Narthamalai is 36 km south of Trichy and 17 km north of Pudukottai.There are two cave temples facing east and a later structural temple complex, Vijayalaya Choleswaram, facing the caves. This larger cave is probably one of the largest cave of the Pudukkottai region.Outside large cave temple Sapta Matrukka are located in two congregations. In addition, a dwarapala and a Vinadhara Dakshinamurty can be seen at entrance. Inside the rectangular mukha-mandapa of the cave, there are twelve nearly identical images of Vishnu carved on lateral and back walls. They all are shown standing over a lotus pedestal.There is a mutilated square Shiva-linga base/Pedestal inside the sanctum.A most interesting feature of the cave is seen in the platform of its extended mandapa. A vyala & elephant row above kumudam is one of the most exquisite representation of these mythological animals.There are many kinds of vyalas seen, some with the head of a lion and some with the head of an elephant. Most amazingly there are few vyalas who have shown with a human head. On the south side of the original cave, another cave shrine has been carved out in the rock. This temple is called Paliyili Isvaram. The base of the platform is simple except a gana (dwarf) row above kumudam. These ganas are shown in various actions mostly of dancing.On foundation of this temple is recorded a Pallava inscription of 862 A.D. On the east of the above two cave temples is Vijayalaya Choleswara temple.The temple faces west and has the unusual arrangement of a circular cell (the omkara garbhagriha) within a square prakara. Dome shaped sikhara with a round kalasa on top. Two dvarapalas, five feet tall, guard the entrance.There is an important inscription on its base which gives information about the construction of this temple by a Muttaraiya chief. Round the main temple in the open yard are six survived small sub-shrines built of stone and all facing inwards in a typical early Chola style. Narthamalai is also a place where one could witness the remnants of few rock-cut temples. These temples are perfect examples of the rich temple style of architecture that existed during the ancient era.The entire complex is now an archaeological monument.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 13:46:53 +0000