The Layout - Thiruppazhanam temple, features a Rajagopuram along with a smaller inner gopuram. Upon entering the temple complex, visitors encounter an altar and a statue of Nandi, but the traditional flagstaff commonly seen in other temples is lacking. The outer prakaram houses shrines dedicated to Vinayaka and Subramanya, while the right side of the front mandapa is reserved for the vahanas, the divine vehicles or mounts of the resident deities. As devotees pass through the main gate after paying respects to Vinayaka, they will find on the left side of the courtyard a series of shrines honoring the Sapta Matha, Vinayaka, Venugopal, various Shiva lingams with distinct names, the Nataraja Sabha, Bhairava, and the Navagraha (nine celestial bodies).

View through the Second Gopuram

The presiding deity of the temple, Aabathsakayeswarar, is present in the sanctum as a swayambumurthy, a self-manifested idol. Interestingly, on the full moon days of the Tamil months Panguni and Purattasi, as well as the two days preceding and following them, the moonlight directly falls upon the presiding deity, creating an enchanting spectacle. The southern wall surrounding the sanctum features intricate sculptures depicting Lord Shiva with curly hair and a third eye on his forehead, flanked by Dakshinamurthy on the left and Gajasamharamurthy on the right. The shrine of the female consort deity, PeriyaNayakai, is situated in the outer prakaram. The temple grounds are adorned with a jackfruit and a banana tree, which are considered the sthala vruksham or sacred trees of this holy site. The entire Thiruppazhanam temple is a veritable treasure trove of art, with its walls and structures adorned with exquisite sculptures and intricate carvings that showcase the skill and devotion of the artisans who created them.