The Deity's Specific Space
Sannadhi (Sanskrit: sannidhāna = proximity, presence; Tamil: sannadhi; 'the place of [divine] presence') refers to the specific shrine within a temple precinct where a particular deity dwells. A large temple complex like Śrī Raṅgam contains numerous sannadhis — separate shrines for the main deity, the divine consort (Tāyār), the Āzhvārs, various avatāra forms, and other deities.
Types of Sannadhis
In a major Divya Deśam:
- Mūlavar sannadhi — the innermost shrine of the principal deity
- Tāyār sannadhi — the shrine of the divine consort
- Utsavar sannadhi — the shrine of the processional deity
- Āzhvār sannadhis — shrines of the twelve Āzhvārs
- Ācārya sannadhis — shrines of great Ācāryas (Rāmānuja, Maṇavāḷa Māmunigaḷ)
'Go to Sannadhi'
In devotional speech, 'sannadhi-ku pōkirēn*' ('I am going to the sannadhi') means going to the temple for worship — particularly to seek the Lord's presence at the darśana. The sannadhi is where the devotee and the deity are most directly present to each other.