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 Dvārapālas. They represent Nandi and Mahākāla; the two principle gatekeeper of Śiva temple. This gopuram entrance was also built by Rājarāja and called “Rājarājan Vasal” (Rājarājan 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 Śiva’s manifestations like Kalyāṇasundara, Kirātārjuna mūrti, Kāmāntaka mūrti, 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 Rājarāja Cōḷa, 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 Rājarāja are mentioned in detail. There is a faded inscription on the left side wall. It tells us that Rājarāja covered the superstructure of the main tower with gold. It was a golden temple resembling Mēru, the golden mountain.
The stucco figures in the upper part of the gopuram in the East, represent Śiva’s sports while in the West (inner side) are Viṣṇu and his incarnations. There are also the figures of the Dēvīs. These stucco figures were also added during the 17th century by the Nāyaka. One of the figures on top represents a portrait of Nāyaka.
