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In front of the
Ardha mantapa is what is called the Maha mantapa consisting of one pillared building with
entrance door, and space on the three sides. Besides these, there are other mantapas like
the Kalyana mantapa, the Natya mantapa etc. On either side of the main entrance of the
Ardha mantapa, generally two dwarapalakas are found. In front of the sanctum is located
the Nandi or the bull in the case of Saiva temples, and the Garuda in the case of the
Vaishnava temples with a Bali Peetha and a Dhwaja stambha, in front. Thus the principal
features of the temple are the following:
1. The Garbha Griha containing the sacred God with a tower called Vimana over it.
2. The Ardha mantapa and the Maha mantapa which are in front of it.
3. The Gopura which is on entrance tower.
4. The Verandah attached to the inside walls of the Pradakshina patha.
5. Tirthas i.e., tanks and wells which are hallowed or sacred, for purposes of bathing.
6. Subsidiary shrines dedicated to various other minor gods each in its proper place.
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