Sikhanathaswami Temple, Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu The Sikhanathaswami Temple, in Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukkottai of Tamil Nadu is one of the largest temple complexes in the region. The main shrine of the temple dates back to the early Pandya period, around the 8th century CE. It was later rebuilt during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya I (CE 1216–1238). The main shrine was known as Tirumulattanam, while the cave temple was referred to as Merali. The shrine consists of the garbha-griha, ardha-mandapa, and other axial mandapas. The earlier structural units display the characteristic bold and elevated Pandyan adhishthana with padma, kumuda, kapota, and vyalavari mouldings. The pada features both deva-koshtas and kumbha-panjara motifs. The prakara of the temple is older than the main shrine. One of the most remarkable architectural features of the temple is the series of mandapa pillars located in the prakara. These massive composite pillars, built during the Nayaka period, are adorned with sculptures of Vali, Sugriva, Hanuman, Dasavatara figures, and many chieftains. The temple also contains numerous inscriptions engraved on the prakara walls, providing valuable information about the temple and the village. Some of the older inscriptions, originally engraved on the main shrine before its reconstruction, were later re-engraved on the prakara walls. Source: Archaeological Survey of India