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Malaiadikurichi Tarukapuram Sivan Temple

Malaiadikurichi apart from the Cave temple also has a structural temple belonging to to the Pandya period. The temple has gone through multiple renovations. As in most temples of the region, there are no niche Sculptures, most sculptures are to be found only on the vimana.

Apr 22, 2013

Photos: 24

Malaiadikurichi Cave Temple

Malaiadikurichi Cave Temple - an earlier Jain cave temple which had been converted into a hindu temple, is close to Sankaran Kovil in Thirunelvelli District. This is close to Tarukapuram.

Apr 22, 2013

Photos: 15

Trichy Rockfort Pallava Cave Temple 2013

Apr 18, 2013

Photos: 45

Brahmadesam, Near Cheran Madevi

Brahmadesam near Cheran Madevi was a village that was gifted to Brahmins by Rajendra Chola. The central shrine is a middle chola temple, the temple has seen many renovations and extensions. Pandiya, Vijayanagar and Nayak period styles are evident in the subsidiary shrines and the mandapas.

Mar 16, 2013

Photos: 26

Valeeswaram, Cheran Madevi

One of the fine Middle Chola Temple in Pandya Country. The earliest inscriptions is that of RajaRaja in 996 CE. The vimana has some fantastic sculptures with themes commonly seen in Chola Temples. As found in most temples in Pandya region, the niches are empty. The temple is maintained by ASI.

Mar 16, 2013

Photos: 42

Valliyoor

Vlliyoor Subramaniya Temple is a cave temple, which has been extended with structural addition. The core temple should have been constructed in 9th CE. There have been additions there on. The temple has been sung by Arunagirinathar.

Mar 16, 2013

Photos: 5

Virasigamani cave temple

Virasigamani Cave temple is another early Pandiya cave temple. It is closer to Tirumalapuram. The temple has been painted recently and is in worship. Some of the sculptures are damaged. The dwarapalakas are beautiful.

Mar 16, 2013

Photos: 12

Tirumalapuram Cave temple

A 8th Century cave temple near Tirunelvelli. One of the early Pandya temples. Has some traces of paintings. There are totally 3 caves temples in this complex, one of them close to completion.

Mar 16, 2013

Photos: 36

Thirupainzchili

This is close to Trichy, off the road that goes to Salem from Trichy (closer to Gopurapatti). Today, the temple is very popular amongst devotees wanting to get married. The current temple structure has some reminiscence of Later Chola temple. I infer that the complex also houses a cave temple of an earlier origin, which I had missed during my visit. The niche sculptures are not classical. The thoranas and Scroll works are good. The temple is large. Boothavaris may be the one of the pieces that still reflect the past glory. There are many additional structures and gopurams that have come up post the original structure.

Mar 12, 2013

Photos: 14

Kozhiyanoor, Valeeswaram

This is closer to Vilupuram on the way to Pondicherry. The temple should have been constructed during Pallava times, however nothing of the original structure remains. The temple had been initially renovated under the times of RajaRaja 1, and post that it has gone through changes till the Sambuvarayars, who ruled this tract later as independent. A short note on the history of the temple is now placed in the temple, which has been captured in this album.

Mar 12, 2013

Photos: 19

Vilupuram, Valeeswaram

This temple is right behind the old Vilupuram Bus Stand. It is a middle chola temple. Most of the temple has been renovated. The niche sculptures (apart from Dakshinamoorthy) are the original sulpture. The components below the vimana are from the early days, while the Vimana has undergone major renovation. The Boodhavari is quiet good and the thronas above the niches are also noteworthy.

