#history #pallavas #architecture #archeology #kanchipuram #monument #temple #kovil
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and Artha mandapam and a muka mandapam. The Mukha mandapa doesn’t have the connection with the main sanctum sanctorum. Sannadhi for Sri Vaikunta Valli Thayar is in the mukha mandapam facing Perumal. The inner prakaram is with a raised verandah & covered corridor is supported by the lion pillars, a mixture of sandstone and granite. The inner prakara walls on all the four side sculptures speaks the historical events of the Pallava dynasty since 4th -5th Century up to the time of Nandivarman –II, in a sequence. His Coronation events are also a part of it. The sculptures also depicts the war scenes of Military, cavalry, elephant corps, battle fields, the joy of victory, the sorrow of defeat, ashwamedha yagna, punishment like Kazhuvetram, etc,. Minute details like throne of the kings, crowns, the jewellery are clearly shown in the sandstone sculptures.
The sanctum is with mummaada Vimana, has three levels in which bottom level is for Sri Vaikunda Perumal in sitting Posture. While the upper hands holds conch and Chakra / discus and lower hands are in abhaya and Varada hastham. In the second level, Perumal is in reclining posture and in the top level, Perumal is in standing posture, with a little space around. ( The second and third level are restricted to general public and kept locked ). The sanctum and ardha mandapa outer walls has the sculptures of various avatars of Sri Vaikunda Perumal. Every corner is supported by the lion pillars.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the inscriptions the temple was built in Rajasimha style ( 674 – 800 AD ) architecture by Nandi varma -II, Pallava king and called as "Paramesvara Vishnu Graham". The temple has 7 inscriptions. One of the Nandivarman Ii ( 8th Century ) inscription speaks about the coronation of a little Prince. After the death of Parameswara Varman II, the kingdom got confused for the coronation of next King. The Officials requested Hiranya varman Maharaja, who belongs to another Pallava family to crown as a King. In-turn when he asked his sons, the 12 years old Parameswara Varman agreed to become the King. He was brought to Kanchipuram and crowed as Nandivarman-II, and was also called as Pallavamalla. He led the Pallava Dynasty for 65 years. The temple is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI) as a protected monument.
