Pallava Temple Architecture: SAPTA PAGODA/RATH STYLE

 

Mamalla Style of Temple Architecture:

·       Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, made significant contributions to temple architecture. This period introduced important features to Pallava architecture:

Arjuna's Penance:

v The Descent of the Ganges is carved on two massive boulders known as "Arjuna's Penance" or "Bhagiratha's Penance," situated in an open-air setting in Mahabalipuram.

v The relief at Mamallapuram, popularly known as Arjuna's Penance, is a complex and multi-layered work of art that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The two main interpretations are that it depicts either Arjuna's penance to obtain the Pashupatastra from Shiva, or Bhagiratha's penance to bring the Ganges down to earth.

v The central theme of the sculpture is derived from Hindu mythology and depicts the legend of Bhagiratha, a king who performed severe penance to bring the sacred River Ganges down from the heavens to Earth. The relief illustrates the descent of the Ganges from the celestial realm.

v Arjuna's penance is an impressive bas-relief from the period of Narasimhavarman I. It depicts the story of Kiratarjuniya, where Arjuna, the Mahabharata warrior, obtains the Pasupatha weapon from Lord Shiva after a grueling battle and penance.

v The central focus of the relief is on Lord Shiva and an emaciated Arjuna, both engaged in penance. The artist's creativity is evident as the scene is placed near a river, cleverly using a natural cleft to represent the river, complete with a depiction of a naga and nagini.

v The atmosphere of tranquility is enhanced by the presence of celestial beings like Chandra, Surya, Kinnaras, Ghandarvas, and Apsaras. Additionally, there are hunters carrying their hunt, various animals, sages engaged in penance in front of a temple, and Brahmins performing mid-day rituals.

v Notably, the artwork includes a deer peacefully resting beside a lion and playful rats around a cat standing on its hind legs in penance, adding to the overall mood.

v The artist's skill is evident in the realistic depiction of animals, accurately proportioned and naturally formed, showcasing exceptional execution.

·        Arjuna’s Penance Panel

Seven Pagodas

v The term "Seven Pagodas" refers to a legendary complex of Hindu temples located on the Coromandel Coast of southeastern India. These temples are said to have been built by the Pallava dynasty, which ruled the region from the 3rd to the 9th century CE. The legend of the Seven Pagodas is often associated with the town of Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), which is famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.

v The legend suggests that there were originally seven magnificent pagodas or temples in the area, but over time, six of them were submerged by the sea due to natural calamities or coastal erosion. Only one of these temples, known as the Shore Temple, remains visible today. The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

·        Pillar Design: The pillars of the temples in the Mamalla style were tall, slender, and elegantly ornamented, departing from the thick, heavy, cubical pillars of the earlier Mahendra style. These pillars featured lion-headed creatures known as "simha vyala" motifs, which provided support.

·        Rathas at Mahabalipuram:

·        Narasimhavarman I is renowned for commissioning the construction of the "rathas" at Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram.

·        These rathas, carved from monolithic rock, are a group of ten temples, with the "pancha pandava rathas" (Five Rathas) being the most significant. These rathas are designed in various architectural styles, including Buddhist vihara and chaitya styles.

·        These pancha rathas are: the Draupadi ratha, Dharmaraja ratha, Bhima ratha, Arjuna ratha, and Nakul-Sahdeva ratha.

·        The Draupadi ratha ( smallest), in a square plan, is made in a very simple manner. It appears to look like a village hut with a thatched roof. The Bhima ratha – the largest of all – has a barrelled roof as we see in the Buddhist chaityas. Notable among them is the Dharmaraja ratha, which features a three-storeyed vimana (tower).

·        Apart from these five rathas we also have the Valaiyankuttai ratha, Ganesha ratha, northern Pidari ratha and southern Pidari ratha and another one in front of the Mahishasurmardini cave.

Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram:

• Built by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha): Probably in the reign of Narasimhavarman II (700-728 CE).
• Orientation: Faces east towards the ocean.
• Shrines: Three shrines, two to Shiva (facing east and west), and one to Vishnu as Anantashayana. Evidence suggests different shrines may have been added at different times.
• Compound: Water tank, early example of a gopuram, and several other images.
• Sculptures: Carvings of Nandi and lower walls damaged by salt-water erosion.

Narsimhavarman II

·       The reign of Narsimhavarman II, spanning from 700 to 728 CE, was relatively peaceful compared to the continuous conflicts between the Pallavas and Chalukyas.

·       During his rule, Narsimhavarman II is primarily remembered for his architectural endeavors.

·       The renowned Kailāsanātha temple in Kānci, built under his patronage, marked the inauguration of the Dravidian style of architecture.

·       His diplomatic efforts included sending an ambassador to China, and he received high honors from the Chinese emperor.

Rajasimha Style,

·       introduced during the reign of Narsimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, marked a significant departure from the earlier techniques of temple construction in the Pallava period.

·       Instead of rock-cut caves, Rajasimha embraced structural temples built by stacking blocks of rock on top of one another. This architectural style gave rise to some remarkable temples:

1.     Shore Temple at Mamallapuram: Rajasimha oversaw the construction of the Shore Temple, a magnificent temple complex that overlooks the Bay of Bengal. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, is an iconic example of Pallava architecture in the Rajasimha Style.

2.     Ishvara Temple: Another temple built by Rajasimha at Mamallapuram is the Ishvara Temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcases the intricate workmanship and architectural innovation of the Rajasimha Style.

3.     Mukunda Temple: The Mukunda Temple is yet another architectural gem constructed during Rajasimha's reign in Mamallapuram. Like the other temples of this era, it reflects the unique features of the Rajasimha Style.

4.     Kailashnath Temple: In Kanchipuram, Rajasimha is credited with the construction of the Kailashnath Temple, also known as the Rajasimhesvara Temple. This temple is notable for its pyramidal vimana (tower) and a flat-roofed mandapa (hall).

5.     Vaikunthaperumal Temple: Another significant temple built by Rajasimha in Kanchipuram is the Vaikunthaperumal Temple. It stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Pallavas during his reign.

6.     Airavatesvara Temple: The Airavatesvara Temple is another noteworthy creation of Rajasimha. While its exact location is not specified, it is recognized for its architectural significance within the Rajasimha Style.

Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar Temple in Thanjavur:

• Built by Rajaraja Chola: Completed around 1009 CE, largest and tallest Indian temple.
• Chola Period: Over a hundred important Chola temples well-preserved, many still active shrines.
• Vimana Structure: Massive, 70 meters in height, topped by an octagonal dome-shaped stupika.
• Gopuras: Two large gateway towers with elaborate sculptural programs, conceived along with the temple.
• Deity: Main deity is Shiva, represented by a huge lingam in a two-storeyed sanctum.
• Decorations: Hundreds of stucco figures decorate the vimana. Walls surrounding the sanctum feature painted murals and sculptures.