A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF SOME SHRINES SUPERB

As followed in the case of its model-the sikhara of the tower, forming a single block of stone was placed there using an inclined plane, laid out from the village of Paranam, located a few miles away. It is akin to the Tanjore temple in all essentials like, Pradakshinamarga, tower, prakaras, courtyards with provision for parivaradevatas.  By its vastness and sculptural adornments, it serves a banquet to the eyes, and for miles its towers are visible and seem beckoning the bhaktas to reach it for salvation.  Its design and plan are immense.

Among other unique features, the monolithic representation of Navagrahas installed atop a lotus flower over a chariot is quite fascinating.  Its novelty lures and detains the bhaktas for long.  In this odd construction, Surya occupies the topmost place over the chariot and Saturn- takes the role of driver. The rest of the planets take their places around the Sun.  The next object of attraction is the huge Nandi, the divine vehicle of Lord Siva.  There lies in the courtyard a well, held very sacred and it is believed that Ganges water is flowing into it.   Hence the craze for sipping.  The craftsmanship of sculptors peeps through the images, and the wall panels depict the stories of several devotees, like Chandeswar etc.  This visit-worthy 11th century shrine is situated at a distance of 56 km to the North east of Tanjore.

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