Yesterday I had been to Thiruparankundram for the First time, hitherto known to be as one of the Arupadai Veedu.
I was stunned to look at the massive structure of the temple. Sanctum sanctorum, which are rock cut, having resemblance to Mamallapuram and other rock cut temples.
Sculptures on the pillars were also amazing and lively. Temple architecture is simply marvellous. I am using simple words, as I am aware of the fact that no words would match such marvel.
I visited Amber Palace in Jaipur some times back. Thee was a small stone carving looking like flower bush, but having various animals intricately carved to look like stems, leaves etc. The local guide shows this as unmatched masterpiece and they are really proud of such things.
I was also impressed with such statement. However, now I would rate them less than 50% of what is there at Tiruparankundram.
I think this is high time that we take cognizance of such apparent treasures we have. IMHO, these are not at all getting the due recognition they deserve. Is this because of the place being confined as Temple?
> I think this is high time that we take cognizance of such apparent > treasures we have. IMHO, these are not at all getting the due > recognition they deserve. Is this because of the place being confined > as Temple? > > Hi venkatesh, you couldnt be more wrong. how many palaces do you have from chola/ pandya times. NONE how many temples do you have. Hundreds if not thousands
I guess them being a temple is what saved them for so long.
Saying about Paran Kundram... you must have seen a very very different vaarahi sculpture out there. It is very unique in its model. The great Goddess holds eight breasts and eight piglets feeding from them. Vaarahi is an ancient goddess (from the saapta maatas), any of the Shan mathams prescribed follow the Saapta maata worship. I have always been fascinated by the vaarahi power and paran kundram apparently has a mystical one.
Infact, talking about architecture, people say that Chendur is on the sea shore as against most Muruga temples, but that is not true, Chendur is in a cave like formation (a basement actually), you need to walk down into a hole (made as a temple now) further behind is the pancha lingam, you can see some 5 meters of hard rock above your head from there.A vimaana darisanam is seen in straight eye from ground level.
When i was reading Udayar..its said that Nava kali was protecting the entire Chola empire.. I was gifted enough to spot Nisumbasudhini's temple, which is proclaimed to be the kula divam of chola empire.. and we all know about Varahi temple.. Which i think is one of the Kali. but other than these, i was unable to gather any info on Nava kali..
> -------------------- > > Thiruvalangadu copper plates say that vijayalaya conquered > Mutharayas and acquired Thanjai and established NISUMBASOODHANI in > the North East of Thanjai ! > > I visit this temple almost every fortnight .. even last sunday I had > been there .. ! > > It is now known as VADABADRAKALI on Keezhavasal. > > sps > sps sir, ithai ellam solli solli engalai yen sir homesick akkaringe...
What is the difference between 'Vimaanam' and 'gopuram'? Periya kovil has vimaanam or gopuram.When i studied Udayar,it tells that RRC have idea of making vimaanam for temple neither then Gopuram.So whats the difference? And also in Thanjavur where is Thalikulathar temple and Nachiyar temple?
Gopuram's are indicators of Temples, they point the people in the direction. Vimanams are cosmic energy conductors, when an idol is installed and kumbabishekam etc is done, it is said that the specific energy that relates to the God/Godess is to be drawn into the idol using the vimanam. It is important that the vimanam is made of a metal that is a pure conductor (Gold - silver - copper).