Date:13/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/13/stories/2006121306790300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Others

Ancient idols, pillars found

Staff Reporter

PUDUKOTTAI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed stone idols and pillars dating back to 16th century at the Sri Kuduminathar temple in Kudumiyanmalai in the district, during the course of renovating the rock-cut temple.

The idols were either broken or mutilated at the time of retrieval near the Unjal Mandapam of the temple when the base stones were removed.

The ASI authorities have arranged the idols and pillars in a row in front of the Sri Akilandeswari shrine of the temple.

The style and form of their shape and design indicate that the idols belong to the 16th century, according to the Curator, Government Museum, Pudukottai, C. Govindaraj.

These idols could have been sculpted during the intermediary period between the Vijayanagar dynasty and the Pallavarayar era, he said.

A few features of these idols were consistent with the ones installed at the temple, especially the idol of Sri Dasavatara Vishnu.

Biggest idol

The biggest idol among the findings is said to represent the form of Dwarapalaka.

The mandapam at the entrance to the Sri Akilandeswari shrine was renovated centuries ago and new slabs were used to cover up the old stone slabs, according to ASI sources.

The authorities have removed one of the later period stone slabs and replaced it with an original one.