The structural design of the temple points to the architectural craftsmanship of the artists of the contemporary period. The vimana above the main sanctum is known as Hanuman Vimanam. The maha-mandapa in front of the main shrine is supported by as many as fifty massive, carved pillars, beautifully aligned, presenting the symmetrical beauty, which reflects the exceptional skill of the architects of the Vijayanagar epoch. The ceiling of this mandapa, a specimen of the Vijayanagara art still bears faint traces of murals, which is painted by artists five hundred years ago. The temple-complex has three circumambulatory passages (prakaras). The innermost and the narrow prakara runs immediately around the garbha-griha, while in the other two outer ones are seen a number of four-pillared mandapas, which are very ornate and majestic despite their present dilapidated condition. The stupendously large sacred tank situated on the northern side of this temple testifies the craftsmanship of the contemporary artists. The captivating tank is located in front of the main entrance, deserves special mention. The tank is popularly called Tatasamudram, in honour of Kotikanyadanam Lakshmikumara Tatacharya; the tank occupies an area of 133 acres in total. Enclosed by a high bund called Valkottai, it casts an attractive sight, especially during the rainy season when it holds plenty of water. Even in summer, the portion immediately in front of the temple remains partially full. It is to this bund that people suffering from various ailments come to inhale the pristine air, which devotees believe has curative powers due to the association with the Sanjeevi hill. The entire structure of the temple and the images enshrined in it and also the beautiful tank in front of the temple testify the superiority of the architectural style of the then era. Hence Sri Sanjeevi Rayar temple apart from having a religious and legendary significance has also a special importance among the ancient temples of South India because of its brilliant sculpture. |