TIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Next, the imposing Ottakkal mantap lying just opposite the Moolavirat received his magnetic touch. This 20 feet square Mantap was built out of a single gigantic granite slab. Another colourful feather to his cap! The main Eastern gopuram work which was begun as back as in 1566 was taken up and completed up to the fifth story. 

Another colossal feat was the building of Sribalipura, the awe-inspiring rectangular corridor encircling the main mandir for which the services 1000 masons, 6000 laborers and 100 elephants were utilized. And lo! this supreme specimen of artists' superb craftsmanship was materialized in barely 7 months. The making of flag staff is another superb feat that brought him undying fame, and left him as the pole star among the builders of Kerala temples.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]