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Ramalingeshwara Group of Temples at Avani – Part 1

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Avani is a quiet village in the Kolar district of Karnataka, located about 80 kilometres from Bengaluru. At first glance, it appears like many other small settlements in the region. But a closer look reveals that this modest village preserves layers of history that span mythology, early medieval dynasties, and remarkable temple architecture. The village lies close to a scenic hill known as Avani Betta , a rocky hill that rises prominently above the surrounding landscape. Near the base of this hill stands a beautiful waterbody, adding to the tranquil setting of the place. Near this waterbody and the rising hill is located an ancient temple complex that has silently witnessed centuries of history, the Ramalingeshwara group of temples . This complex is not a single shrine but a cluster of temples that together form an important monument of early medieval South Indian architecture. The Nolambas – Builders of the Temple Complex The temples here were constructed during the period of the ...
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A Rare Temple for Saraswati

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Temples dedicated exclusively to Saraswati , the goddess of learning, are surprisingly rare in Tamil Nadu. The well-known shrine at Koothanur near Tiruvarur is perhaps the most famous. Another shrine exists in Tirunelveli , and the Thanjavur Palace also houses a Saraswati temple, though worship is no longer performed there today. Less known, however, is a modest but interesting Saraswati shrine located in Thangi village near Kanchipuram . Standing quietly along the main road from Walajabad to Kanchipuram , this small temple complex also includes a Vinayaka shrine and an old traveler’s rest pavilion known as the Vazhipokkar Mandapam . Together, these structures form a small yet historically meaningful heritage cluster. A temple pond known locally as Saraswati Kulam (also called Pisanan kulam) lies on the right side of the temple. The calm rural setting, the presence of a historic mandapa, and the rare Saraswati shrine make this place a noteworthy stop for anyone interested in lesse...
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Location: RQ3G+9CX, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631601, India
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Sharadambal Temple, Coimbatore

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In the heart of Coimbatore’s bustling Race Course area stands a serene spiritual centre dedicated to the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom,  Sharadambal , also known as Sharda Devi . The temple represents the spiritual lineage of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Karnataka. The temple faces east and was consecrated in the year 1979 . Its establishment is closely linked to the blessings of Sri Abhinava Vidya Theertha Maha Swamigal , the revered Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. A prominent industrialist from Coimbatore, seeking the Acharya’s guidance, was inspired to establish a shrine dedicated to Goddess Sharada in the city. A generous contribution came from the well-known philanthropist Sulur Nanjunda Iyer , who donated one acre of land in the Race Course area for the construction of the temple. With the support and contributions of devotees, the temple was soon built and consecrated, thus creating a sacred link between Coimbatore and the ancient spiritual seat of Sringe...
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Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Adi Narayana Perumal Temple, Pulicat

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Ten heads flare in defiance. A single bow is drawn in response. A deer glows deceptively. Brothers clash in a forest duel. A vanara kneels before a sorrowing queen. Flames rise. A coronation follows. This is not unfolding in a sprawling Chola complex. Not in Hampi. Not in a monument celebrated in every history book. It is in Pulicat. Or, to call it by its older name, Pazhaverkadu. Yes...the same Pulicat near Chennai, better known today for lagoon sunsets, migratory birds and weekend boating. Step inside an unassuming temple here. Do not look straight ahead. Look up. Across the laterite roof cross-beams runs an entire epic, carved in miniature. Miniature figures march across horizontal panels, episode after episode, as though the Ramayana chose to live quietly above our heads rather than on towering walls. Welcome to the Adi Narayana Perumal Temple of Pazhaverkadu . A Ramayana in Miniature The most astonishing sculptural programme of this temple is not on its façade. It...
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Location: Pulicat, Tamil Nadu 601205, India
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Kanheri Caves - Part 16

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This is the 16th article in my series on the Kanheri Caves . In the earlier parts, I explored the architectural layout and sculptural grandeur of Cave No. 1, 2 and 3, covering their majestic entrances, imposing pillars, colossal Buddha images, donor couple sculptures, extensive sculptural panels along the verandah walls, stupas, lion crowned pillars, votive stupas, some of the earliest Buddha figures and much more. In this part, I now move slightly northward from Cave No. 3 to cover Cave No. 4 . This cave shares the same rock mass as Cave No. 3, yet its character is entirely different. To reach Cave No. 4, one has to ascend a good number of steps. The climb itself creates a subtle transition from the expansive grandeur of the Chaitya hall of Cave No. 3 to something far more intimate. At the top of the steps lies a small circular chamber. Inside this compact cell stands a solid stupa. The space is modest, the chamber is circular, and the stupa almost fills it. There is no elaborate faç...
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Location: 6W53+4WV, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066, India
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Adi Varaha Cave Temple, Mamallapuram – The Living Pallava Shrine Few Get to See

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When we speak of Mamallapuram , the mind usually goes to the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, or the great relief often called Arjuna’s Penance. But there is one monument here that many visitors miss. Not because it is insignificant. Not because it is hidden. But because it is alive. The Adi Varaha Cave Temple is a living shrine. The early Pallava inscriptions within the cave, along with later Chola records referring to the shrine as Parameshvara-Mahavaraha-Vishnu-Griham , indicate that it has remained in active worship from the time of its creation. Even today, the temple opens only during fixed pooja hours in the morning and evening. For the rest of the day, it remains closed. For long periods in the past, entry was restricted to foreigners. That limited access explains why the temple finds little mention in early European travel accounts and why it continues to remain outside the usual tourist circuit. Yet architecturally and historically, this cave is among the most complete and b...
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Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
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