice which is the only horizontal memberContains pilasters and niches with sculpturesIn the middle of each recess is a figure subject The mastery of the sculptors is seen in the Dvarapalas which stand guard at the gateThe entire periphery of the temple base consists of mythical animals lions

Pyramidal roof:The surfaces are adorned with the horizontal lines of the diminishing tiersThe Cupola at the summit is contrasted with the minged niches on all the 4 sides

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 ADThe double portico of 450 m perimeter running all around the structure contains 252 lingas in black stone arranged under corbelled vaults carried on 400 pillars all aroundThe wall behind the portico is beautifully painted

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 ADThe first Gopuram is the Keralaanthagan Gopuram Five storied structure30m high giving access to the 1st of the 2 rectangular precinctsContains sculpture enhanced with stucco, painted in vivid coloursThe second Gopuram is the Rajaraja Gopuram3 storied structure

A 4 columned vestibule seperates the cella from the MandapaSquare in plan with 6 bays of columns eachPreceded by a rectangular mandapaBefore this is a 24 columned porch accessed by 3 staircasesStrict axial arrangement disrupted by additions later

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 AD

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur 1000 AD

PANDYA ARCHITECTURE 1100 1350 ADThe Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style After the Cholas- architecture was at its peak with the concentration being on the VimanaChanges during the Pandya period:Vimana ceased to be the centre of concentrationThe supplementary and outlying portions were developedReasons were sentimental- do not touch GodWalls were built/Pylons were the centre of concentration for architectureBecame the main feature of South Indian TemplesDerivation of the Cow gate- City gate- Temple gate- Gopuram

Considerable political changes were taking place. The most threatening force from the north - the all-conquering hordes of Islam.This threat made the Pandya rulers hurriedly throw up makeshift battlements around their cities and the heart of their towns -the temples. This called for modifying the Temple to a Fortress which was unacceptableTo change the outer covering, i.e. the form of the temple itself would be nothing short of sacrilege. The solution was hence to raise the gates of the fortress to the level of architecture. This was the genesis of the famous gopurams, or entrance gateways of the temple cities of the south.The typical south Indian city came to be surrounded by a ring of walls because of the need for defense, and then population growth. This led to a number of interesting solutions in city planning and the most visible architectural feature of this expansion was the Gopuram.

PANDYA ARCHITECTURE 1100 1350 ADThe Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style The temple consisted of a series of concentric walls enclosing open courtyards or Prakarams, approached through high watch towersThe walls were purely utilitarian with no aesthetic valueThe tall gateways were given embellishment

Typical features of the Gopuram:Oblong in planTapering tower of 100-150 ht.Entered by a rectangular doorway in the center of the long sideSimilar to the Egyptian PropylonsSloping or battered sidesThe lowest 2 stories of the tower are vertical, of solid stone masonry providing a stable structure for the super structureThe superstructure was composed of brick and plasterSuperstructure :Pyramidal in shapeDiminishing tiersThe angle of slope from the vertical is 25Width of the apex was of the baseFlat summit with an elongated roof with gable endsBarrel vault roof

Differences between Vimana and Gopuram:The 2 main forms in the Temple are distinguished by the top story in eachVimana is square in plan with a rounded cupola for the finial (derived from the Vihara)Gopuram is oblong in plan with a vaulted roof ( influence from the keel roof of the Buddhist Chaitya Hall)

There existed two types as to the form of the Gopuram with respect to the appearance and the surface treatmentFirst type:Straight sloping sidesFirm and rigid contoursGeometric form where the treatment is architecturalPillars and pilasters were usedSecond type: more ornateCurved and concave sidesCreating an upward sweepSurface treatment is of Florid nature Figure subjects predominateEvery portion is plastered thick with images The roof is spectacular with cornuted gables The ridge line breaks into a row of tall pinnacles forming a climax to the fretted and pullulating mass belowPANDYA ARCHITECTURE 1100 1350 ADThe Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style Type 2 Type 1

PANDYA ARCHITECTURE 1100 1350 ADThe Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style Surface Decoration:Most of the Pandya Gopurams are of the architectural type simple and conventional due to the early period of evolutionDravidian Order:Pillars and capital saw two changesThe Idaie or flower motif was given a scalloped edge- foliated and exquisite appearanceAlteration of the Bracket overhanging the bracket into a moulded pendent or a dropThe Palagai was altered in proportionAbacus 2 thick, 4 6 feet dia

