Abstract
The Chola rulers made significant contributions to the development of temple architecture in Tamil Nadu, particularly through the evolution of the Dravidian architectural tradition. The present study examines the distinctive architectural and sculptural features of the Tiruvēḷvikkuḍi Manavāḷēśvara Temple, situated near Kuthalam in the Cauvery region. Constructed during the reign of Uttama Chola (970–985 CE), the temple represents an important phase in the development of Early Chola architecture. Drawing upon literary sources, inscriptions and architectural evidence, this study analyses the structural components of the temple, particularly the Garbhagriha, Artha Mandapa, Nataraja Mandapa and Vimana.
Special attention is given to the architectural arrangement of the Adhisthana, Bhitti and Prastara, including their distinctive mouldings, pilasters, ornamental motifs and sculptural representations. The Adhisthana exhibits an elaborate arrangement of Upana, Jagati, Adho Padma, Vritta Kumuda, Kanda, Pattika and Vedika, enriched with sculptural representations of Yalis, elephants and human figures. The Taranga Potikai, Makara Toranas and floral scroll decorations further demonstrate the artistic excellence of Early Chola craftsmanship. The study also identifies the architectural modifications of the Later Chola period, particularly in the upper portion of the Vimana.
A comparative examination with other Early Chola temples in Kuthalam Taluk reveals certain variations in the arrangement of architectural mouldings, pillars and decorative elements. These distinctive features suggest artistic experimentation within the established Early Chola architectural tradition. The study concludes that the Tiruvēḷvikkuḍi Manavāḷēśvara Temple occupies a significant position in the evolution of Chola temple architecture, reflecting both continuity in traditional structural principles and innovation in architectural and sculptural expression.
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References
20 references- M. Manickam, Tiruvēḷvikkuḍi Talavaralaru, p. 2.
- P. R. Natarajan, Tirugnanasambandar Swamigal – Tēvāram, Tirumurai 1, 2, 3, Part I, p. 440.
- Annual Report on Epigraphy (ARE), Nos. 136, 114, 125, 128, 112, 113 / 1926.
- ARE, Nos. 120, 140 / 1926.
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- K. V. Soundararajan, Tamil Nadu’s Beautiful Arts, p. 7.
- S. R. Balasubramaniam, Early Chola Temple, p. 48.
- G. Sethuraman, History of Tamil Nadu's Social and Cultural Arts, p. 81.
- R. Rajagopalan, Tamil Temple Architecture – Technical Aspects of Adhishthana, p. 76.
- Stella Kramrisch, The Hindu Temple, p. 305.
- R. Rajagopalan, Tamil Temple Architecture – Technical Aspects of Adhishthana, pp. 83–87.
- G. Jouveau-Dubreuil, Dravidian Architecture, p. 41.
- Ibid., p. 44.
- Ibid., p. 45.
How to Cite
முற்காலச் சோழர் கோயில் கட்டிடக்கலை: திருவேள்விக்குடி மணவாளேஸ்வரர் கோயிலைச் சிறப்பாகக் கொண்டு ஓர் ஆய்வு: Early Chola Temple Architecture: With Special Reference to the Tiruvēḷvikkuḍi Manavāḷēśvara Temple. (2026). Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies, 12(06), 62-69. https://tamilmanam.in/journal/index.php/issue/article/view/871
