Tamil Nadu Temples Raghavan The temple consists of two parts. The first part is called Vatapatra Sayanar Temple and the second part is known as Andal Shrine. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines, the garden where Andal was found and two of its three bodies of water. The greatest attraction of the temple is the Rajagopuram with eleven tiers and 192 feet height. It is one among the tallest towers of temples in Tamilnadu. It is also the Emblem of Tamil Nadu Government. In the sanctum sanctorum the idol of the Lord in a reclining posture, his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi, are shown attending to him at his feet. Sage Bhrigu stands near his head and Markandeya is near his feet. The banyan tree whose leaf is known as Vatapatram, on which the Lord is said to rest in the form of a baby during deluge, is at his head. Images of Panchamurtis, Thumburu, Narada, Sanatkumara, Kinnara Mithuna, the Sun and the Moon are shown all around the Lord as well as representations of Villi and Puttan, who stand reverently at his feet. The sanctum sanctorum has three doorways from which the Lord can be seen in His reclining posture. A flight of stairs leads to the sanctum sanctorum; below them is a large, impressive hall with detailed wooden carvings depicting incidents from the Puranas. The Chitritsavam for 9 days, Aadi Pooram, Vasantha Utsavam, Peria Perumal Bramhotsavam, Theppostavam and Andal Mannar Thirukalyanam for 10 days are the important festivals celebrated in this temple with great pomp and fervor. Timings: 6.30 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM A TO Z INDIA ● JANUARY 2022 ● PAGE 33 South-Indian Hinduism and Culture: