What type of shrine is the Neeramankara Temple located in Nemam, Kerala, in India known to be?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) Sandhara type

Explanation:

• The Neeramankara Temple, located in Nemam, Kerala, is known to be a Sandhara type shrine.
• Sandhara temples are characterized by having a main sanctum or garbhagriha and an additional circumambulatory passage (pradakshinapath) around the shrine, allowing devotees to walk around the sanctum.
• This type of temple architecture is prevalent in Kerala and is associated with the traditional Kerala temple style.

Information Booster:

• The Sandhara type is different from the Nirandhara type (which has no circumambulatory passage), and the Sarvatobhadra type (where the temple is accessible from all directions).
• In Kerala, Mandapa type temples are also found, where the central hall (mandapa) is the main focus of worship, but this is not the case with the Neeramankara Temple.

Additional Knowledge:

(A) Nirandhara type

• Nirandhara temples do not have a circumambulatory passage around the sanctum.

(B) Sarvatobhadra type

• Sarvatobhadra temples are designed with entrances on all four sides, making them accessible from all directions.

(D) Mandapa type

• Mandapa type temples have a hall (mandapa) for congregation, and the focus is more on the hall rather than the inner sanctum, but this is not the case with the Neeramankara Temple.