Karuvur Siddhar Mandapam (Map: 10)

Circle around to the back of the Vimana where you will find a small Mandapam (hall) dedicated to Karuvur Siddhar, a wise and enlightened sage, who was Rajaraja’s Guru or spiritual teacher. 

 

Karuvur Siddhar played a significant role in the construction of the temple and assisted in the installation of the huge Shiva Lingam in the Sanctum. It is said that he may even have carved some of the idols himself. One of the most famous frescos in the temple (inner circumambulatory corridor) shows Karuvur Siddhar with Rajaraja.

 

When the temple was under construction, there was a platform where Karuvur Siddhar used to sit and supervise construction work. In 1890, a mandapam was built on that spot and his idol was installed there. 

 

Temple Tree: All South Indian temples have a special tree and the Vanni (Prosopis cineraria) and Sarakonnai (Cassia Fistula) are identified as the Brihadishwara temple trees. While there are no Vanni trees left in the temple complex, the Sarakonnai tree with its cascades of yellow flowers can be seen behind the Karuvur Siddhar Mandapam.