Va帽caikka岣穉m Past and Present 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 Panels in 碍脓谤补岣穉-惭补丑腻诲别惫补 Temple
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Va帽caikka岣穉m Past and Present 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 Panels in 碍脓谤补岣穉-惭补丑腻诲别惫补 Temple
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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R.K.K. Rajarajan
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Va帽caikka岣穉m Past and Present 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 Panels in 碍脓谤补岣穉-惭补丑腻诲别惫补 Temple
Year: 2015 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.4454
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The article "Va帽caikka岣穉m Past and Present: 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 Panels in 碍脓谤补岣穉-惭补丑腻诲别惫补 Temple" by R.K.K. Rajarajan delves into the significance of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, a renowned 艢颈惫补-艣thala located in the Ku峁弓an膩岣島 region of 碍脓谤补岣穉, India. Despite its notable history and cultural importance, research on its architecture and iconography has been limited. The temple is particularly distinguished for its unique wood-carved sculptures that portray scenes from the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 epic. The study combines historical literature with field research to explore various aspects of this temple and its art.
2) Architectural Features of the Va帽caikka岣穉m Temple
The Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, known as M膿l-迟补岣穒, features a traditional 碍脓谤补岣穉 temple layout with an east-facing oblong structure enclosed by two 辫谤腻办腻谤补蝉 or walls. It is marked by unique characteristics such as multiple gopuras (entrances) and a spacious sacred enclosure housing numerous shrines. Important figures, including C膿ram膩峁� 笔别谤耻尘腻岣� and Cuntarar, are honored within the temple, which also boasts mural paintings and inscriptions dating back to the 18th century. The temple serves as a significant center of 艢颈惫补ism and represents the cultural narrative of 碍脓谤补岣穉.
3) 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 Iconography in the Temple
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple is its extensive wood-carved sculptures depicting episodes from the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, particularly from the B膩lak膩峁囜笉a section. The illustrations captured on the temple's ceiling largely focus on key events, such as 搁腻尘补's interactions with 顿补艣补谤补迟丑补, his training by 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补, and his battles against the demons, including 罢腻峁璦办腻. The selection of these specific events over others raises questions regarding the thematic choices made by the artists. This body of work is significant as it embodies a local interpretation of the epic and enhances the understanding of 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 narratives in South Indian culture.
4) Historical and Cultural Significance
The temple reflects the unique intermingling of various cultural influences, with different artistic traditions coalescing within its structure. By incorporating 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 themes, the temple not only emphasizes the popular narrative of 搁腻尘补 but also aligns the reverence for 艢颈惫补 with the moral imperatives depicted in the epic. This blending of iconography illustrates deeper philosophical connections and cultural dialogues across different sectarian traditions, underscoring the temple's role as a cultural repository in 碍脓谤补岣穉.
5) Contemporary Relevance
In light of limited accessibility for research within sacred Hindu temples, this article seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple and its 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 sculptures. By shedding light on these historical and cultural treasures, it enriches scholarly discourse around 碍脓谤补岣穉's religious architecture and iconography. The temple stands as an exemplar of 碍脓谤补岣穉's artistic tradition and signifies the enduring relevance of 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 narratives, which continue to inspire and resonate with contemporary audiences.
6) Conclusion
The study of Va帽caikka岣穉m and its artistic contributions emphasizes the temple's significance as both a religious edifice and a cultural artifact. The unique wood-carved 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 panels provide an invaluable glimpse into the artistic expressions of a past age, reflecting the intertwining of faith, art, and community in 碍脓谤补岣穉. Rajarajan's work advocates for further exploration and recognition of such hidden gems in Indian cultural heritage, paving the way for future research that bridges the fields of architecture, literature, and art history.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Va帽caikka岣穉m and its significance in 碍脓谤补岣穉?
Va帽caikka岣穉m is a sacred Shiva temple located in the Ku峁弓an膩岣島 region of 碍脓谤补岣穉. It holds a unique architectural style and is extolled in over 280 hymns from the 罢脓惫腻谤补尘, making it an important site for Shaivism in the region.
Who are the prominent saints associated with Va帽caikka岣穉m?
Saints C膿ram膩峁� 笔别谤耻尘腻岣� and Cuntarar are notable figures linked with Va帽caikka岣穉m. They are revered for their hymns and are believed to have had personal experiences with Shiva, marking them as significant figures in local religious history.
What architectural features define the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple?
The Va帽caikka岣穉m temple features an east-facing design, two outer 辫谤腻办腻谤补蝉, and multiple gopuras, which are traditional entrance towers. Its layout is unique within 碍脓谤补岣穉 and integrates elements typical of K膿ra岣穒te temple architecture.
What types of sculptures are found in Va帽caikka岣穉m temple?
The temple is distinguished for its rare wood-carved 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 sculptures, primarily depicting scenes from the B膩lak膩峁囜笉a of the epic. These sculptures display intricate craftsmanship and reflect local cultural motifs and themes.
What is the historical context of Va帽caikka岣穉m?
Historically, Va帽caikka岣穉m has been associated with the ancient C膿ras and represents a center of Shiva worship by the ninth century CE, showing its significance in the development of Shaivism in southern India.
How do the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 panels contribute to temple iconography?
The 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 panels in Va帽caikka岣穉m serve to narrate significant events from the epic, enriching the temple's iconographic tradition. They offer insights into the interplay of mythology, culture, and artistic expression in 碍脓谤补岣穉.
What are the goals of the present research on Va帽caikka岣穉m?
The research aims to provide a comprehensive account of the temple's architecture, examine the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 sculptures, and summarize hymns related to Va帽caikka岣穉m, enhancing understanding of 碍脓谤补岣穉's religious and cultural heritage.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for 鈥淰a帽caikka岣穉m Past and Present 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 Panels in 碍脓谤补岣穉-惭补丑腻诲别惫补 Temple鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Temple:
A temple is a 艢颈惫补-sthala in Va帽caikka岣穉m, noted for its 艢r墨k艒vil architecture. It is associated with numerous elements like gopuras, 辫谤腻办腻谤补蝉, and the sacred architecture of 碍脓谤补岣穉. This particular temple houses wood-carved 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 sculptures.
2) Rama:
搁腻尘补 is a key figure in Hindu mythology known for his virtuous rule and heroism. In the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, sculptures depict various scenes from his life and the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, such as his encounter with sages 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补 and 顿补艣补谤补迟丑补.
3) Ramayana:
The 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 is an epic showcasing the life and adventures of 搁腻尘补, including his battles against demons. The Va帽caikka岣穉m temple features intricate wood-carved panels depicting episodes from this epic, particularly from the B膩lak膩峁囜笉a.
4) Kerala:
Kerala is the Indian state where the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple is situated, known for its distinct temple architecture and cultural heritage.
5) Rajarajan (Rajan-rajan):
Rajarajan is the author of the study documenting the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple and its 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 panels. This work highlights the architectural and iconographic significance of the temple.
6) Shiva (Siva):
艢颈惫补 is a principal deity in Hinduism worshipped in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, depicted often with matted locks and adorned with elements like snakes. The temple is regarded as a Dak峁峁嘺-碍补颈濒腻蝉补, or earthly abode of 艢颈惫补.
7) Vishvamitra (Visvamitra, Vishva-mitra):
痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补 is a sage who plays a significant role in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, teaching archery to 搁腻尘补 and involving him in various yaj帽as. The Va帽caikka岣穉m temple features 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补 in its 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 wood carvings.
8) Mahadeva (Maha-deva):
惭补丑腻诲别惫补 is another name for 艢颈惫补, revered in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple. The term emphasizes 艢颈惫补's supreme divinity, and the temple enshrines this deity in its sacred garbhag峁沨a.
9) India:
India is the country where 碍脓谤补岣穉 and the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple are located, known for its rich religious and cultural history, including the tradition of 艢颈惫补 worship.
10) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
11) Pashupati (Pasupati, Pashu-pati):
笔补艣耻辫补迟颈 is a benign form of 艢颈惫补 depicted in a dedicated shrine within the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, embodying compassion and care for living beings.
12) Thevaram (Tevaram):
罢脓惫腻谤补尘 is a collection of Tamil hymns praising 艢颈惫补, which extol the 艢颈惫补-sthalas including Va帽caikka岣穉m. The temple is the only 艢颈惫补-sthala in 碍脓谤补岣穉 praised in these hymns.
13) Tamil:
Tamil is the language of the 罢脓惫腻谤补尘 hymns and many other ancient texts that describe the sanctity of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple and its iconography.
14) Dasharatha (Dasaratha, Dashan-ratha):
顿补艣补谤补迟丑补 is a king in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 who appears in the wood-carved panels of Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, discussing the importance of sending 搁腻尘补 with sage 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补.
15) Perumal:
[see source text or glossary: 笔别谤耻尘腻岣�]
16) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
17) Sage:
The term sage refers to revered seers like 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补 and Vasi峁ａ弓ha in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, whose interactions with 搁腻尘补 are depicted in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple鈥檚 wood carvings.
18) House:
[see source text or glossary: House]
19) Cuntarar:
Cuntarar is one of the 罢脓惫腻谤补尘-trio who composed hymns that praise the 艢颈惫补-sthala of Va帽caikka岣穉m, asserting its sanctity and divine significance.
20) Kailasa (Kailasha):
碍补颈濒腻蝉补 is the mythical abode of 艢颈惫补, and Va帽caikka岣穉m is metaphorically referred to as Dak峁峁嘺-碍补颈濒腻蝉补, signifying its sacredness as 艢颈惫补's earthly residence.
21) Lakshmana (Laksmana):
尝补办峁补峁嘺 is 搁腻尘补鈥檚 brother and is depicted in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 wood carvings in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, accompanying 搁腻尘补 on his forest journey and learning archery.
22) Gopura (Go-pura):
A gopura is a monumental tower at the entrance of a temple, characteristic of K膿ra岣穒te temples like Va帽caikka岣穉m, which features multiple gopuras in its architectural design.
23) Sthala:
Sthala refers to a holy place; Va帽caikka岣穉m is highlighted as a 艢颈惫补-sthala in the 罢脓惫腻谤补尘 hymns, one of the sacred sites revered for its divine connection.
24) Vishnu (Visnu):
[see source text or glossary: 痴颈峁ａ箛耻]
25) Image:
[see source text or glossary: Image]
26) Valmiki:
痴腻濒尘墨办颈 is the revered author of the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, whose epic is intricately depicted in the wood carvings in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
27) Sharada (Sarada, Sara-da):
[see source text or glossary: Sharada]
28) Yajna:
驰补箩帽补 refers to a Vedic sacrificial ritual, examples of which are performed by sages like 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补 in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 carvings found in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
29) Chennai:
Chennai is an important city in Tamilnadu and may serve as a reference point for Tamil literature related to the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
30) New Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: New Delhi]
31) Dakshinamurti (Daksinamurti, Dakshinamurthy, Dakshina-murti):
顿补办峁峁嚹乵奴谤迟颈 is a form of 艢颈惫补 worshipped in the southern temple zone of Va帽caikka岣穉m, signifying his role as the ultimate teacher and repository of wisdom.
32) Iconography:
Iconography refers to the visual symbols and images depicted in religious art; in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, this includes wood-carved panels of the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺.
33) Tataka:
罢腻峁璦办腻 is a demoness in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 slain by 搁腻尘补, whose defeat is depicted in the wood carvings within the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
34) Epic:
Epic refers to long narrative poems like the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, stories from which are carved into the wood panels of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
35) Malaiyalam:
惭补濒补颈测腻岣穉尘 is the regional language of 碍脓谤补岣穉 where Va帽caikka岣穉m is located, and ancient texts about the temple may be in this language.
36) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice, or 驰补箩帽补, is a ritual involving offerings to deities, a significant theme in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 panels in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, showcasing events like 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补鈥檚 yaj帽a.
37) Gopuras:
[see source text or glossary: Gopuras]
38) Brahma:
[see source text or glossary: 叠谤补丑尘腻]
39) Kannaki:
碍补峁囜箛补办颈 is a key figure in Tamil literature and mythology, associated with local temples near the Va帽caikka岣穉m site.
40) Ahalya:
础丑补濒测腻 is a character in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 who was cursed into stone and redeemed by 搁腻尘补, depicted in the wood carvings of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
41) Sarga (Sharga):
Sarga is a chapter or book in Sanskrit epics like the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, detailing many events that are depicted in the Va帽caikka岣穉m wood carvings.
42) Madra:
[see source text or glossary: Madra]
43) Tank:
A tank is a water reservoir found near the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, contributing to the temple鈥檚 sacred landscape and used for ritual purposes.
44) Silappadikaram (Silappatikaram, Cilappatikaram):
颁颈濒补辫辫补迟颈办腻谤补尘 is an ancient Tamil epic that narrates the story of 碍补峁囜箛补办颈, whose temple is located near Va帽caikka岣穉m.
45) Dhanurdhara (Dhanus-dhara):
Dhanurdhara refers to 搁腻尘补鈥檚 prowess with the bow, a characteristic highlighted in the sculptures of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
46) Literature:
Literature refers to written works, like the 罢脓惫腻谤补尘 and 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, that praise and detail the significance of Va帽caikka岣穉m and its deities.
