I promised in my previous post that we will be visiting a place of iconic significance. This place is the 6th post/part of my Heritage Inspired Chola Tour.
The links of my previous posts are as follows:
Part 1 - Ruins of the 10th century Chola Palace
Part 3 - History through Inscriptions
Part 5 - Secret Spot and the battlefield
The 6th part continues.
Indian dynasties are very famous for their valour and bravery. They are good art lovers too. Their love for architecture and the expert engineering is the result of beautiful Temples of this land. According to me The architectural wonders of India are above all other wonders of the world. These beautiful architectural marvels are not much known to the outside world. Let me explain my statement.
This post highlights such architectural wonders seen in the 12th century Airavateswara Temple, Dharasuram. This Temple was built by Raja Raja Chola II of Chola dynasty.
There are many Stories engraved on each side of each pillar. One day isn’t enough to know about each Stories. The picture below depicts the marriage scene.
Creating such art of telling Stories on pillar is a wonder
This Temple was ornated with innumerous classical dance poses, which you can notice in the bottom strip of this Mantap in the picture given below.
ì
Many dancing poses curated in a narrow strip is a wonder.
In the picture below you can see 2 sets of steps. In that one is an enclosed steps. Those steps produce music, when patted with a hard object. This is really a surprise. To prevent further damage to the musical steps, the enclosure has been constructed.
Getting music from the steps is a wonder.
In the picture below, observe the steps behind me. In that you can find people playing musical instruments. Carving of very intricate details in a small place is great.
The minute detailed carving is another wonder.
Our ancient Temples are not wheel chair accessible, but they are accessible to blind person. One can touch and feel. Below is the picture of an elephant. If we touch the elephant, you can feel the texture of the elephant’s skin.
This feeling by sense of touch in another wonder.
Next the picture given below, one can see the smooth polishing of the floor of the steps.
The smoothness of the floor is another wonder.
Every nook and corners are not left untouched. Even in between places are having rich carvings.
The most fascinating part is that of alien like structures are curved in the 12th century itself. The name of the structure is Yaali, which is given below.
Imagination of aliens is again a wonder.
The picture below is about the carvings in the ceiling. Just to see them we have to strain our neck and keep our head in a raised position.
Is it not a wonder
Have you ever thought how the ceilings are carved. Hammering the chisel by raising the head with eyes wide open. How is it possible?
If you know please tell me the answer
There are thousands of wonders in this Temple. No doubt these Temples are hidden gems and hence not considered as wonders of the world. THEY ARE WORTH TO BE WORLD’S WONDERS.
My next journey is to the very very famous Brahadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur, known as BIG TEMPLE. Will see you all there in my next post Enterance to the BIG TEMPLE . Bye until then.
