We are proceeding with our analysis of the Somaskanda froms in Pallava period today. We had earlier seen the one in the Dharamaraja Ratha ( to be correct we should be called it Atyantakama pallavesvara griham ) and compared it stylistically with the one in the Shore temple – Rajasimeshwara Shrine. We also looked at the outlines of the chiseled out Somaskanda panel in the Ramanuja Mandabam.
Recapping the questions that were posed based on the 2 parts of the series seen so far:
1. Between the two styles seen so far, which could be classified as the prototype / earliest and which is stylistically more evolved.
2. What are the stylistic and inconographic differences that can be spotted among the two.
3. Basing on the above, the panel in the Ramanuja Mandaba belongs to which style.
While we are waiting for viewer responses, lets proceed to another splendid example of the Pallava somaskanda, in the tiger cave complex. We have already seen these ( not one but three somaskandas) and the reason for them being there, when we studied evidence of the presence of three shiva lingas in the Atiranchanda Mandabam.
Lets look at the central shrine of this cave first. Multiple views to give you an idea of its beauty.
Do you see the Somaskanda Panel etched behind the shiva linga. Dont worry, we will take you closer.
A trace to further assist you.
Now, we step back to view the other two somaskanda panels.
The two Panels now
and their traces
Questions for readers:
1. What style are these Somaskanda Panels?
2. Are all three somaskandas attributable to the same period?
We continue our journey in subsequent posts