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It
is encircled by a high massive outer prakara with a six feet wide
wall on all four sides, measuring 2120 feet in length and raises to
an average height of 20 feet with three gateways -- the Northern one
called Sivaji gopuram; the Southern, Harihar gopuram, and the
Eastern Krishna Devaraya. The inner walls adorned with bas-reliefs
depict a wide variety of sculptures -- the bottom row with the
carvings of battle scenes and wild animals, while the upper row
portraying the Sivalilas, including the Chandravathi story, episodes
of Sagaramadanam, Siva Parvathi Kalyanam, Arjuna's penance etc. It
is estimated that a total number of 3200 stones, each weighing a ton
are used for the exterior alone. The image of Ashtabhairavas
are installed in the corners. As it is customary to enter the temple
through the main gate, let us enter through the Rajagopuram
constructed by Sri Krishna Devaraya.
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