Question

Give an account of the Pandya contribution to temple architecture.

Answer 1

The Pandya period is marked as renaissance period in the field of rock cut temple. The rock cut temples are known for their merit. More than 50 rock cut temples were excavated from the Pandya kingdom. More rock cut temples are found in Thirupparankundram, Anaimalai, Karaikudi, Kalugumalai, Malaiyadikurichi and Trichy. These temples were constructed for Lord Siva and Vishnu. Cave temples are also found in temples at Kalugumalai and Trichy. Rock cut caves were also there.

Pandya architecture includes both rock-cut and structural temples. The early rock-cut temples have monolithic vimanas. The structural ones are small stone temples and have all the features of bigger temples i.e. vimana, mandapa and sikhara. Groups of small temples are to be seen at Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu. The Shiva temples have a Nandi in front of the maha mandapa.

The period of the latter Pandya rulers saw the development of elegant vimanas with finely sculptured idols and the gopurams or portals of the temples. The rectangular entrance or portals of the temple are called the gopurams. The portions above the entrance is pyramidal in shape. Gradually the gopurams were given more importance than the sikharas.

Thus, the contribution of the Pandya to temple architecture holds a significant importance.

Answer 2

The Pandyas a noteworthy contribution to temple architecture. Many examples of Pandya temples can be seen in various places like Chidambaram, Madurai, Trichy, Karaikudi, Mannarkudi and Kovilpatti to mention just a few. They constructed two types of temples as mentioned below:

*Rock cut temples – Over 50 rock cut temples were constructed by the Pandyas and they were dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva.

*Structural temples – These temples were constructed on and with stones and had a simple style. A temple of this type had three main parts, namely, Garbagraha, Mahamandapa and Arthamandapa.