Nice and interesting. You have a sharp eye for details and mysteries. Perhaps, during renovation in the 20th century, the sculpture was removed and then forgotten. Let us hope it is safe in a museum.
I have a doubt. Normally, only forts and palaces have moats as a barrier against attacks. Why for a temple? Are there other temples with mots? I am not aware of any. Sampath
Dear N.S. , You can find the moat [agazhi] in Tiruvasanallur Karkateswarar temple!. this temple is in the midst of paddy fields!tiruvisanallur is very near kumbakonmam. thanks.