Collections-Virtual Museum of Images and Sounds

Site Name:

Date: ca 1030 CE

Subject: North facade, left of entrance: Sarasvati; Sculpture in situ

Site Name:

Date: ca 1030 CE

Subject: North facade, right of entrance: Chandesanugrahamurti, portion; Sculpture in situ

Site Name: Thanjavur

Date: ca 1030 CE

Subject: North facade, right of entrance: Chandesanugrahamurti; Sculpture in situ

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize it cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Patteeswaram

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Patteeswaram

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair. This is the back view of the image.

Site Name: Vedaranyam

Date: 1176-1199 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents apsara purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Vedaranyam

Date: 1176-1199 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair. This is the back view of the sculpted image.

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair. This is the back view of the image.

Site Name: Kadalangudi

Date: 1100-1199 CE

Subject: Nataraja, back: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Kadalangudi

Date: 1100-1199 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Melaiyur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair. This is the back view of the sculpted image.

Site Name: Melaiyur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Nataraja: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize its cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1100-1199 CE

Subject: Nataraja, back: The Shiva Nataraja combines Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe in a single image and conveys the notion of never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, most famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva is shown dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala) which represents Time and which is shown as a circle to symbolize it cyclic nature. Shiva holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). The dance that Shiva is performing is the Tandava, the energy of which reflects in the extravagant spreading of the god's hair. The figure of Ganga who was brought gently from the heavens down to earth is in one of the strands of his hair.

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1100-1199 CE

Site Name: Tiruvenkadu

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Subject: Kalyanasundara: Kalyanasundara or The Wedding of the Charming One depicts the marriage of Shiva and Uma Parvati. The theme of divine wedding has a very special significance in Tamil Nadu. As Minakshi (Fish-Eyed), Uma is the patron goddess of Madurai, the capital city of the Pandyas and married to Shiva. Shiva also has a different name in Madurai-Sundara, or the Handsome One. This is re-enacted there and at other temples each year as part of the annual Panguni Uttiram temple festival, performed with processional icons of the couple. The god Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi are often pictured as giving away Parvati to Shiva. This image shows a detail of Vishnu.

Site Name: Tiruvenkadu

Date: 1048 CE

Subject:

Bhiksatana: Shiva’s manifestation as Bhiksatana (Enchanting Mendicant) represented with an alms bowl in hand has strong appeal in southern India. The four-armed Shiva is shown naked with a serpent knotted around him to serve as a loincloth. Another serpent peeps out of his matted hair, which is adorned with the crescent moon and arranged in an elaborate halo-like formation around his head. Shiva is shown naked, bedecked in jewelry and sacred threads tied round his body. On his feet he is wearing a pair of toe-knob sandals (paduka) as suits his mendicant status.

Site Name: Tiruvenkadu

Date: 1048 CE

Subject:

Site Name: Tiruvenkadu

Date: 1048 CE

Subject:

Site Name: Kivalur

Date: 1000-1099 CE

Site Name: Tiruvengadu

Date: 1012 CE

Subject:

Devi in Vrishabha Vahana Deva: According to the tradition, the ultimate boon sought by a devotee is that he be set free from the shackles of life and allowed to remain forever in the presence of Shiva. While granting this boon, Shiva assumes the form of Vrishabha Vahana Deva, appearing to the devotee in the company of his consort Uma and the bull Nandi.

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