Mar 11, 2013

Photos: 11

Tiruandarkovil, Panchanadiswarar Kovil

The present Pancha- nadisvarar temple here was known in the past as that ofTiruvarai Nakkan Koyil Paramasvamin at Tribhu- vana Mahadevi Chaturvedimangalam, a brahmadeya on the northern bank of the Tribhuvani river, now called the Pennai. In an inscription of Kulottunga I, the deity is called Tiruvaiyaru Udaiya Mahadevar (equiva- lent to Panchanadisvarar). The Current temple structure was built during the reign of Parantaka, though the temple could have existed earlier. An fragmentary inscription of the period of Aditya Chola is also found. The original name of this place is Vadugur. Samban- dar (7th century) has sung a hymn on the Lord of this place, whom he calls 'Tiru Vadugur Nathar'.

Mar 10, 2013

Photos: 68

Dadapuram, Ravikula Manika Easwaram

Dadapuram - Has 2 temples of Middle Chola Period. The temples were sponsored by Kundavai Pirattiyar, the sister of Raja Raja Chola. This is the Shivan temple called Ravi Kula Manika Easwaram. The temple structure looks in tact. The niche sculptures do not do justice to the overall beauty of the structure. Very likely they are later replacements, but for Ganesha and Kottravai. The pillars in the Ardhamandapa and Mahamandapa are exquisitely carved with scroll works. The Dwarapalakas are one of the best seen.

Feb 15, 2013

Photos: 96

Ennayiram, Azhagiya Narashima Perumal Kovil

One of the early Middle Temple a Madakovil (Multi-tiered). The temple is currently under ASI. It should have had multiple sanctums, but currently only the main sanctum houses a Sudai image of Lord Paramapathavasan and consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Following the tradition of the time and the locality, we see a Narashima image just outside the sanctum (as seen in Karivaradaha Perumal, Dadapuram). The temple has many inscriptions. It was earlier called RajaRaja Devar Vinnagar. This had been a great centre of learning, a Sanskrit college with 270 students was functioning during the time of Rajendra Chola and the endowments made for this institution is recorded in the inscriptions here. Temple is assigned to the period of Raja Raja by SRB. SRB states the prime deity is a standing Narashima (which is not the case now, however the prime deity made of Sudai, looks ancient). He also states the temple is in state of ruins, today it is in a much better shape, thanks to ASI.

Feb 15, 2013

Photos: 37

Gudalur (Pudukkottai)

This temple was in ruins, when I visited last year. The trees had taken over the main shrine. The murthis from the shrine have been moved by the locals to a temporary shed. Hopefully some renovations would happen. As most of the structure was already lost, hope all the sculptures here are saved.

Feb 13, 2013

Photos: 26

Tirubuvanai, Veeranarayana Vinnagaram

Veeranarayana Vinnagaram, Tirubuvani - was built by Parantaka Chola. Veera Narayana is one of his name, while the place is named after his queen. Tirubuvanai is on the Villupuram - Pondicherry Road. This one of the rare Vaishnava Temple which still intact, retaining the Chola Characteristics. This maintained by ASI.

Feb 10, 2013

Photos: 81

Dadapuram, KariVaradharaja Perumal Kovil

Dadapuram, A village near Thindivanam (Next village to Kilmavilangai) has 2 Chola Temples belonging to Raja Raja Chola period. These temples were sponsored by Kundavai, Raja Raja’s sister. Kari Varadharaja Perumal Kovil is one of the Chola Vaishnavite temple, in which we can still see the original architecture and sculptures. There are not many vaishnavaite temples where the original structure is preserved.

Feb 6, 2013

Photos: 60

Thukkachi

Thukacchi, A Vikrama Chola Temple - Royal sponsorship. The temple has beautiful sculptures in its niches. The temple needs immediate attention and maintenance. I was told that the renovation is already in motion and the balaalayam (Temporary structure) to hold the Prime deity is already ready. I sincerely hope the renovated structure resembles its ancient form.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 31

Thiruppanthurai (Penuperumthurai) Sivanandeswarar Kovil

Thiruppanthurai, a Padal Petra Stalam (Sung by Sambandhar). Looks like a middle chola temple. Most of its Niche sculptures have been replaced, except for Dakshinamoorthy. Temple is calm and quiet.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 18

