MADATTUKOIL THIRUPERUMANANDAR SIVAN KOIL, NANGUPATTI
We reached Madathukoil as the sun was slowly setting and it was the perfect time to be there. The sculptural marvel blew our mind and the way sunlight was creating shadows was just mesmerizing! It is undeniably one of the best temples of Pudukottai, best places to understand south Indian temple architecture and best example of Vijayanagara architecture & sculptures.
HISTORY OF MADATTU KOIL
The original MadathuKoil was built during the Chola Period (10th C CE), however, it later got very dilapidated and it was re-built by the Vijayanagara empire in the 14th - 16th C CE. The beauty of the Nayak sculptural art was absolutely mind-blowing!!!
MADATHU KOIL SCULPTURES - ENTRANCE
This fabulous arch atop the entrance, has a Yaali at the top with 2 Magara Meen (Croc Fish) on either side. A row of swans and a row of Yaali coming out of their mouths, end with another Croc Fish. This was just the beginning point of the magical sculptural detailing coming up!
MADATHU KOIL SCULPTURES - YAALI & MAGARA MEEN
This is another side shrine with a Yaali atop. A row of sea horses and a row of swans begin from its mouth and end at a Magara Meen (Croc Fish) on either side.
Another side shrine has a Yaali atop. From the Yaali comes out a Bootha Gana. From this little one begins a row of musical celestial beings and 2 rows of Yaalis. which end at a Magara Meen on either side.
Another side shrine has a Yaali atop. A row of celestial beings with musical instruments ends at a Magara Meen (Croc Fish) on either side.
On yet another side shrine there's a Yaali atop. A row of multiple animals & birds incl. Yaali, Parrot, Horse, Elephant, Humans etc. end at a Magara Meen on either side.
One more of the side shrines has a Yaali atop. From the Yaali comes out a Lord Karthikeya. From there 3 rows each of Parrot, Musical celestials, Lions begin, which end at a Magara Meen (Croc Fish) on either side.
Another side shrine too has a Yaali atop. From the Yaali comes out an elephant which is head-on. From there a row of elephants in profile, a row of swans, a row of snakes begin, which end at a Magara Meen on either side.
MADATHU KOIL SCULPTURES - MINATURE SHRINES
This scale-like styling in Adhirstanam is a unique feature. Atop the side shrines, is this fabulous styling. There itself is a miniature complete temple relief with Adhirstanam, Pillars, Shikara & Stupa.
MADATTUKOIL SCULPTURES - LOTUS PILLARS
All the pillars begun with a lotus design. But the best part was that each lotus was different with their thickness just as much as the real lotus itself!
MADATTUKOIL SCULPTURES - KUMBA PANJARAM
The Kumba Panjaram has an exquisite detailing here. Atop the kumba panjaram, the pillars begin with a filigree work atop.
HOW TO REACH PUDUKOTTAI
Chennai to Pudukottai distance and route: 400 km via Villupuram, Trichy
How to reach Pudukottai from Chennai: Trains to Rameshwaram go via Pudukottai. Trains / Buses can be taken to Trichy and regular buses are available from Trichy.
Trichy to Pudukottai distance and route: 50 km. Regular buses are available.
Madurai to Pudukottai distance and route: 115 km via Tirupatthur
Coimbatore to Pudukottai distance and route: 300 km via Dharapuram, Dindigul
HOW TO REACH MADATTUKOIL
Where is Nangupatti Madattukoil? (On Google Maps) - Madattukoil Sivan Temple
Pudukottai to Nangupatti route: From Pudukottai, 28km on the Kulithalai - Manapparai Road till Iluppur. A right cut there and in 11km the road divides as a 'Y' road, into 2 (left & right). Take right there and in 1 km you will definitely spot this huge temple complex to your left.
MADATTUKOIL TEMPLES TIMINGS
Madattukoil Sivan Temple timings: The temple is not in regular worship and is often locked. I think there's one puja every day. I'm trying to find the timings of that one puja. If you know, let me know!
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN PUDUKOTTAI, TAMILNADU
Dedicated to Prof. Swaminathan, Prof. Muthazhagan, Prof. Jambunathan, and the whole group of Tamil Heritage Trust...
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Grand. I have doubts about the Kumbhapanjaram. Are they associated with Buddhist styling?
ReplyDeleteNo. I don't think so. But I will ask others and let you know...
DeleteBeautiful architecture. Nice captures Bhusha.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Thank you so much Niranjan... :)
DeleteI love the interesting notes that you add to your pics... Keep them flowing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ramjee.... Its all your encouragements that keep me going... :)
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