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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Annamalaiyar Temple – Third Prakaram – Kaatchi Mandapam (Deepa Dharisanam Mandapam)

Annamalaiyar Temple – Third Prakaram – Kaatchi Mandapam (Deepa Dharisanam Mandapam)
This is a vast sixteen pillared mandapa situated in between the Kodimaram mandapam and the Parrot Gopuram. This mandapa is called Katchi mandapa where the Panchamurtis give darshan on the Karthigai Deepam day and from where the Lords may witness the light of the fire on the top of Arunachala.

Ardhanarisvara too gives darshan from this place that day. This is also called Deepa darshana. This mandapam was built by Mangayarkarasi, a devotee and her brother in 1202 A.D. Hence, it was originally named as the Mangayarkarasi Mandapam.


Passing through this Mandapam one can get into Arunachaleswarar Sannathi. At the left side of Kili Gopuram Panneer Mandapam and Madapalli (temple Kitchen) are located. Opposite this mandapam, there is the Bali Peedam (sacrificial altar), Nandi and the Flag Staff (Dhwajasthambham).