Annamalaiyar Temple – Third Prakaram –
Kalahasthiswarar Shrine
In front of the Kodimaram mandapam & to the east of
the Unnamulai Temple and at a distance of a few yards stands the
Kalahasthiswarar shrine facing west. It has a garbhagriha and antarala. A small
mandapam is in front of the antarala supported by four pillars. The adhishtana
exhibits the following parts – upana, jagati, kanta, tripatta kumuda, Patti and
Kapota.
The exterior surfaces of the walls contain pilasters at
the concerns both on the antarala and garbagraha. On the garbagraha, there is
the Nagara vimana. Nandi is placed in the front pillared mandapa, besides one
in the antarala.
The Nandi located in the front mandapam—is of particular
interest as that statue is very long with short horns.
Including the adjacent quadrangle, there are a total of four
shrines which represent the elements. The Kalahasthiswarar Shrine stands for
the element Vayu (air).