Nachiyar Kovil

A Divya Desam. This Divya kshetram is located in Tirunaraiyur en-route to Tiruvarur from Kumbakonam. Since importance is given to Nachiyaar in this temple, it is called Nachiyaar Koyil. The moolavar here is Tirunaraiyur Nambi also known as Vasudevar depicted in the Kalyana kolam with Vanchulavalli Thayar in the sanctum. The Theertham is Manimuktha pushkarini and the Vimanam Srinivasa Hema Vimanam. Legend has it that Lakshmi was born as Vanchulavalli at the foot of a Vanchula tree to Medhavi Munivar. Vishnu is believed to have manifested himself in the Pancha Vyuha forms and married Vanchulavalli. In the sanctum one finds the sculptures of the deities – Sankarshana in the east, Pradyumna in the south, Anirudha in the west, Purushottaman in the north and Vasudeva in the center. There is no separate shrine for Thayar. There are shrines for Yoga Narasimhar, Ramar, Hanuman and Chakrapani. There is a special shrine dedicated to Kal Garudan.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 1

Adanur, Pandeeswarar Kovil

The temple is on the state highway connecting Adanur and Kumbakonam. The temple is under the supervision of Swamimalai Devasthanam. It was under renovation. The temple still retains Chola Architecture. I presume the niche sculpture apart from Lingothbhava are under safe keeping and would be returned to their position, post renovation.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 6

Adanur, Andu Allakkum Aiyan Kovil

The moolavar is Aandalakkumaiyan also called Aadanoorai Aandu Alakkum Aiyan in a reclining form. The Lord is seen with a Marakkal (measuring jar) as a pillow. On the left hand is an Olai (palm leaf) and Ezutthani (a writing implement). Figures of Tirumangai Azhwar and Kamadhenu are seen at the feet of the deity. The Thayar is Ranganaayaki. The Theertham is Surya Theertham and the Vimanam Pranava Vimanam. The sthala vriksham is Patali tree. There is a separate sanctum for Thayar. Legend has it that Kamadhenu as well Agni the fire God worshipped Lord Vishnu at this shrine. The shetram is referred to as Aadi Rangeswaram in the Brahmaanda puraanam indicating that this shrine predates Srirangam temple.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 3

Pullaboothangudi, ValVil Ramar Kovil

One of the Divya Desams. Rama is supposed to have rested here post offering Moksham to Jatayu. The idol of Sri Sita is not seen with the moolavar in the sanctum, as this temple represents the state where Ravana separated Lord Rama from Sri Sita. There is a separate shrine for Bhooma Devi. The Utsava vigraha has chaturbuja and Lord Rama gives darsan with sangu and chakram.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 7

Thirumandangudi, Ranganathar Kovil

One of the Abhimana Desams. Birthplace of Vipranarayanar, who went on to become Thondaradipodi Alwar. A temple of ancient origin, however there are no traces of earlier structure.

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 6

Kabisthalam, Gajendra Varadhar Kovil

One of the Divya Desam. The place is attributed to the Gajendra Moksham episode. The temple had been sung by Thirumangai Alwar, hence should have been in existence from Pallava period, however there are no traces of earlier art or architecture. Mollavar Gajendra Varadhar is in Sayana kolam. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess Ramamani (Potramaraiyaal in tamil).

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 9

Kabisthalam Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Vijayanagar or Nayak period brick temple, in ruins. Needs to be repaired as it is falling apart

Feb 4, 2013

Photos: 14

Kovil Devarayan Pettai Matchapuriswarar

Kovil Devarayan Pettai, is near Pandaravadi. The temple is to the left of the state highway as one travels from Papanasam to Thanjavur. This early chola temple has inscriptions of Parantaka I. This is assigned to Aditya’s reign by SRB.

