Ïśānasivagurudevapaddhati Kerala temples and rituals The typical temples of Kerala distinguish themselves from those in the other parts of India by their characteristic structure. While gigantic construction and imposing towers called Gopuras in the front or on all the gateways of the shrine mark the feature of South Indian temples, they are conspicuous by their absence in Kerala. That much impartance is not attached to the tower in the indigenous Kerala architectural patterns. Regarding the features of the Kerala temples it is observed :¹ "The characteris- tic Kerala temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagṛha) which is usually circular (Vṛtta) in shape but sometimes square (Caturaśra) or rectangular (catur aśradirgha), whith a conical or pyramidal roof (śikhara) crowned by a crest (stūpika). Within this Garbhagrha is the idol on a pedastal (pitha). Round the Garbh- agrha is the first Präkära called Antarmandala. Small Balipithas representing the eight Dikpalas, the seven Matris etc., are placed there. A flight of steps called Sopâna connects this Prākāra with the door of the Garbhagṛha. In front of the Sopāna is the second Prakāra called Antahāra, forming a broad verandah with door- ways on all the four sides. The Antahāra leads out into an enclosure containing the main Balipitha. After the Antahāra we get the fourth Prakāra called Madyahara which is essentially a continuous structure having an array of lamps all round from top top to bottom. Beyond this and just outside the main Balipitha is the flagstaff (Dhvajasthambha). The fourth präkära called Bahyahāra is beyond this. It forms the pathway for the proces- sions within the temple. The fifth and last Präkära is the outer- most wall of the temple. This is called Maryādā. The main entrace is through a simple Gopura which may be an ordinary doorway with a small roofiing or one with the super structure, comprising rooms and verandah. The space between the Garbha- grha and Antahāra is roofless; so also is most of the space bet- ween the Madhyahara and Maryādā. This reguls in every part of the temple being airy and well ventilated, a distinctive feature of the Kerala temple." 1. Dr. S. Venkitasubramonia Iyer, Religion, Art and Culture, College Book House, Trivandrum, pp. 17-18.
