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Kerala Temple Architecture
The early temples of Kerala (up to 3 rd crntury B.C) largely carry influences of the temples of neighboring Tamil Nadu known for their imposing Gopurams. The temples built after that period, are dominated largely by the influence of the local climate and agrarian economy characterized by rainfalls. The wooden pyramidal roof instead of the more common conical roof covered with copper plates is the most distinctive feature of the temples of Kerala. The entrance is a Gopura opens into a courtyard which ends in the Mukha Mandapam the beginning of the main temple building. The central sanctum known as the Sree Kovil is the seat of the deity overlooking the namaskara mandapam , the place from where the visitor is allowed to worship and view the idol. Every Keralite temple has a Kuttambalam or Theatre hall where Kathakali performances and holy recitals take place.
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