Annamalaiyar Temple – Third Prakaram – Dhwaja Stambh
(Flagstaff)
Next to the Dhwaja Stambh is a large sacrificial altar
(Bali Peeta) and Kodi Kambatthu Nandi (third Nandi of the Temple from east to
west) facing the Garbagriha. This Nandi no longer is set in its own
Mandapam with Vimana.
The Dhwaja Stambh which is fashioned in teak and covered
with gold was installed at this Shrine in time for the 2002 Arunachaleswarar Mahakumbahbishekam.
The Dhwajasthambha was originally erected by
Krishnadevaraya, but it is now difficult to say when (or even whether) it was
replaced as it does not tally with the description given in Krishnadevaraya
inscription.
A small Gopuram called the “Rishi Gopura” is situated
next to the flagstaff. This Gopura was originally the gateway to the Temple at
an earlier time. In a niche in the wall of the entrance on one side is a small
image of Lord Ganesha and on the other side an image of Lord Subramanya.
Nearby is a large statue of Adikara Nandi and those of the Dwarapalakas (Temple
gatekeepers).
Right to the Flagstaff at the entrance to the second
prakaram is a shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This shrine is also supposed
to have been built around the same time as the Sri Sambanda Vinayagar Shrine
i.e. the 13th century.