MADURAI

Among them are found the images of Gnanasambandar, Natarajar along with the poets of the Third Tamil Sangam.  Now Yomes the Kambathadi Mandapam containing so much sculptural wealth that none but the Lord could estimate its worth, much less appreciate.  The status are the best specimens of Dravidian art, and even the connoisseurs gape and gaze at them for hours, but devotees simply join their palms at each piece.  

The eight prominent pillars heightening the grandeur of this Mandapam embody the different manifestations of Siva, conspicuous among them are the images of Lord Mahavishnu in his ten incarnations.  Strange to find such Vaishnava representations in Saiva shrine! It is but due to builder's religious toleration that deserves homage.  Aren't the evolved souls always transcend petty distinctions? This truth is stranger than fiction.  The colossal statues of Agni, Veerabhadra, Ahora Veerabhadhra, Natarajar in Thandava pose and the scene depicting the wedding of Meenakshi Sundareswarar detain the viewers for hours.

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