Monday, February 25, 2013

Poerty in Stone - 15

This is fifteenth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. Today we will see sculptures on the external walls or pillars of the temple.



The Brihadeswara Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram built in 1020-1029 AD has magnificent carvings on their external walls. One of the sculpture shown above is the true masterpiece. Here Lord Shiva seated on a throne with Uma Parameswari by his side. Lord in his four arms carries axe and antelope in his upper arms; towards the bottom the Lord is seen crowning Chandesa with a garland of flowers. Chandesa is none other than King Rajendra Chola is the embodiment of devotion and piety and the place he attained is considered the highest, a devotee of Siva is privileged with. 



The Airavateswarar Temple at Darasuram, which abounds in architectural and rare sculptural specimens of workmanship. Here is one of the walls of the temple which is beautifully carved.


The Ranganathswamy Temple at Srirangam is beautifully done. The Kalayanmantap with pillars with warriors is exceptionally carved.

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36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! Amazing sculptures ~ India is rich with history ~ wonderful Mosaic header you have ^_^

Arun sathi said...

bariya

Bushra said...

Beautifully captured!

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Very nice. The sculpture in the first photo is quite interesting.

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Beautiful...

Shaivi said...

Beautiful pics. Makes one feel like visiting this temple.

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful temple and the carvings are so wonderful. I really like the pillar warriors. Great shots!

Sudhir R said...

Beautiful! Truly Poetry in Stone.

George said...

'Poetry in Stone' is a perfect description for these beautiful carvings. They're magnificent.

Jeevan said...

Wow! Amazing capture... esp. the first one is a brilliant piece of depiction.

Lowell said...

What a place! Love the sculptures - especially in the first photo!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

This is even more intricate and amazing than ever! As always. I'm in awe. Thank you for explaining the story too.

Kusum said...

Wow! Those are lovely temples which are less known!

Sylvia K said...

What a wonderful tour you've taken us on -- as always, Rajesh! Incredible sculptures! Superb captures! Hope you have a great week!

Randi said...

Wow...amazing shots and beautiful sculptures.

Unknown said...

Stunning carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Anonymous said...

More fantastic photography of your beautiful ~ country ~ for OWT ^_^

LifeRamblings said...

The attention to detail is amazingly beautiful.

Indrani said...

Great captures.

Anonymous said...

Loved you blog..May I suggest you to add Subscribe via email please?

Anonymous said...

Wow - so graceful and utterly gorgeous!

photowannabe said...

Terrific detail and the word (name) for the letter G is "gargantuian.

anthonynorth said...

Truly beautiful.

Roger Owen Green said...

how do you PRONOUNCE that?

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Carver said...

The poetry in stone is fantastic.

Leovi said...

Yes, some beautiful photos, excellent sculptures.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this master craftsmanship.

AmitAag said...

Great pics Rajesh!
http://amitaag.blogspot.in/2013/02/grey-and-green.html

Kate said...

When n India many years ago I was very impressed with all the carved images and elaborate sculptures. Kate ABC Team

Chubskulit Rose said...

I am wondering how long it took for these beauties to complete.


Rose, ABC Wednesday Team.

Ramakant Pradhan said...

The sculptures on the walls as well as inside the temples in India are all work of superb craftsmanship. Some beautiful pictures.

Joy said...

Wonderful sculptures the first looks as though it could come alive at any moment.

Anonymous said...

i like the bottom left pic the best

my g post for this week:
gripping girdle limerick

beatrice De said...

I know the same horse, somwhere else. Good lord, I do'nt remember name.

Puru@ShadowsGalore said...

The first sculpture is simply perfect !

Unknown said...

Amazing photos :)