Next let’s look at the sixth page. The boys we mentioned earlier voluntarily came with us till the end and guided us and showed us around the small temple very well. Apart from that, they also told us some information that they know about what happened there. Finally when we left we gave them some money and they walked away happily.We missed the little guides as we left Kodumpalur.
Inside the temple complex there was a small Nandi inside the temple wall. A small enclosure was beautifully set up for it. A saffron colored cloth tied around Nandi’s neck was a sign of worship. A mace was planted before it.
Next step was a small beautiful relaxation hall in front of the temple. While sitting in this hall, I could feel its coolness. On the pillars of the hall, the postures were very elegantly designed. The pillars inside it were still in very good condition. There were many inscriptions on the walls around the temple.
Since all these temples belonged to the Pallava period, it seems that these Kodumbalur kings knew the importance of inscriptions before the Cholas. Because while studying the history they will say that the Cholas brought the custom of inscriptions and that is why the history is known clearly on Chola achievements. Since these temples are older than the great temple of Tanjore and has so many inscriptions, there is a possibility that they discovered it before the Cholas.
The towers of this temple are similar to the other temples seen earlier. All these Kodumbalur temples have very beautiful carvings of turtle faces at the top, bottom and four corners of the temple foundations. I don’t know why they give so much importance to this turtle. The reason for this remains a question mark. When I get time I will research this and clarify for you.
Saraswati statue can be seen atop a tower in this temple. But it appears to be decaying in obscurity. Just like other temples, idols of Yazhis and dancing maiden idols adorn the four sides of the gopuram. All the halls in the temples seen earlier have been destroyed. But as far as this temple is concerned it is still good as the people of the village worship in the temple.
There was a well inside that temple. The well was built very elegantly hundreds of years ago. This temple is under the control of the Archeology Department but it is not fenced and protected. Cigarette butts and liquor bottles are littered in the well and looks like a pile of garbage. It is true that there is no maintenance as far as this well is concerned.
But on my third visit the well was clean. I think maybe the youth of that village would have cleaned it. It would be better if the villagers maintain the well as they keep the temple hall clean.
Due to the lack of security arrangements here, thefts happen from time to time. Around this temple, there are many idols lying untouched. It would be good if the archeology department preserves it. See you in the next post.