Annamalaiyar Temple – Third Prakaram – Vasantha
Mandapam
This is also called Kolu mandapam. This mandapa has
walls on the rear and in the front. It stands on a plinth. The rear portion is
supported by four rows of pillars, six pillars in each row in east – west
direction forming a rectangular part in the middle and is supported by one
pillar on each side in the centre. The central enwalled portion is supported by
six rows of pillars each containing six pillars leaving a central passage in
north – south direction.
The frontal walled portion and a small pillared mandapa
in front of it is reached by a flight of steps. There are four pillars in these
parts in four rows. The mandapa faces south and it is found attached to the
enclosure wall of the second prakara on the north side. This mandapa was used
for the darshan of Lord Siva during the spring festival (Vasantha Vizha) in
Chitrai (April) month. Now this mandapas been converted into the administrative
office of the temple.
In between the Vasantha mandapa and the enclosure wall
of this prakara on the eastern side upto the entrance to this prakara, there is
a group of shrines dedicated to Ekambareswarar, Jambukeswarar, Chidambareshwarar,
and Pidari Amman.
It was built by Vena Odeyan in 1230 A.D. This building
used to be the central office for the Temple Devasthanam, which has now
relocated to offices located in the Puravi Mandapam of the Fourth Prakaram.