Siva temple, Dadapuram, Tamil Nadu
  • Siva temple, Dadapuram, Tamil Nadu
  • Siva temple, Dadapuram, Tamil Nadu
  • Siva temple, Dadapuram, Tamil Nadu
Siva temple, Dadapuram, Tamil Nadu

Dadapuram is a corruption of Rajarajapuram. The Siva temple (Ravikula-Manikka-Isvaram) and the Vishnu temple (Kundavvai Vinnagaram) in Dadapuram are buildings erected by sister of Rajaraja, Parantaken Kundavvi Pirattiyar during the reign of Rajaraja (985 - 1014 CE). According to an inscription, there was a third Jina temple which is not surviving. The two surviving Siva and Vishnu temples are almost identical. The superstructures (vimana) are covered with brick stucco. The two temples are important because they reveal for the first time in Tondaimandalam, an appreciation of the full potential of the Middle Colanadu architectural style. For example, base and elevation of the vimana are in likeness to monuments from metropolitan centres further south. References: M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, pp. 231-232, D. Barrett, 1973, pp. 116-117.