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On the occasion of Durgashtami, let’s look at some of the brilliant sculptures of Mahishasuramardini of Pallava architecture
The first one is from the Mamallapuram temples, of Narasimhavarma I era. The majestic, animated presentation here is just mind boggling
The first one is from the Mamallapuram temples, of Narasimhavarma I era. The majestic, animated presentation here is just mind boggling
Not far from Mamallapuram, there is a rock cut temple in Saluvankuppam, popularly known as Tiger Cave, of 8th Century CE. Here too there is a Mahishasuramardini sculpture which is similar to the Mamallapuram one. Here the Mahisha seem to be running away unlike the first one.
This one is from the famous Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram, built by Rajasimha Pallava (8th Century CE). The eight armed goddess here is in a causal pose, putting one leg on the Lion and all set for war. Just look at the detail of the bangles in her arms !!
A similar sculpture, from the Talagirisvarar temple in Panamalai, near Ginjee. Built by Rajasimha Pallava, the Mahishasuramardini relief looks graceful and majestic here
This very small Mahishasuramardini can be seen inside a Lion statue in the shore temple complex of Mamallapuram. This also belong to the Rajasimha Pallava era. Seems the Pallavas have a special Bhakti towards the Goddess which is evident from these sculptures
