Monday, June 13, 2011

Jalakanteshwara Temple Kalyana Mandapam, Vellore

The Jalakanteswara Temple in Vellore Fort at Vellore  is the home for exquisite Kalyan Mandapam (marriage hall). Built approximately between 1542 - 1565 AD, the architecture is a mix of Dravidan and Chalukyan style of architecture.




It is believed that, British had planned dismantle this and export it to their land to be kept in the museum before the independence of India. Fortunately for India, they did not succeed.



Here, on the outer pillars there are sculptures of soldiers riding the horse who belonged to Vijayanagar infantry.  Each pillar has upon its faces, figures from one to two feet in height. They are well proportioned and magnificently carved.

 


The very ornate pillared pavilion has a raised central platform used for the reception of the deity and his consort during the annual celebration of their marriage. The base of the platform is also engraved with sculptures.



The inner pillars are of different designs and highly artistic. Each of these pillars in the Kalyan Mandapam has a unique and different carving.

52 comments:

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Wow! Absolutely iconic!

RIZALENIO said...

Indeed, this place is highly artistic. First time for me to hear a marriage hall. Very interesting.

Ash said...

I could look at those pillars all day! Stunning work and detail.

Maude Lynn said...

How beautiful!

joo said...

The pillars are amazing!

Jeet said...

Hi I am planning to visit vellore. It is definitely on my list.

Anonymous said...

Wow - these pillars are so graceful!

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Great pieces of art and photos!

Tania said...

Oh, all these great details! Just lovely.
Hope to visit some day. My husband says we should go to India to climb:-)

Sylvia K said...

Delightful look at your world, Rajesh, and marvelous captures as always! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

Beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Penelope Notes said...

The children on the huge sculpture platform provide a nice contrast of the ancient and new.:)

Kay L. Davies said...

Amazing architecture and carvings, Rajesh!
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Pietro Brosio said...

Another amazing Temple. The sculptures are so beautiful, so detailed!

Carver said...

What a treasure this is. Beautiful!

SANDEEP PANWAR said...

आज फ़िर से शानदार फ़ोटो देख कर, जी खुश हुआ।

Tes said...

Interesting place. Full of character. Intricate carvings. Beautiful art. Thank you for sharing, Rajesh!

magiceye said...

exquisite work beautifully captured

Indrani said...

Great captures, I am tempted to make a visit.

alicesg said...

Glad that the temple was not dismantled. Nice to see the effort in preserving it. Like the beautiful designs of the temple. Thanks for sharing.

LifeRamblings said...

a beautiful temple with such an interesting history and exquisite carvings.

Leckeres für Mensch und Katze said...

Beautiful old art! LG Tina

Shifan said...

Is It Wooden Decos?If you have a time please follow my blog, http://wwwmysrilanka.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Magiceye said it all -- exquisite work beautifully captured -- so just let me add Thank You for giving us a chance to savor such great art and architecture!
HelenMac,
ABC Wednesday Team

photowannabe said...

I know I keep saying the same thing, but the carving and mammoth size of the figures is quite amazing.

Jingle said...

That's super thoughtful.

timeless shots,

Karen said...

As always, I enjoy your posts, and the beautiful architecture in your photos!

Roger Owen Green said...

VIVID imagery.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Al said...

Incredible work and detail. I really want to visit some of these sites in your country at some point in my life.

Urmi said...

Vellore is a place of beautiful temples. The pillars and the architecture of the temple looks amazing. Lovely pictures.

clairz said...

What an amazing place. Nice to see you on a Wednesday; I usually come here for Skywatch!

Anonymous said...

Nice photos with information

thanks

Zuzana said...

I have visited your blog for a couple of years now and not one single time have you posted pictures from the same place. I really have to see India.;))
xoxo

Joe Todd said...

Great detail

Lowell said...

The artistry is exquisite. It's a good thing those damn British didn't haul it off. They were always bringing home stuff that didn't belong to them!

Jeevan said...

Simply looks majestic! Never know this temple has such enchanting architecture and carving on pillars. Wonderful rajesh.

Joy said...

Stunning, it must have been amazing when actually used for a wedding with the colour and pageantry. It would have been a tragedy if it had been dismantled and taken from its natural setting.

Unknown said...

Another of your gorgeous temples I would love to visit.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

imagine what great architects the ancient Inidians were.

Tumblewords: said...

Absolutely beautiful! Love your posts!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful. Here in the States, if something is close to 300 years old, we consider it amazing. Thanks for opening our eyes to true ancient beauty, rooted in the sacred. And how sweet are those kids? Peace, Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/780/

SandyCarlson said...

Everything you show me has me with my jaw hanging. The art in this shows a love of life that is just plain moving.

Rajesh said...

Thank you to all for appreciating this beautiful craftsmanship. This is a must see.

Luna Miranda said...

omg, the details are absolutely stunning! i'm glad that these treasures didn't leave India.

Kim, USA said...

Wow I am so amazed of those post. Great detail and intricately well design. Love it!

Blue dress

Rajesh said...

Thank you to all for appreciation. This is carved out in stone and not wood.

Arti said...

Superb Artistic captures!!!

అనామిక... said...

Beautifully captured

Hariharan Valady said...

I have seen this mandapam earlier; but not noticed it so closely. The soldier riding a horse, the raised platform for marraige (Medai)- are all very impressive.

Anonymous said...

Hey

I've also been there. Pretty place to take images. I have a few on my blog and flickrstream if you'd like to see!

Georgie

anatreek said...

Reminded of my visit to Belur and Halebid..nice pics!

Rajesh said...

Thank you to all for appreciation.