Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple was built in Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a huge Raja gopuram with 11 tiers, Dhwaja Stambham is placed infront of the temple. This temple has Ardhamandapam, a Mahamandapam, the Pandya Mandapam and big Mandapam built by King Pandiyan. Originally constructed the temple with brick and rebuilt it of granite. The temple has eleven-tiered Rajagopuram with a height of 192 ft (59 m), the third tallest temple tower in Tamil Nadu, after the one in Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple and  Srivilliputhur Andal Temple. The temple covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2). The main Sannidhi has a huge 17 feet Ulaganda perumal with his right foot raised. This is a vast temple with an imposing Rajagopuram seen from a distance. Covering an area of 5 acres, it has three prakarams. There is a small shrine to Vamana behind the image of Trivikrama. An Ardhamandapam, a Mahamandapam, and the Pandya Mandapam are seen in front of the sanctum. There are shrines to Lakshminarayanar, Lakshminarasimhar, Andal, Udayavar, Senai Mudaliyar, Manavaala Mamuni, Chakkarathalwar, Poonkoyil Naachiyaar (Pushpavalli), Varadaraja and Venugopala here. There is also a Ramar temple behind the Thaayar shrine. The rear gopuram in a comparative state of disrepair is not used. Two gopurams are found (i.e) one in front and another at the back. Front Gopuram is big gopuram and chariot is found close to it. On the North side of the temple is found a small gopuram, which is built incompletely. Poigai Alwar wanted a small gopuram to be built within a day and he himself wanted to build it. But, he could not build it since the daylight came. So, he left the temple incomplete. Inside the temple, the Kodi Maram (Dhwajasthambham) and the Gopura Vaayil (entrance) is found. This is said to be built by Thirumangai Alwar and then a big Mandapam built by King Pandiyan followed is the Mulasthanam (Where Moolavar is found). This temple was originally a brick and mortar structure in the period of Parantaka Chola I (early 10th century); it was patronized by the great Chola rulers Raja Raja Chol-I and Raja Raja-II.  Rajendra Deva in the 11th century rebuilt it of granite.

Theerthams : 

Krishna and Sri Chakra Theerthas - Some of the other theerthas are Mrikanda theertham - bathing here blesses one with health, wealth, strength, money, fame, power and above all with offspring. 

Kalava theertham - Situated on the south-west of the main temple, the water is always pure, clear, sweet and sparkles like crystal, purging off sins instantly. 

Varaha Thirtham - Parasuramar, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is said to have bathed in these holy waters to atone his sins of having killed the kshatriyas.