Thread by @ShefVaidya

A thread on #krishnapuram temple, near Thirunelveli, TN. Even in a land full of ancient temples full of sculptural treasures, the Arulmigu Venkatachalapathy temple at Krishnapuram stands out for its unique sculptures. #TamizhTales

Located barely 8 kms from Thirunelveli, the #krishnapuram temple is a storehouse of exquisite sculptures carved during the Madurai Nayaka period. Inscriptions say the temple was built by Krishnappa Nayak, after whom the place is named. #TamizhTales

The temple is spread over an area of 1.8 acres. Originally, the temple had three praharams, built from granite. But the outermost praharam was demolished by an Izlamic general Chanda Sahib at the orders of Nawab of Arcot. The stones were used to build the fort of Palayamkottai!

The temple has several mandapas built over the years, many of whom are decorated with larger than life exquisite sculptures based on Puranic themes as well as secular life. The sculptures are carved out of one of the most difficult mediums, hard granite, #TamizhTales

This Murti of Rati is exquisite. See how her left cheek has swollen slightly as she is chewing on thamboolam. Her hairstyle n jewellery is exquisite. Notice how the Shilpi has carved her fingers holding the mirror. All this is done in one single block of granite! #TamizhTales

This Murti is of Kuravan, a gypsy, carrying a prince on his shoulders. See the grace in his stance. The shilpi has caught him mid-motion. The Murti looks like he is going to complete the movement any moment, notice his ribs, the curve of his calves. #TamizhTales

These are different pics of the Murti of Arjun, the warrior. You can see the bamboo grooves of his bow, the proud half-smile on his face, his armour and his warrior like stance. #TamizhTales

The temple is a serene, beautiful place, where Shri Vishnu is worshipped as Venkatachalapathy. Sadly, the temple has ugly iron railings that are supposed ‘protect’ the Murtis, but serve as an eyesore! The gift of the HRnCE dept of Tamil Nadu govt that ‘looks after’ the temple!

I wish our temples are managed better, by people who have both devotion and a sense of Hindu aesthetics. Our ancestors went to great trouble to carve such exquisite Murtis, the least we can do is to look after them. Please visit #krishnapuram if you can. Pics by @asdiwakar and me