Thirukolur

Thirukolur is the eighth of the Nava Tirupati Temples to be seen in one day. The Navatirupati temples represent the nine planets and Thirukolur is that of Sevvai (Mars). Thirukolur is a large east-facing temple with a topless gopuram at the entrance. There are some excellent small carvings all around this structure. There is a beautiful 4 pillared mandapam in front of this gopuram. The gopuram leads into the outer Prakaram through a long mandapam. The outer Prakaram is a large tree-filled area. The next Prakaram is entered through a gateway. This Prakaram has two goddesses shrines in the southeast and northwest corners. There is a nice cowshed (Goshala) on the northern side of the Prakaram. In the northeast corner is the shrine of Manavala Mamunigal. The innermost Prakaran is entered through another doorway and houses the beautiful large Sanctum Sanctorum for the main deity. The Lord here is a large idol reclining on the bed created by the multiheaded serpent Adisesha. He is said to be reclining on top of the Wealth of Kubera, guarding it. His face is looking at his left hand. His head is resting on a wooden measure as the pillow. The details in this idol, like the nerves on the feet, are amazing.