Ambala Pathi - Architecture and Structure

Architecture and Structure

The Palliyarai of Ambalappathi is said to be constructed during the period of Ayya. It was surrounded by the inner corridor. This inner corridor is called Tatuva Kottagai and it earn its name from its unique architecture planning. It was a tiled roof structure and is designed that 96 wooden beams starting from the end of the corridor and confluences into a single wooden pot mounted at the center of the roof, which symbolises the 96 Tatvas of the human body. There is no other external support for this roof other that the four walls of the corridor.

In front of this inner corridor, there is a hall in which the prayers are conducted. The Vahana purai is in the left and the Unpan purai is located right to the central hall. Vadakku vaasal, the northern entrance is located on the right of the Palliyarai. And the Sivaye medai is located left to the central prayer hall. The Flag mast is placed in front of the prayer hall. The outer corridor is constructed enclosing all these. The Thear mandapam, which houses the temple car is located 100 feet east to the prayer hall.

The Muthirikkinaru is located 50 meters north-eastern corrnor of the Pathi. Near this well there is a separate monument constructed similar to Hindu architecture near the pipal tree, which is believed to be the place where Ayya use to rest as per a legendary. But this structure doesn't include any images or idols of god-heads of Hinduism. But constitutes only the images of Ayyavazhi symbols. The Four-car street surrounds the whole of the Pathi, excluding Muthirikkinaru.