The Wooden Sculptures of Manur - Part 3

Nestled on the banks of the enchanting river Tamraparani, Tirunelveli is a treasure trove of distinctive and captivating temples, and among them, the Ambalavana Swami temple in Manur stands out. While I've previously explored two remarkable aspects of this temple in my articles, the exquisite wooden sculptures within its sacred precincts remain an overlooked marvel. In a landscape where numerous narratives have delved into the legend and history of this site, the intricate wooden sculptures deserve their own spotlight. Gracing four distinct slabs in two rows on either side of the Nataraja sanctum's front, these artistic creations of 1700s offer a unique dimension to the temple's charm. Join me as we delve into a list and attempt to identify these captivating wooden sculptures, complemented by corresponding photographs. 

The first slab facing the west side has the below listed nine sculptures. Check my earlier article on this link, where I have accompanied the list with all photographs.

1) Hanuman carrying Rama; Rama holds bow and arrow. It depicts a scene in Ramayana Yuddha Kanda where Rama seated on Hanuman fighting his enemies.

2) Krishna flanked by Rukmini and Satyabhama

3) Manmatha (Kama Deva) holding a sugarcane bow in his arm; he generally has a parrot as his vahana. However, he is seated on a mythical animal having the face of a lion and body of a bird.

4) A tall tribal woman carrying an infant on her shoulders and having a big pot in her arm; a dwarf is seen accompanying her.

5) Garudantika Vishnu; Garuda carrying the four-armed Vishnu

6) Vishnu flanked by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi

7) Multi-armed Tri Vikrama with his right leg raised facing the sky; Brahma is seen at his right foot; Bali is seen below.

8) The ferocious Kali with her Simha (lion) Vahana

9) Three women (I wonder if they are three wives of Dasharata)

The second slab facing the east side, opposite to the first slab, has the below listed seven sculptures. Check my earlier article on this link, where I have accompanied the list with all photographs.

10) A form of Shiva, as he holds deer in his upper left arm. As the sculpture is eroded, I am unable to identify the exact form.

11) Shiva seated on Nandi with the small figure of Uma on his left lap. A Gana is seen holding a chhatri (umbrella) above the divine couple.

12) Vishnu and Lakshmi (possibly) gently rocking the swing to and fro. I believe it is the Oonjal practice that is part of divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati. However, the swing is seen empty in this sculpture.

13) A couple romancing each other.

14) Rama holding bow and arrow in his arms.

15) A man and woman romancing each other. I am unable to identify the large object that the woman carries.

16) Two women playing musical instruments.

The third slab facing the west side, adjacent to the first slab, has the below listed eight sculptures.

17) A saint is found seated and he is flanked by two men. I believe the saint must be Karuvur Siddhar. The two men are with crowns on their heads and hence they should represent two kings/princes.

18) Kuratti (a female belonging to Kuravar community) is found carrying an infant on her shoulders and a big basket in her arms. She places her right arm on the head of another infant.

19) Four-armed Bhairava holding trishul, damaru and serpent in his arms accompanied by his dog (Shvan) vahana.

20) Twenty-armed and ten-headed Ravana trying to lift Kailasha with Shiva seated with a small figure of Uma on his left lap - Ravana Anugraha Murti

22) Ten-armed ferocious Narasimha is found killing Hiranyakashipu. Hiranya is found holding a sword in his right arm. Narasimha holds the tiny thighs of Asura with two of his arms and he uses another arm to strangle the neck of Asura. The fight scene and the defeat of Hiranya are beautifully depicted.

23) Multi-armed Veerabhadra with beard crumpling an Asura with his feet.

24) The beautiful Mohini and the sages seduced by her.

25) Nataraja and Sivakami

Let me continue with the remaining sculptures in the forthcoming posts.

Happy travelling.