Tanjore
from the earliest times was also known all over the world for its delicate textiles.
Cotton printing was once the biggest industry in Tanjore and the product was much sought
after in England and other European countries. A peculiartextile called Taktti cloth is
even now the famous produce of Tanjore. On silk or cotton cloth designs are imprinted with
gold powder.
In the outer corridor of the temple, adjoining the sanctum, there are several shrines
dedicated to several Gods and the most interesting one it of Jwarahareswarar, the God
controlling fever. The body of the deity is besmeared liberally with sandal paste.
It is believed that if a man suffering from
chronic fever offers an ablution of sandal paste to this deity the fever subsides. The
fact has been experienced by many. The great temple of stone and its massive structure of
216 feet high is decorated with elaborate sculptures, images of the Hindu
pantheon and decorative mouldings. On the parapet of the temple there is an image of
Buddha depicted on the eastern side. On the northern side there are 4 human figures with
bowler hats, which are supposed to be Europeans. |
