At the inner gateway (gopuram) the visitor is welcomed or perhaps warned, to enter the temple with devotion by two magnificent monolithic gate keepers carved out of granite stone, standing over 16 feet in height. They are classic by themselves carved with consummate skill and placed in position at appropriate heights. Hindu temples are always guarded by such figures called Dvarapalas. They represent Nandi and Mahakala; the two principle gatekeeper of Siva temple. This gopuram entrance was also built by Rajaraja and called "Rajarajan Vasal" (Rajarajan gateway) after his name. It is a three storeyed structure also built of stone.

The base on the outer side of the gateway are divided by pilasters where small panels depicting Siva's manifestations like Kalyanasundara, Kiratarjuna murti, Kamantaka murti, and others. The panels were not completed. On both sides of the entrance of the inner gopuram, the wall carry writings in Tamil characters with a sprinkle of grantha letters. These inscriptions record the grants made by Rajaraja Cola, his sister and his Guru for conducting ... More

At the inner gateway (gopuram) the visitor is welcomed or perhaps warned, to enter the temple with devotion by two magnificent monolithic gate keepers carved out of granite stone, standing over 16 feet in height. They are classic by themselves carved with consummate skill and placed in position at appropriate heights. Hindu temples are always guarded by such figures called Dvarapalas. They represent Nandi and Mahakala; the two principle gatekeeper of Siva temple. This gopuram entrance was also built by Rajaraja and called "Rajarajan Vasal" (Rajarajan gateway) after his name. It is a three storeyed structure also built of stone.

The base on the outer side of the gateway are divided by pilasters where small panels depicting Siva's manifestations like Kalyanasundara, Kiratarjuna murti, Kamantaka murti, and others. The panels were not completed. On both sides of the entrance of the inner gopuram, the wall carry writings in Tamil characters with a sprinkle of grantha letters. These inscriptions record the grants made by Rajaraja Cola, his sister and his Guru for conducting the annual festivals and daily services in this temple. The number of days the festivals were conducted, the offerings made, the provisions of food for daily offerings and the gold given by Rajaraja are mentioned in detail. There is a faded inscription on the left side wall. It tells us that Rajaraja covered the superstructure of the main tower with gold. It was a golden temple resembling Meru, the golden mountain.

The stucco figures in the upper part of the gopuram in the East, represent Siva's sports while in the West (inner side) are Visnu and his incarnations. There are also the figures of the Devis. These stucco figures were also added during the 17th century by the Nayaka. One of the figures on top represents a portrait of Nayaka.