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Architecture of Sri Rajagopala Perumal Temple
The architectural craftsmanship is revealed amidst the architectural excellence of the temple.

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Architecture of Sri Rajagopala Perumal Temple, Manimangalam, South IndiaThe architectural craftsmanship of the ancient artists is revealed from the wonderful carvings and artistic trappings that adorn the temple and the images in temple. In front of the main sanctum there is erected a mandapa with pillars of the Chola age which indicates that this mandapa as also many of the other structures in this temple-complex were constructed in the reign of the Imperial Chola kings of Tanjavur (9th-13th centuries A.D.), who ruled over this area and gave numerous grants for the maintenance of this temple. The architectural grandeur is more evident from a very big and beautiful golden-colored Garuda vahana, kneeling with his palms outstretched, ready to carry the Lord on festive occasions is seen in this mandapa. The shrines for Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped here as Senkamalavalli Thayar. The image of Andal is seen in the outer enclosure (prakara), facing to the east. At the entrance to the temple is erected an unfinished gopura completed only up to the ceiling of the doorway. This temple has two prakaras; the inner one is covered, supported by numerous pillars running around the main sanctum. In the outer prakara of the temple, which also serves as the temple`s garden (nandavana), are innumerable rose-bushes in full-bloom, presenting a very beautiful sight. The architectural decorations thus provide an additional ornamentation to the natural beauty of the temple.

Vishnu shrine of Sri Rajagopala Perumal Temple, Manimangalam, South India
Situated near this temple is another tiny and ancient Vishnu shrine dedicated to Vaikunthanatha. This shrine too is as old as the Rajagopala Perumal temple as the inscriptions on its walls records. The gigantic form of the Lord is seen here seated with His right leg placed in front and His left leg bent and placed on the pedestal. His upper hands hold the conch and discus, His lower right hand is in abhaya hasta and the left palm is bent inward and placed on His lap. The Ubhaya Nachiyars are seen on either side of the God. The processional images (utsava-vigrahas) of this temple are kept in a separate sanctum in the Rajagopala Perumal temple for safety reasons.


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