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.
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:
Wow! Absolutely iconic!
Indeed, this place is highly artistic. First time for me to hear a marriage hall. Very interesting.
I could look at those pillars all day! Stunning work and detail.
How beautiful!
The pillars are amazing!
Hi I am planning to visit vellore. It is definitely on my list.
Wow - these pillars are so graceful!
Great pieces of art and photos!
Oh, all these great details! Just lovely.
Hope to visit some day. My husband says we should go to India to climb:-)
Delightful look at your world, Rajesh, and marvelous captures as always! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
Beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
The children on the huge sculpture platform provide a nice contrast of the ancient and new.:)
Amazing architecture and carvings, Rajesh!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Another amazing Temple. The sculptures are so beautiful, so detailed!
What a treasure this is. Beautiful!
आज फ़िर से शानदार फ़ोटो देख कर, जी खुश हुआ।
Interesting place. Full of character. Intricate carvings. Beautiful art. Thank you for sharing, Rajesh!
exquisite work beautifully captured
Great captures, I am tempted to make a visit.
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.
a beautiful temple with such an interesting history and exquisite carvings.
Beautiful old art! LG Tina
Is It Wooden Decos?If you have a time please follow my blog, http://wwwmysrilanka.blogspot.com
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
I know I keep saying the same thing, but the carving and mammoth size of the figures is quite amazing.
That's super thoughtful.
timeless shots,
As always, I enjoy your posts, and the beautiful architecture in your photos!
VIVID imagery.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Incredible work and detail. I really want to visit some of these sites in your country at some point in my life.
Vellore is a place of beautiful temples. The pillars and the architecture of the temple looks amazing. Lovely pictures.
What an amazing place. Nice to see you on a Wednesday; I usually come here for Skywatch!
Nice photos with information
thanks
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
Great detail
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!
Simply looks majestic! Never know this temple has such enchanting architecture and carving on pillars. Wonderful rajesh.
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.
Another of your gorgeous temples I would love to visit.
imagine what great architects the ancient Inidians were.
Absolutely beautiful! Love your posts!
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/
Everything you show me has me with my jaw hanging. The art in this shows a love of life that is just plain moving.
Thank you to all for appreciating this beautiful craftsmanship. This is a must see.
omg, the details are absolutely stunning! i'm glad that these treasures didn't leave India.
Wow I am so amazed of those post. Great detail and intricately well design. Love it!
Blue dress
Thank you to all for appreciation. This is carved out in stone and not wood.
Superb Artistic captures!!!
Beautifully captured
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.
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
Reminded of my visit to Belur and Halebid..nice pics!
Thank you to all for appreciation.
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