Krishnapuram – A Temple of Timeless Sculptures - Part 3

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram, a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine.

While most temple accounts begin with the deity, architecture, history, and legends before discussing sculptures, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so remarkably detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. Their craftsmanship is beyond words, and with photography not permitted, experiencing them in person becomes even more special.

Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will depart from convention and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple.

Upon entering through the gopuram, to the right (on the northern side), stands the imposing Veerappa Nayakka Mandapa. This hall features six rows of pillars, with the front six adorned with exquisite, life-sized sculptures.

This is the third article in my series. In my previous pieces, I described the first two sculptures—positioned at the eastern end and facing south—a striking Kurathi and a Kurathi kidnapping a prince. Now, let’s explore the third pillar from the eastern end.

This sculpture represents Arjuna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata, captured in a dynamic tribhaṅga (triple-bend) posture. His face exhibits veerarasa (heroic expression), with an intense yet slightly smiling look. Unlike the usual clean-shaven depictions of Arjuna, this sculpture presents him with a well-defined mustache and beard. His elongated eyes, slightly raised at the outer corners, add to his striking appearance. He wears a kirīṭa-mukuṭa (ornate conical crown), along with elaborate necklaces, including a broad hāra (torque-style necklace) and multiple layers of beaded chains. His upper arms are adorned with heavy kāṭaka (armlets) and elegant bhujavalaya (spiral armlets). Nūpura (anklets) and keyūra (bracelets) complete his warrior attire.

The lower garment is tied with an ornate mekhalā (waistband), its folds and drapes exquisitely rendered. The udara-bandha (chest belt) signifies his warrior discipline. In his right hand, he holds the gandīva, his legendary bow, while his left hand firmly grips an arrow, symbolizing his combat readiness.

The other sides of the pillar also feature intriguing sculptures. One depicts a woman stamping on someone with her legs. Another, similar to the second sculpture I previously discussed, portrays a Kurathi lifting a prince. In another striking depiction, a woman forcefully pulls off the beard of a deceitful rishi as he inappropriately touches her.

Happy travelling.

This is Part 3 of the series of articles on Krishnapuram Temple. If you are interested to read the earlier parts of the series, click the links below.

Part 1

Part 2