Mandapas are the important components of temples. Karuvarai, Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Neeraattu Mandapam, Alankaara Mandapam, Sabha Mandapam are the six basic mandapams of the temples.

    Among the various Mandapams, Natana Mandapam, Naataka Mandapam, Puraana Mandapam, Tharukka Mandapam, Oonjal Mandapam, Mukti Mandapam, Nritha Mandapam, Vasantha Mandapam, Navaraathiri Mandapam, Kodikkamba Mandapam, Neeraazhi Mandapam, one-pillared Mandapam, 16-pillared, 24-pillared and 1000-pillared mandapams are notable.

    Mahamandapam is very next to the Karuvarai and Arthamandapam is where the devotees will assemble for worship. We can witness the architectural skills in the Vidhaanam and Adhitaanam of the Mandapams. Vidhaanams were decorated with various sculptures. It was the impact of Chalukya tradition. There are 18 types of Adhitaanams.

    In the history of temple architecture, pillars were constructed not only to support the temples; but they were also considered as a centres of attraction.

    The Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara kings contributed artistic pillars in Tamilnadu.

    Musical pillars are the unique contributions in the history of architecture. We can hear the melodious notes of music in the pillars at the temples of Tamilnadu.

    The musical pillars are also decorated with architectural styles. The sculptors of Tamilnadu adorned the pillars of the mandapams with the sculptural beauties.

    The construction of pillars with various architectural styles, made the temple culture of Tamilnadu a unique one.