This 1000-year-old temple in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Rajagopala. The massive temple complex covers 24 acres and features a 154-foot tall entrance tower. It has seven surrounding corridors and halls with beautiful stone carvings and pillars. The main deities are Para Vasu Devar in the inner sanctum and Sri RajaGopal displayed during festivals. Major festivals like the 18-day Brahmotsavam are held annually, with processions of the decorated deity. The temple is also home to Chenga, its playful six-year-old elephant.

1. This shrine dedicated to the Lord Rajagopala , is a vast temple complex with a 1000 year old history. Referred to as Dakshina Dwaraka and as Champakaranyam , this temple is located in the town of Mannargudi in Tanjavur district of Tamilnadu This is a massive temple with a 154 feet high Rajagopuram(see picture) that adorns the entrance to the outermost corridor(praharam). This great temple is located on 24 acres and was built by Rajathi Raja Cholan (1018-1054 AD) and because of this, this temple is also called with the name “Rajathi Raja Vinnagaram. Mannargudi SriRajaGopalaswamy Temple.

2. This massive temple has as many as seven prakarams or circumambulatory paths surrounding the central sanctum. There are several beautiful pillared halls in the temple The picture shows one such corridor running through the hall. It is referred to as ‘Noothu kaal mandapam’ .And the next picture is a view of the pillared hall. Architecture.

3. These are some of the beautiful stone carvings found in the pillars of the temple. Generally they are various forms of the “Yali”, the mythical protector of the temples. They have catlike graceful body, but the head of a lion with tusks of an elephant and tail of a serpent Apart from that small carvings are also found along side which is a treat to the eyes. They are placed on the sides and in the bottom of the pillars. Exemplary art, stone carvings.

4. All the temples have two or more sets of Deities. One that is placed in the ‘sanctum sanctum’ is called the ‘moolavar’ and the one that is decorated in various forms, that will be taken out in a procession, around the town is called the ‘uthsavar’. The moolavar of this temple is called, Para Vasu Devar. And the uthsavar as Sri RajaGopal. Here the Lord is in the form of shepherd .He carries the ‘stick’ (kol) in one hand and the whip on the other. He is also adorned with a single piece dress, referred to as ‘eka vasthram’. All the jwelery you see in the picture is pure gold and precious stones like ruby, emerald, and diamond.The head gear you see here is solid gold studded with diamonds, a special crown called ‘vairamudi’. The Deity.

5. Festivals are conducted throughout the year for all seasons. In month of March, April the biggest Utsavam, the Brahmotsavam is celebrated in a very grand manner for 18days. On new moon day the lord will be carried in a golden ‘ falcon’, the carrier of the Lord. It is one of the most sought after Festival. The devotees from all over the near by villages and town assemble in Mannargudi on that day.And these pictures are from the festival of this year, 2008 April.The falcon (Garuda) is made of gold and the deity is also adorned with precious stone jewellery. The Festivals.(Uthsavam)

6. I wouldn’t be doing full justice if I don’t make a mention of the temple elephant, Chenga. She is a baby, 6 years, and very spontaneous and like anyother kid of six, very naughty too. Highly deciplined though she respects her master and plays with all, especially the children. Have you seen an elephant smile, well Chenga does..see for yourself in the pictures. CHENGA....