Concentric Sacred Space
Prākāram (Sanskrit: prākāra = enclosure, surrounding wall; the space enclosed) refers to the enclosures or corridors that surround the inner sanctum of a major South Indian temple. Large temples like Śrī Raṅgam have multiple prākarams — Śrī Raṅgam famously has seven concentric enclosures (saptā prākārams), each ringed by a high wall and its own gopuram.
The Journey Inward
Moving through the prākarams toward the inner sanctum is a devotional journey — a gradual approach to the Lord's most intimate presence. The outermost prākāram contains shops, residences, and community spaces; the innermost contains only the most sacred shrines. Each threshold crossed marks a deeper entry into the sacred domain.
Tirucchiṟṟampalam
The innermost enclosure — the space immediately surrounding the vimānam and garbhagṛha — is called Tirucchiṟṟampalam or thirumaṇṭapam. It is the holiest ground in the temple. Devotees perform pradakṣiṇa (circumambulation) within the innermost prākārams as the most meritorious form of temple circuit.