Jan 21, 2013

Photos: 31

Kumbakonam, Sarangapani Temple

Another Divya Desam in Kumbakonam. Most of the structure is of the recent past. Photography is not allowed inside the temple

Jan 21, 2013

Photos: 1

Kumbakonam, Chakrapani Temple

One of the divyadesams, in Kumbakonam. Most of the structure belongs to the recent period. The Koshtas are filled with Murthis. Photography is not allowed inside the temple

Jan 21, 2013

Photos: 1

Esalam, RamanathaEswarar Kovil

A Great Temple still in great condition. Notable features being the dome shaped Shikaram. The temple should have been built in the early years of Middle Chola Age. Rajendra’s Copper plates were found in the temple. A huge treasure of bronzes where also found in the temple. The temple has adjoining Ayyanar and Kottravai Shrines outside its compound, which are not to be missed.

Jan 20, 2013

Photos: 69

Udaiyalur Vishnu Temple

Jan 20, 2013

Photos: 3

Udaiyalur Kailasanatha Swami Kovil

This temple is assigned to Kulothunga I period. The temple is in the village of Udaiyalur, closer to Kumbakonam about 12 Kms. The temple is typical of the style of the period, the Goshta images include Bikshadana, Ganesha, Agastiya, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma and Vishu Durgai.

Jan 19, 2013

Photos: 24

Raja Rajan's Musoleum

It is currently believed based on inscriptions and other corroborative evidences that Raja Raja was buried here. Locals have put up a thatched hut and placed a lingam there.

Jan 19, 2013

Photos: 2

Udaiyalur, Chelli Amman Kovil

Udaiyalur, adjacent to Pazhayarai at the core of ancient Chola land. The temple structure seen here are modern. However the prime deity is Nishumbasudhini (Slayer of Shumba and Nishumba), who has been regarded by Cholas as their deity of choice. The origins of the temple could be as early as 9th CE.

Jan 19, 2013

Photos: 3

Korkkai, Brahampuriswarar

SRB lists Korkkai to have Kulothunga Choliiswaram as the temple in the Village and is assigned to Kulothunga III. I presume this temple to the same. Most of the Goshta Murthi’s are similar to the earlier temples.

Jan 19, 2013

Photos: 37

Pazhaiyarai Somanatha Swami Temple

Pazhayarai, one of the imperial cities of Cholas. It held an important position during 10th Century. The Temple was constructed during that period.

Jan 18, 2013

Photos: 37

Nandipura Vinnagaram, Nathan Kovil

Nandipura Vinnagaram, a divya desam - An important Vaishanvite centre, having been sung by Thirumangai Alwar. There are no traces of Pallava or Chola ancestry apart from the bronzes and probably the moolavar (Central Deity). There is no even a semblance left of Chola structure. The structure could have been built post Vijayanagar or later. (It is also told that this Temple faced the hostility during Malik Kafur’s raid of south. )

Jan 15, 2013

Photos: 17

Kodikkarai - Fishing Hamlet and Wild Life Reserve

Kodikkari is small fishing village and has a wild life sanctuary for birds and deers.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 73

Kodikkari Kuzhagar

A padal petra Stalam situated south of Vedaranyam. The temple has seen a lot of renovations. Just fragments of earlier structure can be spotted. Niche sculptures and nostalgia of Ponniyin Selvan makes this place special. Of course ever beautiful Kuzhagar in his lonely retreat is special.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 13

Vedaranyam (Thiru Marai Kadu)

Thiru Mari Kadu is a Padal Petra Sthalam. An important Shaivaite temple, The temple is large and grand. It has no traces of its antiquity. Except for the boothavari around the sanctum, there is nothing left of Chola origins in its structure. There are also not much niche sculptures. The temple does have paintings of Nayak period. They are still vibrant and needs to be protected. The bronzes in worship on this temple is great.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 38

Sembiyan Madevi Dec 2012

Sembiyan Madevi - Named after the widow of Gandaratiya and the mother of Uttama Chola. She is the Prime donor for most Royal temples built in the Early Chola phase. This temple was built during Uttama’s tenure. Superb niche sculptures. The temple is worshipped by locals, but not much tourist traffic. The temple has enough lands, however as with most temples, the collection of revenue from the lands rarely happens, leading to its hand to mouth existence. A calm beautiful village now, should have been a prime outskirts to Nagapattinam then.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 63

