Among the fine arts, architecture is the most useful for the people when it is used in the construction of the temple, it serves the spiritual need of mankind. In the temples Sanctum Sanctorum i.e. the (Karuvarai) plays an important role. There are various types of Sanctum Sanctorum. The main deity, i.e. the Moolavar is established at the Karuvarai.

    In all places of worship, vimaanam is of special importance. All religions give prime importance to worship. On the basis of the structure of the terrace, we can identify the religion with which it is associated.

    Percy Brown states that "the Thanjavur Vimaanam is the touch stone of Indian architecture as a whole".

    In Tamilnaadu, there are many temples, notable for their architectural styles. Among them, the temples at Tittai, Thiruvanchiyam, Chidambaram, Srivillipputhur and Koothanur are remarkable.

    Tittai is located near Thanjavur. Here, is the famous Sivan temple, Thiruvanchiyam temple is constructed at the extent of 3.5 acres. The Nataraja temple at Chidambaram includes both Cit Sabhai and Kanaga Sabhai. The Vimaana of Srivillipputhur temple might have undergone some changes in due Course of time. At the Koothanur temple, we can witness a separate shrine for Saraswathi with and without Veena.

    In the temples and temple tanks beautiful steps have been constructed. These steps are called Sobaanankal. Thiruthanigai Murugan temple has 365 steps and the Solingapuram Vishnu temple has 1305 steps.

    Piranaalam is a structure (passage) which is at the left side of the Karuvarai; it carries the water used to bathe the idol in the Sanctum.