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Chola Temples
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Chola Temples

Chola Temples

 
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Jalanathesvara temple, Takkolam, Ta...

Takkolam is the site of the famous battle between Rajaditya and Krishna III in about 949 CE. Jalanathesvara (the Lord of Water) temple called Tiruvural in the ancient inscriptions on account of being a natural spring is one of the major monuments of this region. Its walls are engraved with many inscriptions of Parantaka I (907-954 CE) from the seventh regnal year to thirty-fifth and some inscriptions belong to Aditya I (871-907 CE). This temple in Tondaimandalam is not as developed as contemporary monuments in Colamandalam. On the basis of iconographical characteristics of the temple, it has been suggested that the temple's original patron must have been a Pallava. For example, the sculptures follow a Pallava convention in that they are four armed which is different from early Chola convention. References: D. Barrett, 1974, pp. 64-65.

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Jnanaparamesvarar complex, Nalur Ti...

In the village of Tirumeyjnanam, there are two temples called Nalur and Tirumayanam. The Tirumayanam temple is now called the Jnanaparamesvarar temple. It has been dated in or before the second year of Aditya I (872 CE). This early Chola temple still retains its original features. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1966, pp. 186 – 188, D. Barrett, 1974, p. 102.

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Jvaraharesvara temple, Kanchipuram,...

The Pallava king, Narasimha II in 8th century CE, built the Jvaraharesvara temple but the inscriptions illustrate that the Chola kings also used to donate to this temple. Although it is one of the smaller buildings of its time, it is quite ornate and is a significant example of a temple of the time of Kulottunga III (1178–1218 CE). It is also an interesting structure because of its ovular plan. The temple was renovated at the beginning of the 20th century and the brick superstructure is completely new; the complex is surrounded by a rubble compound wall, a small gateway or gopura in front on the east. Only the lower stone part of the gopura appears late Chola. References: M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, pp.320-322.

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