Keeranur

Keeranur is close to Vazhvoor (on Myladuthurai to Thiruvaroor road). This temple fortunately has not been included into the star circuit (Navagraha, Natsakthar, Rasi, Parihara stalam). Hence remains calm and quiet, though it is just off the State Highway. The temple definitely belongs to early or early middle chola period. The niche sculptures are great beauty. the plan is simple. There has been extensions to this temple in later period, but the sanctum has retained its character. As in temples around this region there is a relief of Kalayasundarar behind the prime deity, like the somaskanda of the Pallava era.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 37

Punjai Dec 2012

One of the early Chola Temple, has inscriptions of Aditya Karikalan. Well known for its miniature panels and astonishingly beautiful niche sculptures. The only temple that could rival Pullamangai in beauty and elegance.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 138

Anandathandavapuram

Anandathandavapuram - About 5 Kms from Myladuthrai. A Chola temple, which has very few traces of its antiquity. The temple should have gone through periodic renovation and upgrades. The temple is known for its unique Nataraja bronze, where the lifted leg is almost facing the view, as if offering it for devotee to touch.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 20

Vazhuvoor

Vazhivoor near Myladuthurai is one of the ashtaveerata stalams (8 places attributed to Shiva’s terrific form and places where he had slew the evil). It is 7 Kms from Myladuthuri, on Myladuthurai, Thiruvarur Road. Here is where he had killed the rogue elephant - Gajasamhara Murthi. The famous bronze of Gajasamharamurthi is worship in this temple. A Vaipu Stalam, ie. The place had been mentioned by Appar, but none of Nayanmars did actually sing about this place. The earliest inscriptions are from RajaRaja II. The prime shrine should have been constructed in the early period of Rajaraja II reign. The ancillary temple for the goddess was built in 5th year of Kulothunga III.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 41

Nagai Tirukkaronam or Karonam

Nagai Kaayaroganam Temple is a padal petra stalam. The sanctum of the current structure was built during Raja Raja ’s period 1010 to be exact. It should have been built exactly during the period Brhadeeswara was built. No wonder the bronzes here are of exquisite class. Nagai temple was built just 4 years after Chudamani Vihara of Nagai. Nagai was their primary harbour. The niche sculptures are great. There are traces of paintings besides the Lingothbhava, though we can be certain if it were the Chola period painting or a later addition.

Jan 5, 2013

Photos: 64

Nellaiappar Temple, Thirunelvelli

Jan 4, 2013

Photos: 46

Nellaiappar Temple, Thirunelvelli

Jan 4, 2013

Photos: 46

Kodumbalur Moovar Kovil 2012

Muvar Kovil in Kodumbalur - Has the best vimana sculptures in the country. Of the three temples built by Velir Chola Chieftains only 2 survive. Most of the sculptures that were lying loose, have been moved to various museums. This place is very close from NH45 near Viralimalai. A must visit for any heritage enthusiast.

Oct 7, 2012

Photos: 62

Malayakkovil

Another Rockcut temple in Pudukottai. There are 2 temples in this complex. Both are rock cut shrines. One has ‘Parvadhini’ Musical inscriptions and is a simple one housing a Sivalinga with an octogonal avudaiyar. The other temple is slightly larger also has a Shivalinga and Ganesha on relief opposite to the Shivalinga.

Oct 7, 2012

Photos: 35

Tirukattalai

Sep 16, 2012

Photos: 60

Poovalaikudi

Poovalaikudi/ Puvalaikkudi village has the rockcut shrine of Puspavanesvara temple. The rock crop is adjacent to the tank. The temple is currently under ASI. The inscriptions in the temple identify that the initial rock cut shrine was excavated by Amarunri Muttaraiyar probably around 710 CE. The ardhamandpam and the other later structures were developed later by Chola, Pandya, Vijaynagar and Nayaks. The inscriptions recorded from the temple gives these details. There was no power supply at the time of my visit. The temple has just a few bulbs and the power supply is not consistent. The priest request for a proper access road and power supply for the temple.

