Ramalingeshwara Group of Temples at Avani – Part 2

In the previous part of this series, I introduced the Ramalingeshwara group of temples at Avani, placing them within the historical context of the Nolamba dynasty, and also exploring the legendary association of the site with the story of Sita, Luv, and Kush.

In this part, let us step closer to the temple and take in its setting, layout, and architectural features, beginning with the entrance itself.

The Setting of the Temple Complex

The temple complex is spread across an area of roughly 1.1 acres, excluding the surrounding waterbodies and structures outside the main enclosure. It is oriented east-facing, as is common with many Shiva temples.

What immediately stands out is the absence of a towering superstructure above the entrance. Instead of a later-period gopuram, the entrance presents a more compact, stone-built mandapa-like structure (the base of the tower), reflecting its early medieval origins.

The Entrance Structure

The entrance is defined by a solid granite structure supported by massive pillars. These pillars are not slender or ornamental in the later Chola sense, but robust, almost block-like, giving the entire structure a sense of weight and permanence.

On either side of the entrance are raised platforms, reminiscent of thinnai-like seating spaces. These would have likely served both functional and ritual purposes,  a place for rest, gathering, or observation.

The outer walls at the base level of this entrance structure are particularly interesting. They feature a series of niches (koshtas), both on the outer and inner faces. Within some of these niches, there are sculptures.

Sculptures on the Base and Walls

At the lower level, one can notice friezes of animals and decorative motifs, running along the base of the structure. These are typical of Dravidian temple architecture, where even the foundational elements were treated with artistic care.

Among the sculptural elements seen on the walls and platforms are:

• Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi, the symbolic guardians of wealth
• A distinctive emblem to represent the Nolamba insignia,  a combination of a boar and weapon motifs

An interesting and somewhat unexpected presence here is that of the Saivite saints — Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar. Their images, more commonly associated with Tamil regions, appear here on the raised platform, hinting at later cultural influences or continued patronage beyond the Nolamba period.

The Deepastambha in Front

Directly opposite the entrance stands a tall deepastambha, rising prominently above the surroundings.

This lamp pillar, originally intended to hold rows of lamps during festivals and rituals, now also carries modern additions like speakers and wiring. Yet, its stone shaft and base remain intact, continuing to anchor the visual axis of the temple entrance.

The Waterbodies Around the Temple

The temple is beautifully framed by waterbodies on either side:

• To the right (south) lies the Avani lake, a large and serene waterbody
• To the left (north) is the Devalaya Kalyani, the sacred temple tank

On the banks of the kalyani, one comes across a series of stone icons placed in a row, most notably Naga figures. These serpent icons, often associated with fertility, protection, and ancestral worship, are a common sight near water sources in temple contexts.

Some of these are simple in form, while others show multiple serpent hoods or even anthropomorphic representations, indicating different layers of local worship traditions.

Towards Avani Betta

From the vicinity of the waterbody, one can also catch glimpses of smaller shrines and structures leading towards Avani Betta. The rocky hill rises in the background, connecting the temple complex visually and culturally to the larger sacred landscape of the area.

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The first impression of the Ramalingeshwara complex is not one of grandeur in height, but of depth in detail. Every surface, pillars, walls, bases, and surrounding spaces, carries traces of craftsmanship, patronage, and continued usage across centuries.

In the next part, we shall move further inside and begin exploring the individual shrines that make up the Ramalingeshwara group of temples.

Happy travelling.

My previous episodes:

Part 1