Sree Kovil - Sanctum Sanctorum
Sree Kovil is the Sanctum Sanctorum and will host the Vigraha - idols. The Vigraha will be made and consecrated according to the directions laid down in Silpa Sasthras - idol making theory.
The temple complex will be laid out under the Pancha Prakara - five enclosures around the Sanctum Sanctorum. They are:
- Akathe Balivattom - inner-most part
- Chuttambalam or Nalambalam - second enclosure
- Vilakkumadam - third enclosure
- Purathe Balivattom or Sivelippura - place where Bali Peetas and subsidiary deities are installed - Puram Mathil - outer wall.
Each Prakara will keep a specified distance from the Sree Kovil - Sanctum sanctorum.
Chuttambalam/Nalambalam
Chuttambalam or Nalambalam will be a separate structure and will contain Valiambalam, Thidappalli, Nilayara, Sub-Shrines and store. Both sides of the main entrance of Nalambalam are known as Valiambalam. Thidappally will be located at the north or northeast of Nalambalam. It is the place where specified cereals and pulses are germinated after tantric rites during Ulsava bali. Thidapally is kitchen. According to Vasthu Sasthra, Thidappalli should be located at the Northeast of Nalambalam, which is the position of the Agni Devatha - Lord of Fire. All the cooking of Nivedya - offerings for the deity is done here and authorised priests alone are allowed to enter Thidapally and cook.
Vilakkumadam
It is a structure with column fixed with innumerable lamps. It will be located 5 or 10 feet from the inner side of the wall of Nalambalam. The lamps will be made up of brass or iron and fixed at equal distance.
Purathe Balivattom/Sivelippura
Purathe Balivattom or Sivelippura comprises of Agra Mandapa containing Valia Balikkal and Ganadevathas of main deity, Outer Pradakshina Veedhi, Dwajasthambha, Kshethrapalakas, Koothambalam and shrines of other deities. In short it will cover all Bali Peetas and structures in between the Vilakkumadam and the outer wall.
Agra Mandapa
Agra Mandapa is a hall attached to the main entrance to the Valiambalam. It is an enclosed structure. Purathe Balivattom or Sivelippura comprises of Agra Mandapa containing Valia Balikkal and Ganadevathas of main deity, outer Pradakshina Veedhi, Dwajasthambha, Kshethrapalakas, Koothambalam and shrines of other deities. In short it covers all bali peetas and structures in between the Vilakkumadam and the outer wall.
Puram Mathil - Outer Wall
The fifth prakara is Puram Mathil - outer wall.
Valia Balikkal or Principal Bali Peeta
Valia Balikkal is at the front of the main entrance of the deity. The position of the Valia Balikkal is at the prescribed distance from the centre of the Sree Kovil. Bali peeta is a platform for offering to the deities.
Outer Bali Peetas and Kshethrapalakas
In addition to the principal Bali Peeta there are other seven Bali Peetas at important points. It is believed that these seven Bali Peetas represent Dwaja with Asta-dik-Palakas and Ganadevathas of the principal deity.
Outside of the Bali Peetas there is Pradakshina Vazhi or circumambulatory path at a prescribed distance from the centre of the Girbha Graha. The Bali Peeta and Kshethrapala are positioned outside the north-east corner of the Pradikshina Vazhi for the protection of sanctum.
Dhwaja Sthambha - Flag Staff
Dhwaja Sthambha is erected in front of the Sree Kovil on the Pradikshina Vazhi at the prescribed distance from the centre of Girbha Graha. Dhwaja Sthambha symbolises the Kundalini Sakthi. Its base is considered as Mooladhara and the top Sahasrara. The Vahana at the top of the dhwaja sthambha represents the Sahasrarachakra. It is believed that worshipping the Dwaja is equal to worshipping of the main deity of the temple.
Given below are the proposed draft plans drawn out by Brahmasri Kanippayyur Krishnan Namboodiripad.