Temple Planning:Expansion of the Dravidian temple like that of a tree trunkFirst the temple in the centreConcentric walls and gopurams added at a later dateThe smaller gopurams are hence towards the centre with the taller ones at the peripheryEach concentric ring shows the developmental stagesExample- Jambukeswara temple Trichy- SundaraPandiya Gopuram built in 1250, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, KumbakonamThe eastern gateway at Chidambaram is most characteristic of the period

PANDYA ARCHITECTURE 1100 1350 ADThe Genesis of the Gopurams of Dravidian Style Gopuram on Eastern side of the inner enclosure at Tiruvannamlai 1300 AD

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsEvolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

The muslims started moving south which led to the shifting of the capital south at MaduraiThe architecture flourished principally under the rule of Tirumalai Nayak 1623 1659The Madura Style as it is also known as was a revival of the Pandya style of architecture

The expansion of the temples corresponded to the expansion of the temple ritual :The forms and ceremonies became more elaborate leading to the arrangement of buildings for the activitiesThe increase in the structural form was due to the wider powers given to the deity

Planning of the temple:Deity : The cella or Garbagriha was dark, symbolic of the return to the womb experience in templesThe inner portions of the temples were hence strictly reserved for the sacred habitation of the godOn certain occasions the deity is led in procession to take part in festivals, for which purpose temples utilised the outer precincts To hence satisfy the requirements of these rituals the temple resolves itself to 2 main primary formations2 main parts of the temple:Inner covered sacred partOuter, open, more public less sanctified part

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsEvolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in RitualINNER AREAS : Consisted of flat roofed courts, one enclosed within the otherThis normally covered a fairly large rectangular spaceWithin the inner of the 2 courts is the sanctum, the cupolas of which covered in gilt projects out through the flat roofs acting as the focal centerThere is a guarded seclusion to the inner area

OUTER AREAS:Concentric series of open courtyards known as PrakaramsEnclosed within high walls, open to sky as they are too large to be roofedProvide space for secular buildings connected with the ceremonies

EXPANSION OR GROWTH OF TEMPLES:

Inner Areas or Cella: Wholly covered and sancrosanctThe Cella and the Portico form the sanctum origin of templeCella was enclosed within another flat roofed hall to protect the original sanctuary and to emphasize the sacrednessPillared aisles were added entrance through a small gopuram in front on the eastLater the covered court was enclosed within a similar structure, division of the concentric corridors by means of pillars and pavilions2 entrances on the E and W with a larger gopuram than the previous enclosure

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsEvolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in RitualOuter Areas:The entire composition was enclosed within a rectangle by means of a high wallThe remaining space was left to provide a wide open courtyard or PrakaramThe enclosure was entered by Gopurams, one on the E and WThe Gopuram on the E was the principal doorway and largestVarious structures were erected inside - pillared halls or Mandapas and subsidiary shrinesSemi religious buildings such as granaries, store rooms for ceremonial suppliesLater concentric rectangles were added contained within higher enclosing walls leaving another open space between the inner and the outer perimeters4 entrances adorned the four walls in the center at the cardinal pointsEach consisted of a Gopuram larger than the previous one within the outermost enclosure 2 large important structures were built- Thousand Pillared Hypostyle hall and a Square Tank of water for ablutions, lined with steps and surrounded by an arcadeThis formed the basis for temple layouts but layer temples were sometimes disproportionately enlarged Srirangam which has 7 concentric rectangular enclosures the whole resembling a town.

Concept of Temples:Spiritual nor ArchitecturalThe Gopurams induce a feeling of awe and majesty, leading to progressive halls, smaller and dimmer than the previous, till the mystery of the Cella or darkened shrine to feel the presence of God

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsEvolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

Elements of Temple:Gopuram in the exteriorCharacteristic of the southern styleMost of them are 1st class Gopurams 150 high to 20016 storiescentral doorway 25 high on longer sideForms a corridor through the gopuramRooms on either side for guardian and the door keeperOne of these rooms has a staircase to reach the gopuram with a wide landing at each

storey leading to the summit

External treatmentHt. of Gopuram emphasized by vertical linesEach storey has a perpendicular projectionIn-between each storey diminishing tiers, forming horizontal linesHorizontal portion sometimes had figures- which were life size.

