Gopurams
or towers begin with door posts
of 60 feet height cut out of single stone. Over that in tapering layers are carved rows of
gods and goddesses, animals of various kinds and mythical figures showing different
stories of the past Depiction of different figures on the towers, though not very
artistic, is realistic in nature, showing the different mythological incidents from a
distance to those who were not allowed to go inside temple in olden days.
Killikattu Mandapa is the place where parrots are
kept in cages. The parrot is a sacred bird and is often shown in company with other
God’s and goddesses. Particularly, Goddesses are always seen with a parrot in their
left hand. Obviously it means presence of peace and happiness. The right hand is shown in
the form of Abhaya Mudra. The Mandapa is supported by pillars cut from a single block of
granite and have a them protruding corbels, which greatly enhance their beauty. The
pillars are excellently carved into Yalis (roaring lions), and into statues of five
Pandava brothers. It has been remarked that "both in point of stability and in point
of architecture and realistic richness of detail, pillars as a whole are unsurpassed"
(Shenoy's Temple City Madurai).
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