CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Kalinga Sculptures Sengamedu, Ariyalur

Kallada, Baroque Architecture, Kerala

The structure of the present Kamakshi temple that rose on the ruins of the Jain Kamaottam dedicated to a Yakshini belongs to the fourteenth century. After its foundation as a Hindu temple in and not earlier than the twelfth century for about three centuries, the temple must have been a simple cell amidst the walls of the old Jain and Buddhist temples which it supplanted and a complete superstructure (vimana) was installed in 1393 by Vijayanagara emperor Harihara II who also covered it with copper. Four towered gateways (gopuras) of modest proportions provide access into the temple enclosure. The gateways belong to the Vijayanagara period (1336 – 1646 CE) though their pyramidal towers are modern. In front of the main temple stands an ornate columned hall (mandapa). Friezes of deities are carved on to the mandapa basement; column shafts, attached pilasters and brackets are all covered with ornate sculptures. The raised dais in the middle is supported on a tortoise base. West of the temple is a sunken tank with stepped sides. The temple itself comprises a cluster of small shrines but the principal shrine of the goddess is identified by a gilded tower that rises above. has a special significance in the Siva Kanchi area of Kanchipuram. As per the general rule most of the temples constructed face either the north or the east direction. But in Siva Kanchi, all the temples face towards the Kamakshi Devi temple. References: T. Dash, 2010, p. 82, G. Michell, 1989, p. 438.

Kampaharesvara temple complex, Tribhuvanam, Tamil NaduThe Kampaharesvara temple is the last of the four great temples built by the Cholas. Kulottunga III (1178–1218 CE) made three wars against the Pandyas. After his victory in the third war, he held a grand celebration at Madurai and assumed the title of Tribhuvana Vira devar and built in commemoration of his great victory, this temple dedicated to Siva in the name of Tirubhuvana Viresvarar. According to a Sanskrit inscription, the temple was built at the instance of the king’s spiritual preceptor Somesvara also called Isvara Siva. Tanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram temples were built under similar auspices. The temple is unique in that the shrines for the Devi and for Sarabhamurti, a newly evolved icon of the late Chola period are contemporaneous. On the west side of the hall that is approached by stairs (sopana-mandapa) is a shrine dedicated to Shiva. These became Somaskanda – separate shrines dedicated to Somaskanda are popularly called Tyagraja shrine after the celebrated shrine at Tiruvarur. These gained popularity in Tanjuvar area around this time. Although the superstructure (vimana) is relatively plain, the platform is very tall that is an interesting deviation from the norm. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1975, p. 33, M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, pp. 312 - 317.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Kanjirakkode, Baroque Architecture, Kerala