Pillars or Colonnades in the interiorsModerate ht. of 12 Presence of a 1000 pillared hall eg. At Madurai

4 kinds of pillars Square moulded patterned -simplest one enlarged to a square pier normally with radiating bracketsRampant dragon -Most common type 1000 pillared hall

Superstructures are cleverly composed above the dragon pillarsGryphon bracket, capital or beamDeityPortrait of the donor or family

The third and fourth are similar, bigger than life size and attached to the shaftsNo structural significance, held by attachments to the shaftSome cases provide additive support as seen at Meenakshi Temple Madurai.All of theses support massive structures which are complicated .Crouching dragons and foliated brackets predominateNAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsEvolution of the Temple- Complexity in Plan due to Complexity in Ritual

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsMEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE MADURAI The Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple (twin temples) is one of the biggest temples in India. The original temple built by Kulasekara Pandyan was in ruins. The plan for the current temple structure was laid by Viswanath Naik and was completed by Tirumalai Nayakar. The Aadi, Chittirai, Maasi, and Veli streets surround the temple. Both temples are adorned with exquisite carvings & sculptures and gold plated vimanams. The temple has 2 main sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva and his consort MeenakshiThe temple is hance a temple within a templeThe outer wall is almost a square measuring 850 x 725 with 4 large gateways towards the center of the 4 sidesThe main Gopuram is on the E

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwards

Planning:The main Gopuram leads one to the pillared avenue 200 x 100 This leads to the smaller Gopuram forming the eastern entrance to the 2nd PrakaramThe 2nd Prakaram is a rectangular enclosure 420 x 310 having 4 gopurams in the center of each wallAll the Gopurams are smaller than the previous one as is the case with all templesMost of the 2nd enclosure is covered with a flat roof, partly open in the NWithin this is another court 250 x 156 with one entrance on the EThe most elaborate part of the temple and the most intricate grouping of pillars is found outside this entranceThe sacred shrine is located inside the last entrance

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsMEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE MADURAI The Sanctum Sanctorum Shiva:The shrine consists of 3 components Assembly hallVestibuleCellaThe cella is surmounted by a shikhara which penetrates through the flat roof seen from outside rising like a golden crownThe courts, corridors, halls making up the enclosures have colonnades of pillars arranged in long lines or groups forming diverse vistas in all directions

Sanctuary of Meenakshi:The other sanctuary of the temple is dedicated to Meenakshi fish eyedEnclosure on the S side of the temple at the rear Half size reproduction having one compartment within the other 225 x 150 entered by 2 Gopurams the one on the W being larger then the ERising above the flat roof is the cupola

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsMEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE Pool of Golden Lilies:Lies in front of the Meenakshi shrineRectangular 165 x 120 Surrounded by steps and a pillared portico on all 4 sidesThe great mass of the S Gopuram is seen in the background over 150 high and reflected on its surfaceIn the middle is a tall brass lamp column. The reflection of the granite pillars in the colonnade adds beauty

From the NE corner of the tank in the outer enclosure is a Gopuram marking the processional passage to the shrine indicating an independent entranceThere are totally 11 Gopurams the 4 outer ones being 1st class over 150 highMandapa:Court of 1000 Pillars was added in 1560 on the NE of the outer Prakaram240 x 250Faces south alongside a wide pillared approach of the main entranceThe interior consists of a central aisle with a double row of columnsSmall shrine on the N end SabhapatiBehind the colonnades forming the aisle are row upon row of pillars 985 columns in allFlat roofed remarkable only for the interior with range of grotesquely carved piers

NAYAK ARCHITECTURE 1600 AD onwardsMEENAKSHI SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE Outside the main enclosure in axial allignment with the E Gopuram is the Vasantha or Pudu Mandapam Tirumalai Nayaks ChoultryParallelogram 330 x 105 built for 7 yearsReception hall or temporary place for the deity during festivalsCentral nave and 2 aisles with 4 rows of pillars elaborately carved giving a wonderful perspective of the interiorsIn the center is a separate group of columns with sculptured shafts with 10 life size statues of the Nayak house and Tirumalai the builder of the mandapam