Padippuras - What are they?
A padippura is a traditional roofed gateway that serves as the main entrance to the compound of a house or temple complex. At Tharakkal Warriem you can explore 4 of them. As part of the entry to house there are 3 on each side of the complex – east, north and west. And a majestic one for the temple, called as Kshetra Gopuram.
Transition
A Padippura marks the transition point, creating a separation between the outside world and the private space within the plot.
Symbolism
A Padippura is often an ornate structure and served as a status symbol reflecting the grandeur and prosperity of the house.
Utility
Apart from being a guraded gate, Padippura was used to accommodate unexpected or unknown visitors who were not entertained in the main house.
As per Wikipedia:
“പ്രവേശനകവാടത്തിന് മാത്രം പ്രാധാന്യം കല്പിച്ചിരുന്ന ചെറിയ പടിപ്പുരകൾ മുതൽ രണ്ട് നിലയുളള പടിപ്പുരമാളികകൾ വരെ നിലവിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. വലിയ പ്രഭു കുടുംബങ്ങളിലായിരുന്നു പടിപ്പുര മാളികകളുണ്ടായിരുന്നത്. താഴത്തെനിലയിൽ പാറാവും, മുകളിൽ ആശ്രിതർക്കും അകന്ന ബന്ധുജനങ്ങൾക്കും താമസിക്കുവാനും, ശത്രുവീക്ഷണത്തിനും ഉള്ള സൗകര്യങ്ങൾ ഇത്തരം പടിപ്പുരമാളികകളിൽ നിലവിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. പ്രഭുക്കന്മാർ പലതരം വിശേഷപ്പെട്ട അലങ്കാരപ്പണികളോടു കൂടിയ പടിപ്പുര അഭിമാനമായി കണ്ടിരുന്നു.“
Explore Padippuras at Tharakkal
Vadakke Padippura
The gateway on the northern side of the Tharakkal complex is a two storeyed one. It offers a perfect place to relax for outsiders. This Vadakke Padippura used to be the entry point for Samuthiri and other dignitaries who used to visit Tharakkal.
Kizhakke Padippura
Eastern side of the Tharakkal complex used to house children, females and other family members. Kizhakke Padippura used to be entry and exit point for the family. This Padippura also has a place to sit and relax.
Padinchare Padippura
Tharakkal family is mainly an agrarian family. The entry to the vast paddy fields is through the western gateway called the ‘Padinchare Padippura’. A flight of granite steps leads to the lush green farms.
Kshethra Gopuram
The entry point to the Balanarasimhamurthy temple in Tharakkal Warriem is through a Kshethra Gopuram. It is made of granite stones and has many ornate structures adorning it. It is a two storeyed structure where temple priests could rest during the day. The view from the second storey to the vast paddy fields is a breathtaking one!
Would you like to explore the padippuras of Tharakkal Warriem?
Many architecture students and enthusiasts have visited Tharakkal Warriem to explore padippuras. These padippuras have been a good backdrop for some pre wedding photoshoots, ad shoots as well as family portraits. We are providing an opportunity for visitors to explore Padippuras through our ‘Spend A Day’ program.
To visit Tharakkal Warriem
Kindly call us now and book with your preferred date.