Sep 1, 2012

Photos: 10

Kezha Thaniyam

Kezha Thaniyam or Kilattaniyam is in Pudukottai just besides a large tank bund. The temple of Shiva is called Uttamadaniswaram, implying Lord of Good Grains, has 4 subshrines, for Ganesha, Subramaniya, Bairava and Amman. The amman temple is assigned to a later date. The other sub-shrines also could be of later date than the primary shrine, assigned to 11th Century. Of the two recorded inscription one is of 4th year of Raja Raja’s reign (Then 10th CE?) and other during 35th year of Maravan Kulasekaran. Most of the images are worn out, the structure of the temple is beautiful.

Sep 1, 2012

Photos: 23

Enadi, Pudukottai

A simple Ekatala temple, near Ponamaravati near Enadi Tank bund. The site lies several feet below the road. The beautiful temple is devoid of any niches. The site should have have few more subshrines. The design is simple square, with each wall supported by 2 pillars at the end at 2 pillasters. SRB assign this temple to Vijyalaya Chola Period based on the style. KV Soundarajan, in Encyclopedia of Indian Architechture, South India, Lower Dravida Desa assign this to Pandyas even earlier to Vijyalaya, both on stylistic ground and on the fact the site was well away from the boundaries of Chola then. There are no inscriptions currently found in this temple or recorded earlier. The designs here are unique and the temple structure is alike to the temple portrayed in the Great Penance Panel in Mallai

Sep 1, 2012

Photos: 17

Tiruppur (Pudukottai)

A simple, small eka tala temple, situated on the banks of a lake, well away from the village. The temple is assigned to Vijayalaya period.

Aug 27, 2012

Photos: 13

Kunandar Kovil

A cave temple in Pudukottai. The cave temple belongs to muttaraiyar period. The additions / extensions have occured since then. Many Mandapas have been created during Nayak / Vijyanagar period both in front of the temple and adjacent. The original cave temple also had a sub-shrine in a cave temple.

Aug 27, 2012

Photos: 39

Kannanur Subramaniya and Vishnu Temple

One of the earliest separate shrines for Subramaniya. This was constructed during the early chola period, 9th Century. There is Vishnu Temple almost of the same period within 100 meters. The Vishnu temple is in ruins and crumbling by the day. This site of ASI is hardly kept open, the locals do not have any information on the security guard. The priest assigned here is shared amongst few temples. As this is not in worship, it is not kept open. I have checked with all my contacts, no one has ever seen this temple open. Many of the locals acknowledge the same. Subramaniya temple looks beautiful with its circular vimana.

Aug 27, 2012

Photos: 24

Kaliyapatti

An early chola temple, completely in ruins. The site is not even guarded. It is in middle of nowhere. It is well outside the village, and the locals call it “Oota Kovil” or Hollow temple, as it has nothing in it (as per them). All the subshrines has been lost (even as per S R Balasubramaniyam), so not recent loss. This is a simple Ekatala temple, similar to Panangudi, Tiruppur temples.

Aug 27, 2012

Photos: 17

Thirumayam

An early rockcut temple in Pudukottai district. The early rockcut shrine were done by Muttariyars and was then extended by Cholas, Pandiyas and Nayaks

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 34

Madathu Kovil

Near Pudukottai. The sculptures . architecture from the Nayak’s period. Huge structures, but the vimana has fallen off. The temple is famous for it s Shimaladam and the base structue.

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 85

Panangudi

Panangudi is just south of Sithannavasal. A beautiful small temple whose sanctum and ardhamandapa is seen. The rest of the structures have been ravished in time. The temple existed at the time of Vijayalaya and is ascribed as an early chola temple by SRB.

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 17

Irumba Nadu

An apsidal temple in Pudukopttai. Influence of Pallavas and Pandyas have been great on this buffer land. This early Chola Temple is a testimony to the same. No Niche sculptures remain. Just the structural beauty is what is left, apart from the yali vari.

