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That very same small shrine temple enjoyed royal
patronage and became a jewel of Dravidian architectural style. And is visited by
a steady stream of devotees.
The
Kantimati temple is as important and sacred as the Madurai temple, or Kasi Visalakshi temple due to extraordinary compassion she extends to her votaries. The
craze for her darsan and worship far exceeds that of Nelliappar, her own spouse.
It is a tradition here that devotees offer first worship to her and then visit
Nelliappa, who is equally powerful and popular. The sculptural adornments detain
for hours both theists and connoisseurs. Of the many that draw reverent
attention is the Thamra sabha which is one of the five sabhas of Lord Siva. The
Nataraja statue installed there is a specimen of superb art. And the pillars in
the sabha emit Sapthaswaras, if tapped with a hard substance by any.
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