Flagstaff, Sacrificial Altar & Vehicle

Generally, near the main entrance of temple, in the snapana mandapan, are situated a flagstaff (kodi-maram), a sacrificial altar (pali peedam) and the vehicle (vahanam). These are positioned in a straight line with the main deity of the temple, with the vehicle facing the deity.

In Siva Temple, there is no Flagstaff. But a flagstaff is as tall as the vimana (dome over the garbha-grham) and has a small replica of the vehicle at its top.

In Siva Temple, Shiva rides a bull. Therfore there is a ritual bull vehicle called nandhi. The vehicle for each deity is different. As suggested by the placement of the vehicle facing the deity, it is symbolic of the soul totally subdued and always looking towards God.

Behind the ritual bull, is the sacrificial altar. Near it devotees prostrate themselves and shed all negative qualities before entering the main part of the temple.