Evolution of Temples in Tamilnadu - 2

The civilizational values of Tamilnadu flourished to unimaginable extent under the rule of Cholas. It was a golden era. Cholas realized the importance of the customs, administrative measures to be taken to efficiently rule such a great kingdom. The huge collection of their inscriptions engraved in the thousands of temples that they had built speaks the generosity of the Cholas. Art forms like drama, dance and music became an integral part of the temple worship. Temples played a major role in making these art forms flourish and took it to the common people.

Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, Narthamalai, Pudukottai

Cholas were not just a mere dynasty that ruled the land. They nurtured a civilization, which was the best throughout the history. Temples built by Cholas are easily classified into early, middle and later Chola temples by historians and scholars based on the style and development. Temples in the historically rich district Pudukottai shelters important early Chola temples. For example, Vijayalaya Choleeswaram at Narthamalai, Moovar Kovil at Kodumbalur etc. Temples in and around Thanjavur like Pasupateeswarar at Pullamangai, Thiruchadaimudi Mahadevar at Thirukattupalli are some finest specimen of the Parantaka style. 

Nageshwaran Temple, Kumbakonam - Aditya I

Thiruchinampoondi Mahadevar Temple - Parantaka I

 

These temples in general have a sanctum which houses the main deity, an Ardhamandapam, a Mahamandapam. In the outer walls of the sanctum and Ardhamandapam, we find niches which commonly shelters sculptures like Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy in south, Lingodbhava or Ardhanari in the west, Brahma, Durga in the northern niches.

 

Then came the mighty Rajaraja Cholan, who gave us the magnificent Rajarajeswaram aka Brihadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur. This temple redefined the standards of grandeur one could innovate in the temple architecture. From standardized five Koshtams to many number of Koshtams and huge Rajagopurams. One notable development here is the inclusion of a separate shrine for Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. Although, the shrine for the consort was part of the shrines in the corridor, it was a remarkable feature newly introduced. There were shrines for 36 Devatas in the Prakaram (Corridor) that was built by the Senapati Krishnan Raman.

 

Pullamangai Temple, Ayyampettai - Parantaka I

The temple at Thanjavur is grand in every manner. It is the pinnacle of the civilizational values that was existing during that time. Rajaraja Chola was kind enough to engrave the names of everyone those who offered their service to the construction and functioning of the temple. He and his governance were transparent with the people of kingdom, he ordered to inscribe the details of transactions and investments made with the merchants from the treasury of the temple. Even though he was not the first one to do it, but looking into the details and the amount of works and the whole network of commerce benefited from this is unimaginable nowadays. 

 

Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur - Rajaraja Chola I

Rajendra Chola who took over the throne after, proved that he’s even greater than his father. He was stubborn and fierce and that’s the main reason for his thrashing victory over many kingdoms within the first ten years of his reign. He retained all the glory and was able to expand the kingdom overseas as well. He established his own capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram with another beautiful temple inspired from the model of what his father had built.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is gracious rather than being a grand one. It seems Rajendra Cholan gave more prominence to the deities with their consorts unlike his father. We can find the sculptures of Lord Vishnu with both his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in the central Koshtam of the west, Brahma with both Saraswati and Savitri, Kamadahanamurthy along with Rathi and Manmadhan in the northern Koshtams. The aspects of art forms integrated with the function of temples were patronized generations after generations. The investments from the temple treasury ensured the business grow along with the functions of temple happened without any hindrances.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, Rajendra Chola I

The Airavateswara temple built at Darasuram by Rajaraja Chola-II is a treasure box of miniature sculptures. While the temples built by his forefathers stands grand, this temple was conceived like a child is full of stories from the Hindu scriptures. The spectacular design of this temple is the Mandapam which is built like a chariot being pulled by the horses. The Yali with a unique design found in this Mandapam is never seen elsewhere. Three faced Ardhanari, Sanga Nidhi, Padma Nidhi, the representations of the Panchabhootams, mini Nardhana Ganapati etc. are some of the notable jewels of the temple. Sculptural panels of the Nayanars, based on the Periyapuranam written by Sekkizhar features different level of their devotion towards lord Shiva adds more values to the temple.

Airavateswara Temple, Darasuram - Rajaraja II

Tribhuvanam Kampahareshwarar temple is the fourth prominent temple that didn’t received the attention unlike the other temples. This temple was the last temple that was built during the time when the Chola dynasty was losing their powers over the territory. After the decline of Cholas, few chief commanders of the Pandiyan kingdom were looking over the administration. They built few temple whilst taking care of the existing ones. The Amman shrine at the Brihadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur was built by one Pandiyan King whose name is not inscribed. 

Thiruvannamalai Rajagopuram - Sevvappa Nayak

Photo Courtesy: Thiru.Neeru (insta/thiru.neeru)

Around the 13^th Century CE, Vijayanagar became the strongest empire that stopped the invaders from the north. If not for the Vijayanagar Empire, most of the southern parts would have lost their temples. Invasion of Malik Kafur in south had caused a major turbulence, the army looted so much of wealth, destroyed hundreds of temples all their way, killed and converted thousands of people. It was the Vijayanagar kings and their loyal chieftains who revived, protected and patronized the temples and the creative network. They were inspired and followed the same old administrative measures that were followed by Cholas. 

A Lesser Known Anjaneyar Temple, Vallam - Thanjavur Nayaks

The Vijayanagar kings appointed their viceroys in Senji, Thanjavur and Madurai to rule over the areas around the year 1535. The most loyal among these three branches of Nayaks were the Nayaks of Thanjavur. Sevvappa Nayak built the majestic Rajagopuram of the Thiruvannamalai temple. Scholars even attribute that the concept of Rajagopuram were originally brought in by the Vijayanagar Empire. It is said that it was actually called “Rayagopuram” since the Nayaks had “Rayas” in their names. The Vijayanagar and their Nayaks were mostly Vaishnavites but they never discriminated against these classifications. They protected the temples of all deities. Most of the kings were artistes and scholars themselves. This knowledge probably made them understand the intrinsic value of the temples and safeguarded them to hand it over to the next generation.

The Marathas of Thanjavur took care of the temples in the Cauvery Delta region. There were good numbers of temples built by the Cholas and Nayaks in the region, Marathas shifted their focus to some buildings which helped the society. They built Chathrams (choultries) and other rest houses. Yet the Marathas built few small temples and important Mutts by the disciples of Saint Samartha Ramadoss were established and taken care of. They also upheld the cultural, traditional practices and other administrations that were followed by the previous rulers of the land. 

Bazaar Ramar Temple, Thanjavur - Thanjavur Marathas

Small yet significant royal families in and around Tamilnadu like the Ramnad, Thondaimans, Rajapalayam and other people have played an important role in safeguarding not just the temples but also the values that were inculcated. The cultural amalgamation happened over these many millennia that were followed by kings after kings, dynasties after dynasties is a phenomenon which made all these temples and art forms sustain over many natural and man-made calamities.

Throughout this evolution of temple and its architecture of more than 1000 years, art forms and artisans, craftsmen were also patronized. Temples are the cultural hotspots of the country and the inherited jewels of more than thousand years. The sincere responsibilities of taking care of all ancient temples with such antiquity and the creative network that functions around these cultural hotspots is now ours to fulfil.

These two blog series is just an attempt to help people understand the evolution of temple architecture in Tamilnadu in common terms. Suggestions to enhance the information presented here are welcome in comments.

Yours East Gaterr