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 21

Tirupunavasal

Tirupunavasal - a temple in worship in the coastal region of Pudukottai. The temple has been renovated and expanded with endowments all through, it is very difficult to find the traces of the original temple even in the walls of the sanctum. Primary work you see is that of the Nayaks all around

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 35

Tirunedunkulam

Chola Temple, looks large. The temple was under renovation and photography was not allowed inside of the external perimeter. Looks like the temple had been in continuous renovations through the centuries

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 10

Avudaiyar Kovil

A large temple in Pudukottai, Could have been built over an earlier smaller temple. The primary construction has been through the period of Nayaks and later Pandyas. The work is massive, large, mind boggling. They do not have the finesse of Pallavas or early Cholas, but the scale of temple and sheer volume is amazing. The work on the ceiling and the pillars would remain unrivaled.

Aug 26, 2012

Photos: 135

Cholamadevi, Trichy

Cholamadevi - Near Trichy has an old Chola Temple. The temple has gone through some renovation. Most of its miniatures are worn out. The sculptures in the niches and the thoranas are beautiful. Nice cute temple is isolated and amidst paddy fields.

Aug 25, 2012

Photos: 37

Thiruverumbur

Temple situated on a small hillock, has beautiful sculptures and miniatures. Unfortunately, at the time I went in there was a power outage. I could not get all the miniatures as it was too dark.

Aug 25, 2012

Photos: 22

Tirumangalam - Samaveedeswarar

An early chola temple, very close to Lalgudi. The temple has beautiful niche sculptures and lot of miniatures.

Aug 25, 2012

Photos: 160

Pazhavur

Vada Moola Nadhar Temple in Pazhavur. On the Road from Ariyalur to Trichy. Early Chola Temple, rich in inscriptions and beautiful sculptures

Aug 25, 2012

Photos: 53

Mela Pazhavur

The twin temples built by Pazhavettariyar Chieftan brothers. A beautiful Chola temple constructed in 9th Century.

Aug 25, 2012

Photos: 81

Lalgudi, Saptharishiswarar Temple

Beautiful Temple belonging to the early Chola Period in Lalgudi. There are beautiful miniatures and niche sculptures.

Aug 25, 2012

Photos: 125

Melaikadambur

Melaikadambur is village near Veeranam Lake. The temple was built during Kulothunga period. An earlier structure might have been there, but most of the structure today belong to the Kulothinga period. The temple is famous for its War Trophy from Pala - The Nataraja dancing over Nandi. Similar to Darasuram, it has miniature panel dedicated to Periya Puranam. The temple is also in shape of a chariot in line with the style of the period.

Jul 30, 2012

Photos: 100

Thiruvisainallur

Thiruvisainallur (11.006857 N 79.420917 E) is near Kumbakonam. It is on the way to Suriyanar Temple from Kumbakonam. Uttam Chola Period temple. It is famous for its Bhairavas. We are told that there was a sculpture or Raja Raja at the entrance, which is now lost. It has many miniature sculptures and lovely goshta murthis.

Jul 27, 2012

Photos: 109

Konnerirajapuram

Konnerirajapuram is closer to Kumbakonam and Myladuthurai. GPS tags to the village is assigned to the photos here. The temple was built during Gandarathitya Chola period and expanded during Uttama Chola period. It has huge Nataraja Bronze, claimed to be Suvayambu. It is also claimed to the largest Natraja Bronze, it may be the largest Chola Nataraja, but definitely not the largest Nataraja (Nataraja in Nellaiappar Temple is larger for example).

Jul 27, 2012

Photos: 61

Tiruppattur - Near Tirchirapalli

Tirupattur is off the Chennai Thirchy highway. About 10+ kilometers before Trichy a road on the right takes you to Tripattur. The temple is now famous as the Brahma temple. Adjoining the Brahapureeswar shrine is the Pallava shirne.

