LESSON - 6

D05116 கோயிற்கட்டக் கலை - III

The Temple Architecture - III

     The worship of the Sun and other planets is evidenced by a good number of temples either dedicated to these planets or each of them associated with one or other of the existing Siva temples. Temples of Goddesses, like மாரியம்மன் and காளியம்மன் are described in this lesson. The structure of சத்தியஞான சபை at வடலூர் and பால முருகன் கோயில் at இரத்தின கிரி is presented. The places of worship by the Buddhists and the Jains form an important part of the content of this lesson. Elaborate notes on Islamic and christian places of worship and religious establishments like ஆதீனங்கள் are also described in the seven units of this module.

    Cholas were devotees of the sun as can be seen from the name ஆதித்தன் and constructed structures and temples establishing the worship of the sun. சூரியனார் கோவில் built by the Chola king முதற்குலோத்துங்கள் follows the procedures laid down in the Agamas. The nine planets are installed following the tradition. The details given about this temple reflect the faiths and beliefs of the ancient Tamils in the influence of planets in the life of individuls.

மாரியம்மன் கோவில் is a testimony to the Maratta kings who ruled தஞ்சாவூர் during 1739-1763. The five-storeyed ராஜகோபுரம் facing the east is an architectural marvel. Later changes were based on the sculptor’s imagination and the religious background.

    Lord Siva in reclining posture and the non-alignment of ராஜகோபுரம், கொடிக்கம்பம், நந்தி, கருவறை and மூலவர் in வக்கிரகாளி ஆலயம் of திருவக்கரை are such deviations from the temple tradition.

     சத்தியஞானசபை at வடலூர் established by சிதம்பரம் இராமலிங்கம் is an association of all avenues towards common peace and purity. Technical details of this construction are amazing.

     பாலமுருகன் கோவில் at இரத்தினகிரி was glorified in the songs of அருணகிரிநாதர். The temple of goddess கொற்றவை at the foot hill and the large space for the temple at hill-top besides the ghat road to reach the same are examples of the modern technology.

     திருமடங்கள் (monasteries) of different religious sects like சைவம், வீரசைவம், வைணவம் and மத்வ and ஆதீனங்கள் at several places in Tamil land are presented in one unit.

     Christians and Islamic people added to Tamil architecture. Churches, monasteries, chapels and nunnneries of Christians, mosques and dhargas of muslims adapted foreign structure in Tamil architecture.

    This lesson provides you a multi-faceted approach to the development of Tamil architecture through a variety of religous places of worship changing the social and cultural multiplicity which can be observed in modern Tamil life.