Exploring Dravidian architectural marvels…
In this report, we embark on a captivating exploration of Tamil Nadu’s architecture marvels, uncovering the intricate designs, ancient craftsmanship, and timeless beauty that define the structures standing tall across this culturally vibrant state.
a) Musical Steps
Airavatesvara Temple is a Hindu temple with Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple’s entrance has musical steps made of stones, producing seven different notes on tapping. Each step emits a different tone of the musical scale. One can hear all the Sapta Swaras `Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Tha Ne’ at various points. A few years ago countries like Chile and Belgium created a set up where musical notes were produced when people walked on a particular surface, however our ancestors made this wonder 900 years ago.
Till date, with the advanced technology, we can’t make sound-producing stone structures. Here, we have to note the important point that this structure has 10 steps. The one who wonders why we have 3 extra stones ought to know that these 3 steps produce Aah, Ooh and MM which when combined give the sound “OM”. Om is often recognized as the prime symbol of Hinduism and is said to be the primordial sound from which the universe was created. The three syllables A-U-M are said to represent the trinity of the three major gods, namely, Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer). They also symbolize the three gunas, or energies of nature — Sattva (balance and harmony), Rajas (action and enthusiasm) and Tamas (inertia and darkness).
b) Stone Chain
The Chola dynasty, which lasted until 1053, saw the construction of several temples, one of them being the Varadharaja Perumal Temple. King Vikrama and King Kulottunga Chola I oversaw the construction of the temple while the future Chola Kings expanded it later. The single stone used to build this massive stone chain has no visible joints. To be more precise, each link in the chain is exactly round in shape. Metal can be formed into chains by joining one piece to another, but it boggles one’s mind as to how it could have been achieved through stone by our great ancestors. All that is required to create this architectural and artistic marvel is a single stone that is connected by a series of rings without compromising the piece’s coherence.
c) Rotating sphere inside Yali’s mouth
Uthirakosamangai Mangalanathar temple was mentioned in a 9th-century text called Thiruvasagam, making it older than 1200 years. It is believed to have been built during the Pandya dynasty’s rule. Uthirakosamangai is situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, close to the Gulf of Mannar. Locals believe that this temple is one of the oldest temples in India, about 3000 years old. A legendary creature that combines elements of the lion, elephant, and snake is called a Yazhi or Yali. One interesting finding is that constructed Yali’s mouth contains an indestructible, perfectly shaped spherical ball that can be rotated 360 degrees. The ball inside this old statue is made of onyx, a distinct substance, while the lion itself is composed of a single, solid piece of granite. One must note the color difference, where the ball appears dark, while the statue appears considerably lighter. One can’t get the ball out of the lion’s mouth now because the ball is bigger than the mouth’s apertures. However, we haven’t yet discovered how this opening was initially created and how the ball, which is of a different rock inserted inside. This ball is constructed of solid rock; it is not a flexible rubber ball. Among the temple’s numerous peculiar features is a five-foot-tall dancing Shiva crafted completely of emerald.
d) Musical pillars
The first complex is said to have been built in the seventh century AD by Pandyas. Nindraseer Nedumaran, a monarch from the seventh century AD, is most likely the person who constructed the melodic pillars. When touched, the pillars produce melodies, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship of that era. For a very long time, people have been amazed by the musical pillars. They are supposed to resemble musical notes and produce a sound similar to that of a bell. The seven fundamental musical notes can be produced by the pillars. This place has such exquisite construction that a central pillar is surrounded by a group of 48 pillars that were cut from a single stone. The melodies are produced by a total of 161 pillars. It’s interesting to note that tapping any of the nearby pillars causes them to vibrate. A study discovered a similarity between the sound of the bells produced by the pillars and that produced by an actual bell. The stone pillars can be divided into three categories — the Shruti thoongal (pillars), the Gana thoongal, and the Laya thoongal. There is a blend of Laya and Shruti in the Nellaiappar temple. Laya pillars are those that can create beats, while Shruti is that of the fundamental tones.
e) Optical illusion of a bull and an elephant
During the zenith of the 12th-century Chola architecture, this masterpiece seamlessly merges two of Hinduism’s iconic creatures: the steadfast bull, Nandi — the chosen vagana of Lord Shiva, and the majestic elephant, Airavat — the carrier of Lord Indra. This enigmatic design beckons viewers to shift their perspectives, toying with their perceptions. The interplay between these animals offers profound symbolic interpretations. For many, the bull emerges first, resonating with its strength, honesty, and positivity associations. Conversely, others find themselves greeted by the image of the elephant, a creature revered in Hindu Dharma for its calm demeanor, kindness, and intelligence.
f) Suchindram ThanuMalayan Temple
The current masonry edifice was constructed in the ninth century by the Chola dynasty. Thirumalai Nayak and the Maharajas of Travancore are credited with later extensions. Within one of the pillars lies this sculpture, which produces music. In addition to the beautiful work, the level of competence is astounding. It is possible to pass a thin stick with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm through one ear and out through the other. Consider the necessary degree of tolerance, i.e., less than 0.5 mm hole with a tolerance of less than 20 microns punctured over 400 mm. Our ancestors built this incredible structure when the rest of the world was creating the fundamentals of architecture. Tamil Nadu’s architectural wonders are not just physical structures but living chronicles of a civilization that continues to inspire and captivate us. The journey through Tamil Nadu’s architectural marvels leaves us with a profound appreciation for the skill, dedication, and cultural significance embedded in every stone, carving, and architectural marvel that graces this timeless land.
Author: Santhana Srinivasan R, EC23I2005, Indian classical arts and culture are very unique. India is always known for her vibrant culture and heritage in the world. Taking great pride in it, I find the need to explore and dive deep into it. The marvelous architecture built by our ancestors boggles my mind and reading and writing about the same primarily interests me.
