The Pallava dynasty, spanning from 275 CE to 897 CE, exerted its influence over a significant part of the Deccan, known as Tondaimandalam. Their impact on southern Indian history and heritage was pivotal, emerging as a prominent force following the decline of the Satavahana Empire.
Under the rule of Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE) and Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE), the Pallavas achieved dominance, reigning over the southern Andhra region and the northern parts of Tamil Nadu for approximately 600 years, until the conclusion of the 9th century. Throughout their rule, they engaged in persistent conflicts with the Chalukyas of Vatapi to the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas to the south. Renowned for their patronage of Hindu Vaishnava temple architecture, the Pallavas’ notable contribution is exemplified by the Shore Temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mamallapuram. The capital of the Pallava kingdom was Kancheepuram. Leaving behind an enduring legacy, the dynasty’s remarkable sculptures and temples laid the groundwork for medieval southern Indian architecture.
Historians Raj Panneerselvam and Udayaraja from Tiruvannamalai, during their field study in the Ulundurpet region of Kallakurichi district, have come across an exceptional stone sculpture. Their exploration led them to discover a depiction of Ayyanar situated on the lakeshore of Gunamangalam town within the Ulundurpet circle.
Ayyanar is intricately carved in bas-relief on a stone slab measuring approximately 3 feet in width and 4 feet in height. The depiction showcases Ayyanar wearing a beaded round crown atop his head, adorned with an ear-ring (Bhadra kundalam) in his elongated ears. His face is round with a mustache, and he sports a banded necklet (Sarapalli) around his neck. Seated on a pedestal in Utkuthikasana, Ayyanar positions his left hand on the pedestal while his right hand hangs by his leg, exuding a majestic presence.
At the feet of Ayyanar, a dog and goat are illustrated, with Ayyanar wrapped in a styled cloth (Yogga pattai) around his right leg from the shoulder. He wears a loin cloth, and a short sword is attached to it. Two water pots are depicted, one near the right leg and another near the dog, while a rooster is shown near the left thigh.
To the upper right side of Ayyanar, a horse is depicted, and on the left side, a female worker fans (Samaram – made of peacock feathers) the god. Next to them is a prostrate figure in a somewhat damaged state.
Raj Panneer Selvam notes, “Despite numerous Pallava Ayyanar sculptures being documented in the Villupuram region, this particular Ayyanar sculpture stands out for its uniqueness, featuring a plethora of sculptural ensembles. From the costume and ornamentation to the sculptural relief, it is confirmed to be an 8th-century Pallava Ayyanar. Remarkably, this statue, over 1200 years old, continues to be revered and worshiped today.”
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