Thread by @Hiddenheritage

Iconography, inscriptions and grandeur inside the 10th century CE Chola-built Somanatha temple at Melpadi, #Vellore dist, TN.

#Jain iconography carved into a natural overhang; 9th century CE. #Vallimalai village, #Vellore dist, TN. The state is dotted with numerous #Jain sites similar to this. Wonder if there is a book that explores the Jain history of the region?

Perhaps the most unique structure in the Kanchipuram-Vellore-Arcot region, a monolithic rock cut temple at Mahendravadi, #Vellore dist, TN. Dates to the 7th century CE. Built under the patronage of Pallava ruler Mahendravarman, this Vishnu temple now houses an idol of Narasimha.

A wonderful climb up the Rajagiri hill, one of 3 hills making up #Gingee fort-complex, #Villupuram dist, TN. Views of and from Kalyana Mahal. The Konars, Cholas, rulers of Vijaynagara and Bijapur, Marathas, Nawabs of Carnatic, Brits & French - seems everyone passed through here.

Halfway up the Rajagiri hill in #Gingee, in a forested part of the climb, lies the site of an ancient shrine. Dedicated to Senji/Chenji Amman, the site perhaps pre-dates the current fort structure. Nayaka-era paintings behind the temple are under threat of being destroyed.

Several local traditions about Senji Amman, the goddess. One holds her to be Draupadi, another links her to a manifestation of Mahisa-sura-mardini. The latter belief has been manifest in buffalo sacrifices taking place at this shrine. This stone carving seems to capture that link

Battlemented walls, watch-towers, temples and water tanks, the fort-complex at Gingee has lots to offer a heritage explorer.

Venkatraman Temple, #Gingee, 16th century CE. Structure has been vandalized repeatedly in the course of its existence. On entering the innermost courtyard, was amazed to see a priest emerging from the sanctum. The place remains in worship. A strong case for full restoration.

The small but stunning Vaikuntha Perumal Temple at #Kanchipuram, TN. With row upon row of carved iconography, is there any part of this temple's walls that has not been worked upon by master artists? The ASI needs to do much more to conserve this 8th century CE Pallava shrine.

An amateur video of the Vaikuntha Perumal temple at #Kanchipuram: . This video does not do justice to the beauty of the temple which has to be seen in person.

@sudhagee Thanks a ton for pointing me to this temple. What a place!

Sharing some details of the fascinating Kailashnathar Temple, #Kanchipuram. This 8th century Pallava-built, sandstone temple is a riot of carvings. Temple is under restoration by the ASI.