CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

The status and date of the Shiva temple at Kaliyapatti is debated. The origin has been ascribed to early Chola period from Vijayalaya period and to the early survivals of Pandyan tradition. There is a fragmentary inscription of Kaliyapatti of eighteenth year of Parakesari who could be Vijayalaya (850 - 871 CE) or Parantaka I (907 - 954 CE). Moreover, the legacy of the Muttaraiyar style to that of the early Chola style is evident. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the neck (griva) and the crowning cupola (sikhara) are intact. The finial (stupi) and the half-hall (ardhamandapa) have disappeared. The temple is considered to be one of the best from the period of early Chola temples. Its scrollwork is of exquisite workmanship. Reference: M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, pp.130 – 132, D. Barrett, 1973, pp. 46-47, S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1966, pp. 52-54.

Siva temple, Killikurissi Mangalam, Kerala

The Siva temple at Madagadipattu is also known as Kundankuli Mahadeva temple. A weatherworn inscription on the temple tells that that the temple was founded by Rajaraja I (985 – 1014 CE), constructed by one Puri Bhatta. Reference: M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, p. 228.

Siva temple, Ongallur, Kerala

Siva temple, Perambur, Tamil Nadu

Siva temple, Tiruvandudurai, Tamil Nadu