Seeyamangalam-cave temples of the Pallavas
When we think of Pallava art and architecture, the rock cut caves and the shore temple at Mahabalipuram comes to our mind. However there are quite a few cave temples built by Mahendravarman 1 in early 7th century which were the inspiration for his descendants to build the monuments at Malai or Mahabalipuram as its now called.
One such place is Seeyamangalam, which is about 80 kms from Madras (Chennai). Dedicated to Stambeshwarar, a form of Shiva, the temple has been further extended by the Chola and the Vijaynagar kings who have built the Gopurams and the Mandapams, besides the Murugan temple atop a rock with small steps carved on the stone.
A simple shrine with pillars and pilasters , the temple was called h“ Avanibhajana Pallaveshwaram, Avani, being a title of Mahendravarman 1.
The temple has one of the earliest interpretations of the Ananda Thandava posture of Shiva that we know as Nataraja carved in one of the pilasters, while the other has a low bass relief of Rishabhantara. We were anyways not allowed to take pictures of the deities inside the cave, but were allowed to take a few of the sculptures on the pillars and pilasters – so am sharing the Nataraja or the Ananda Thandava here .
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nice post. did u go up the muruga later shrine on top of the rock – is good fun. also the pillar rock in the midst of the nearby lake.
http://www.poetryinstone.in/lang/en/2009/04/16/the-first-ever-depiction-of-nataraja-in-stone-in-south-india.html
This is so interesting. Where exactly is it? Thanks.
Very interesting 🙂
very interesting post. i love the composition of these photos.
A fascinating post and what an incredible place, Lakshmi! Your photos and composition are superb, as always and such beautiful skies/clouds! Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Sylvia
These are gorgeous temples! I wish to go to India one day. When my young kids are older…
Pallava architecture particularly of Mahendravarman is superb.
Beautiful shots of temple. Never heard of this temple before.
80 kms from Chennai…noted with thanks.
The last but one picture with a fabulous sky is my favourite.
80 kms from Chennai, noted with thanks. India has so much to offer to travellers, isn’t it?
The last but one photograph with the fabulous sky is my favourite!
Pallava architecture has always intrigued me. Superb pictures. My favorite the 2nd one in this post. Can I use the picture (with some poetic captions) in my blog? Due acknowledge will be given by linking to your blog.
Lovely pictures.
Is it nearer to Thiruvannamalai? If so, how do we reach it from there?