MADURAI

After this they enter the Aierkala Mandapanr - thousand pillared Mandapam - the treasure house of sculpture.  Each pillar seems alive with beautiful carvings.  At the entrance, the patronAryanatha Mudaliar mounted on horse greets them, flanked by the big statues of Kannappar, Bikshadanar, Chandramati, Kuravan and Kuruthi - each is a master piece of high order: The images of Rati-Manmada, Kalipurusha, Mohini, Arjuna are done artistically and it contains many antiques and pieces of art.  The biggest draw is the musical pillars, each making a different musical note when tapped. A superb marvel! To the South of this lies the Mangayarkarasi Mandapam treasuring up beautiful statues of Mangayarkarasi, Koon Pandian, Gnanasambandar and a Lingam.Servaikar Mandapam built by Marutha Pandyas lies next.

Last is the grand 333 x 150 feet Vasantha Mandapam built by the Nayakas.  It is adorned with excellent sculptural pieces suiting the purpose of construction.  It goes by the name of Pudu Mandapam or New gallery.  It is the Spring Resort of the presiding deities.  It is here on a granite pedestal the deities are placed during all the festivals.  It is adorned with several attractive images of Thadathagai, Ravana's lifting Kailas Mount etc, besides the Nayakars who breathed life into many worn-out and dilapidated portions of this grand temple, the like of which is not found anywhere in India. 

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