Pallava Dynasty

Pallava's played an important role in the evolution of temple building in the start of the century. They initiated a sea change in the construction of temples. The temples which earlier were built of wood and brick moved to more durable form. Black stone/ Granite was identified by them. Initial temple forms started with cave excavations (Mamandur), Monolithic structures seen in Mahalbalipuram.   Then came the giant leap into era of structural temples. In these temples, the raw material - stone could be brought from far off places,...

Madurai - A Temple City

Madurai also referred as "Koodal", "Naanmada Koodal", "Koodal Nagar", "Thiruvaalavai", "Aaalavai" - a living museum for thousands of years has had an uninterrupted history of literature, art and architecture that flourished in this temple town. The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is clearly the geographic and ritual centre of the ancient city of Madurai. The temple walls, the city streets and finally the city walls were built around the temple in concentric squares. Presiding deity of this temple are Lord Sundareshwarar (Siva) and Goddess...