Subsidiary Shrines, Shikanatha Temple, Kudumiyanmalai
In this temple complex, two more shrines are
constructed, Akhilandesvari Shrine and Soundara Nayaki Amman shrine. The first
one is located in the pradakshina path of the maha mandapa of main temple.
There is a rashi mandapa in front of this shrine, where on the roof are carved
twelve zodiac signs.
Soundara Nayaki Amman shrine is located south of the
cave temple and was built by danseuse of Kudumiyamalai. Above the hill is
located a Murugan shrine which seems to be Pandya construction of thirteenth
century.
Soundara Nayaki Amman Shrine
The Soundara Nayaki Amman temple is also a part of the
temple complex. It stands south of the cave temple and belongs to late Pandya
style and built by a danseuse of Kudumiyamalai in the thirteenth century. The
temple consists of a garbha griham, an ardha mandapam and a bigger mukha mandapam.
As per an inscription, a devadasi Umaiyalvi Nachchi,
referred to as the daughter of Durgai Aandar, bought some of the temple's lands
for 73,300 gold coins. She also built Amman shrine dedicated to the goddess
Malaiyamangai or Soundara Nayaki. This shrine is consisted of garbha griha, ardha
mandapa and mukha mandapa.
Akhilandesvari Shrine
The shrine of goddess Akhilandesvari is in the second
prakaram. It is also developed from time to time. The garbha griham and the
ardha mandapam belong to an earlier period than the present Shikhanatha shrine.
The vimanam could have been built in the late Pandya period (13th century AD.).
In front of this are a maha-mandapam and an outer mandapam. The latter belongs
to the 'Madurai Nayak' style. There is a hexagonal stone slab in this mandapam
on which the Pallavarayar and the Tondaiman Rajas used to perform their
coronation ceremonies.
Murugan Temple
Up the hillock, there is a Murugan temple. It was built
in late Pandya times (13th century AD). The sanctum is quite small. The image
is that of Dhandapani. There exists an ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam.
