Moovar Koil, aptly named in Tamil which literally means “Three temples”. The temple complex originally consisted of three almost identical temples standing in a line facing west, but only two have survived.
In front of the 3,their front ardh-mandapas connecting to a common maha-mandapa & surrounding the main shrines are 16 shrines for the subsidiary deities(parivara devatas).Among these,only the two temples are intact in full and rest of the structures with only basement & pathways.
The temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures of Shiva as Ardhanari,Bhikshatana, Umasahita,Gangadhara, Kalariother gods & apsaras.
Remarkable one is ‘Bhara Siva’-Shiva shown holding a linga over his shoulders as a representation of practice of carrying ishta-lingas.
Kodumbalur (erstwhile Capital of Irukkuvelir which is referred as ‘Kodumbai’ in Tamil epic ‘Silappatikaram’), now a village in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu.
Commissioned by Irukkuvel Chief Bhooti Vikramakesari on behalf of himself and his two wives,Katrali and Varaguna between 9th-10th Century. Irukkuvel were connected to the Cholas matrimonially, making them taking side of the Cholas against fights with the Pallavas and the Pandyas.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.