Page 558 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

556  south india

Temple Towns

srirangam (see p605) is typical of many towns in south
india, especially in tamil nadu, that are dominated by
sanctuaries dedicated to hindu deities who protect the
city and its population. Conceived as a vast religious
complex, the town is enclosed by high fortress-like walls,
and entered through towering gateways (gopuras). the
temple itself consists of multiple walled enclosures, often
in concentric arrangements, surrounded by streets that
echo the temple’s layout. though srirangam is the most
perfect in layout, other such towns include Chidambaram Puja items being sold outside the
(see p594) and Madurai (see pp612–15). temple enclosure
Kalyana Mandapas (marriage halls) have raised platforms
in the middle. Portable images of the deities are placed
here during the ritual marriage ceremonies and festivals
that are conducted annually, in the presence of
thousands of devotees.

Kitchens produce
food for priests
and thousands
of pilgrims
during festivals
that take place
in the complex.
Nearby are stores
and granaries.
Subsidiary shrines of
other deities, such as Banners are hoisted on
Garuda and Hanuman slender, brass-clad wooden
in Vishnu temples, and columns in the middle of
Ganesha, Nandi and the enclosure. Here, too,
are small altars.
Subrahmanya or Murugan
in Shiva temples, are
also venerated within
the complex.
The outer enclosures of
temple complexes are packed
with houses to accommodate
the priestly community,
which presides over the
religious life of temple towns.

556-IND-AT509-1405-SOU1F.indd 556 29/04/14 7:13 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Feature template “UK” LAYER
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Date 18th October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm