Thanks to my friend Mr. Chandrachoodan Gopalakrishnan ( who goes by the screen names ravages) got inspired to do part 2 of this amazing stone chain.
173517331737
Came across a similar interesting work in Thalakkad. Thalakkad has some interesting legends and even more interesting sculptures. But today we are just admiring chains, in stone. Just look at the complexity of this creation – a single block of stone ceiling, carved delicately to show the mesmerizing curves of a four headed serpent spreading its hood and from its gentle swaying curve start a chain of stone.
1728
But then, when we saw the Kanchipuram Varadaraja Swamy temple stone chain – we stopped short – for the sculptor not content at just sculpting a chain of stone, linked to the stone ceiling ( single piece) and not wanting to stop at that _ kind of a attempting to better your world record jump by attempting the impossible – literally goes for broke,a crowing stroke to forever leave his mark on his creation. Take a bow my unknown master sculpture, for who else can even think of attempting such. It drives me mad, how could he even try something as audacious as this .. like an artist finishing his painting with a exaggerated swagger, like a talented musician finishing his concert with a master stroke, he finishes his stone chain with a blooming flower bud and four parrots feasting on it.
1731
Oh, man, i got to take a break after this. its mind boggling.
These things show that the Tamil Art is simply amazing one!!
Vaazhga Thamizh!!!
Shriram
Wonderful posting. I have seen such chains in the ceiling of some temples, but dont remember where. I think even Vellore Jalagandeswarar temple and Virinchipuram (20km from vellore) Maargabandeswarar temple has such stone chains. I think they both are of Nayak period, similar structures and sculptures. A legend says, British wanted to dismantel Vellore kalyana mandapam and take it to London, but the ship that came to take it sank on the way and hence the project was scrapped.
Endless list of stone marvels in our land. Keep posting more.
Thanks,
Satish
On second thought, I have a slight doubt whether I saw the stone chains in vellore and Virinchipuram or somewhere else? Sorry if I have erred…but I am sure, I have seen stone balls inside Yali’s mouth, which you cannot take out. You can insert your hand inside Yali’s mouth, take the ball and move it, but cant take it out as the ball is bigger than the mouth.
Regards,
Satish
திரு.விஜய்,
இதே போன்ற கல் சங்கிலி மற்றும் மலரை சுற்றி இருக்கும் கிளிகள் தாரமங்கலம் (சேலம் மாவட்டம்) ஆலயத்தில் உள்ளது. இந்த ஆலயத்தின் படங்களுக்கு முயற்ச்சிக்கிறேன். இந்த ஆலயத்தில் மேலும் பல அரிய சிற்பங்கள் உள்ளன….
Hi Satheesh,
Great, please do share the pictures with us. Such delicate artworks need to be brought out for the enjoyment of all
rgds
vj