Thayar Shrine

Sri thayar shrine came into existence probably in the beginning of 14^th century A.D. It has an upapitha consisting of an upana with padmadala followed by a kantha padma.

Above the upadpitha stands the adhistana. Its lowest moulding is a three tiered upana followed successively by padma moulding, jagati between the padmadalas, smooth and flexible Tripatta kumuda, a short and narrow kantha and pattika interposed between the kantha. The kantha is divided into a number of galapadas.

Above the adhistana is the wall which contains a number of brahma kantha pilasters, square in cross-section besides the one flanking the niches. They are free from sculptures. The pilasters consist of kal, idaikkattu, kalasa, bulbous kumbha and a thick abacus (palagai) with the idal modify below. Above the abacus is the corbel of bevel type.

The prastdra on the corbels carry the beam. Above this is vajana, a project course of cornice followed by a valabhi. The cornice (kapota) over the vdlabhi is smooth and flexed with a decorated lower brim. The kapbta is embellished by kudu arches. There is the kapota moulding connects the cornice of the vimana.

Thus the study of architecture of Munnur Arulala Perumal temple clearly shows that this temple is centuries old and was developed during the reigns of the some powerful kingdoms which ruled in South India in stages and reached its present form. This temple has been laudably preserved by the administrators right from the time of the Cholas, Pandyas and the Vijayanagar kings down to this day with all its multifarious additions, renovations, repairs, changes and the like. The Arulala perumal temple remains paramount on the religious side and stands equally parmount to the art of building construction of Adavalswarar shrine.