| Temples & Legends Of Kerala |
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| Temples & Legends Of India |
INTRODUCTION |
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| The structure
from adhisthana (basement) to stupi (finial, the uppermost member of the temple) is termed
the vimana. Some structures are small and single - storyed called alpa-vimana or ekatala -
vimana, while others are two-storyed or dvitala. Some even reach heights of many roofs.
However, the upper levels of the srikoil are not functional; their role is to give the
building an imposing appearance. With the srikoil forming the nucleus, the other com ponents like the open Pradakshina patha, the cloistered nalambalam, the vilakku- matam affixed with a galaxy lamps, paved outer Pradakshina vari and prakara or Prakaras are aligned in orderly succession centering the main shrine or shrines. Further whatever the plan of the srikol, i.e. square or circular, etc., the arrangements of other components follow invariably a concentric rectangular alignment. The, temple-well which supplies water for bathing the
deity and for preparing food is situated generally in the north-east corner. The kitchen
or madapalli is also provided in one portion of the nalambalam. As a general rule, the
srikoil is fronted by a square namaskara mandapa with a pyramidal roof. Income, temples
there is another pillared structure, the mandapa, in front of the valiambalam, a wing of
the nalambalam, providing the main entrance to the temple proper. |
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About Introduction |
