VELUDHARAN TEMPLES VISIT : A Chozha period ruined Shiva Temple at Kallapuliyur, near Vandavasi, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

Thursday 7 June 2018

A Chozha period ruined Shiva Temple at Kallapuliyur, near Vandavasi, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

03^rd June 2018.

After participating the 54^th Ahimsa walk, organized by the Tamil Jains, we, 4 people alone went to this ruined Shiva Temple near the Kallapuliyur Jinalaya.

This west facing Shiva Temple with a Rishabam in front, is in dilapidated condition.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam. The entrance to the main shrine is through the mandapa on South side. The Arthamandapa pillars are neatly carved. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhisthanam.

The Vimanam was built with brick and mortar is now no more. The first level keerthi mukas only remains, speaks the glory of the past. There is also a mandapa on the north side in ruined state. Koshta and parivara sannadhi statues are kept separately.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The front mandapam may be built during Nayakas period and brick wall was constructed abutting the pillars to form a closed mandapam at a latter period. The inscriptions from late Chozha period- (12^th century) to the recent period are found on the sanctum wall and base / adhistanam. The temple might have been reconstructed once or twice.

Since Lord Shiva is still in worship, request HR&CE and well wishers to carry out the renovations to extend the life and worship.