47) Shriranga (Sriranga, Shrirangam, Srirangam, Shri-ranga, Shriramga):
[see source text or glossary: 艢谤墨谤补峁単补尘]
48) Tancavur:
[see source text or glossary: 罢补帽肠腻惫奴谤]
49) Nayaka:
[see source text or glossary: 狈腻测补办补]
50) Forest:
Forest is a significant setting in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, where 搁腻尘补, 尝补办峁补峁嘺, and 痴颈艣惫腻尘颈迟谤补 confront demons, depicted in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple's carvings.
51) Shrine:
A shrine is a sacred space within the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple dedicated to deities like 笔补艣耻辫补迟颈, contributing to the temple's overall sanctity.
52) Pillai:
[see source text or glossary: Pillai]
53) Kanda (Kamda):
A 碍腻峁囜笉补 is a section or book of an epic, such as those in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, some of which are depicted in the wood carvings of the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
54) Demon:
A demon, such as 罢腻峁璦办腻 in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, represents evil forces that 搁腻尘补 combats, illustrated in the carvings at Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
55) Peace:
Peace is the desired outcome of rituals like yaj帽as depicted in the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 panels at Va帽caikka岣穉m, aiming for cosmic harmony.
56) Alvar (Arvar, Alwar):
[see source text or glossary: 膧岣籿腻谤]
57) Rock:
Rock formations house some sacred places, and Va帽caikka岣穉m鈥檚 vicinity includes such features, possibly ancient sites of worship.
58) Vijayanagara (Vijaya-nagara):
Vijayanagara is an era and cultural sphere influencing art and architecture, including traditions seen in Va帽caikka岣穉m.
59) Divyadesha (Divyadesa, Divya-desha):
顿颈惫测补诲别艣补 refers to sacred Vishnu temples, and Va帽caikka岣穉m, while primarily Shaivite, shares a similar religious significance in its regional context.
60) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamilnadu is a neighboring state to 碍脓谤补岣穉, sharing many cultural and religious ties, including the 艢颈惫补-sthalas mentioned in 罢脓惫腻谤补尘 hymns.
61) Sumantra (Su-mantra):
[see source text or glossary: Sumantra]
62) Vaishnava (Vaisnava):
痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 refers to the tradition of worshipping Vishnu, which parallels the 艢aiva traditions seen in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple.
63) Painting:
Painting is an artistic medium; while Va帽caikka岣穉m focuses on wood carvings, other temples may use murals to depict similar themes.
64) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the language of ancient Indian epics like the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺, the themes of which are visually represented in Va帽caikka岣穉m wood carvings.
65) Prakara:
笔谤腻办腻谤补 refers to the enclosing walls typically found in South Indian temple architecture, like those seen at Va帽caikka岣穉m, housing various sacred spaces.
66) Dharma:
Dharma is the moral law guiding actions; the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 carvings in Va帽caikka岣穉m frequently depict 搁腻尘补's adherence to dharma.
67) Shastri (Sastri, Sastr):
[see source text or glossary: Sastri]
68) Tillai:
[see source text or glossary: Tillai]
69) Vishnusahasranaman (Visnusahasranaman, Vishnu-sahasranama, Vishnusahasranama, Visnusahasranama):
[see source text or glossary: 痴颈峁ａ箛耻sahasran膩ma]
70) Kumaragurupara (Kumara-gurubarar, Kumarakuruparar, Kumaragurubarar, Kumara-kuruparar, Kumara-gurupara):
[see source text or glossary: Kumarakuruparar]
71) Cittirakutam (Cittira-kutam):
[see source text or glossary: 颁颈迟迟颈谤补办奴峁璦尘]
72) Parashurama (Parasurama, Parashu-rama):
笔补谤补艣耻谤腻尘补 is a significant figure believed to have consecrated Va帽caikka岣穉m, linking it to the broader mythology of ancient India.
73) Citamparam:
[see source text or glossary: Citamparam]
74) Bhagavati:
叠丑补驳补惫补迟墨 is a goddess worshipped near Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, specifically in the Ko峁璾峁卥all奴r temple dedicated to 叠丑补驳补惫补迟墨-碍补峁囜箛补办颈.
75) Mythology:
Mythology provides the narrative foundation for the wood-carved panels in the Va帽caikka岣穉m temple, bringing stories like the 搁腻尘腻测补峁嘺 to life.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 89]