Jul 25, 2012

Photos: 39

Kopurapatti

Kopurapatti to the west of Tiruvasi, has Amaleesvaram Udaiya Mahadevar temple, belonging to Uttama Chola period. Raja Raja and Kundavai had given grants to the temple. This can be reached from Samayapuram. Some of the photos here have GPS tags, which can help on coordinates. Temple is in ruins, most of the miniature panels are worn out. The Dakshinamoorthy here is one of the best in the country.

Jul 25, 2012

Photos: 150

An evening on the terrace

Jul 16, 2012

Photos: 42

Valeeswaram, Cheran Madevi

May 3, 2012

Photos: 42

Chola Art Exhibition at Chennai Museum

A special exhibition of Chola Bronzes from 11th and 12th Century were on display in Chennai Museum.

Apr 21, 2012

Photos: 129

National Museum, New Delhi

Feb 19, 2012

Photos: 502

Tharuvai Vazha Vallaba Pandeeswarar Koil

Jan 7, 2012

Photos: 41

Thirukarunkudi Sculptures

Jan 7, 2012

Photos: 127

KodaParameeswarar Temple (Thiruvenkatanathapuram)

Jan 7, 2012

Photos: 31

Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Koil

Jan 7, 2012

Photos: 28

Dews of Marghazi

Some random shots on a misty morning in Chennai

Jan 7, 2012

Photos: 12

Kazhugumalai Jain Relief panels and surroundings

Jan 7, 2012

Photos: 22

Andichi Parai (Ganagaikonda - Sivalaperi)

Jan 6, 2012

Photos: 13

Baktavatsala Perumal Koil, Cheran Madevi

Jan 5, 2012

Photos: 50

Kazhugumalai Trenched Hindu Temple

8th Century Monolithic Temple, trenched from top down like the Kailasanatha of Ellora. Beautiful Sculptures adorn the vimana at 3 levels. The temple is incomplete, but still impressive. The sculptors had amazing sense of beauty and rich understanding of the anatomy. Every sculpture is unique and fine. The ganas play riot as usual, the apsaras are exquisite.

Jan 4, 2012

Photos: 88

Short visit to Mallai

Quick visit to Mallai’s Arjuna’s penance and Adivaraha cave temple

Jan 1, 2012

Photos: 28

Viakunda Perumal Panels - C Minakashi

C Minakshi had done a great research on the Vaikunda Perumal Koil historical panels. She had identified each of the panel and has described it to a great detail. The plates on the books are so old, it is hardly recognizable. The attempt here is to map the pictures and the identification done by Minakshi. We also find that many of the sculptures have worn down further.

Dec 4, 2011

Photos: 113

Osian Temples, Jodhpur

Oct 24, 2011

Photos: 274

Kiradu Temples, Barmer

Oct 24, 2011

Photos: 83

Lourdua Jain Temples, Jaisalmer

Oct 23, 2011

Photos: 84

Nareshwar

This is remote site near Morena. Nareshwar village is close to Bareta Gaon on Maharajpura Road. The village can be reached through a dirt track. A trek of 2 kms from there would lead you to the site. You would need help of the villagers to reach the site. Villagers are very helpful and accompany you to the site. Nareshwar has a group of 25+ Temples of the Prathihara period.

Oct 7, 2011

Photos: 57

Tele ka Mandir, Gwalior

Oct 7, 2011

Photos: 33

sahas bahu mandir, gwalior

Oct 7, 2011

Photos: 65

Bateshwar

Bateshwar, in the Morena District of Madhya Pradesh has over 100 temples built between 6th to 9th Century in the Prathihara Period, post the Guptas. The site is being restored by ASI.

Oct 6, 2011

Photos: 142

Padawali

Padawali, Murena District, Madhya Pradesh. Here the temples was built during the gupta period, the fort was built much later. The sanctum has been destroyed. The antarala is alive, espically the ceiling. All the sculptures are from the ceiling. The lack of white spcae dulls the actual intricacy. The scupture is of greate quality.