Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally
description
Transcript of Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally
![Page 1: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Lalitankura Pallava Griham
A Pallava treasure on Tiruchirappalli Rockfort
S. Swaminathan([email protected])
![Page 2: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
There are two iconographic compositions which owe considerably to the Pallava-s: Somaskandaand Gangadhara.
Both these have captivated artists through the ages.
Pallava Art Heritage
![Page 3: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
This depicts Shiva and Parvati
seated on a throne, and Skanda
on His Mother’s lap.
Brahma and Vishnu are standing
behind the throne as a mark of homage
to the divine family.
Somaskanda
![Page 4: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Somaskanda, is a Pallava conception.
The image is found in almost all Shiva temples
of South India from the Pallava period
onwards.
Somaskanda
![Page 5: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
This sculpture from Kanchipuram is a
Pallava composition of the 7th century.
Somaskanda
![Page 6: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Later the Chozha artist expressed himself eloquently in bronze
Somaskanda
![Page 7: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
The theme attracted paintersthrough ages
Somaskanda
![Page 8: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
The lord acquiescing to the wishes of Bhagirathaand subduing the mighty Gangahas been a fertile field for creativity.
Gangadhara
![Page 9: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
GangadharaPudukkottai; Pandyas;
7th Century
In thisearly representation,
a relaxed Sivaholds a tress
into whicha prostrating Ganga
descends
![Page 10: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
GangadharaElephanta; Vakatakas; 8th Century
Bhagiratha is seen on the left kneeling and praying.
Ganga is above the Lord.
Siva stands firm receiving the torrent.
Brahma, Vishnu and others gather to witness the spectacle.
The smiling Parvati has Her headturned slightly away.
Is she jealous and angry that another women is given shelter?
![Page 11: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
GangadharaKodumbalur; Irukkuvelir, 9th
century
Poetic is this composition.
Siva’s face is suffused with a tender, but mischievous smile on receiving Ganga,while Parvati moves away in mock anger.
The sequel is shown in the niche below.
The lovers are reconciled. Parvati’s face is lighted up
as she is encircled by the arm of Her Lord
![Page 12: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
GangadharaGangai-konda-chozhapuram; Chozhas,11th
century
In this panelSiva does not take chances.
He holds tenderly His consort while receiving the mighty
Ganga.
![Page 13: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
GangadharaTiruchirappalli; Pallavas; 7th century
This is the earliest in Tamilnaduand is a creation ofMahendra Pallava.
The composition is not only poetic,but carries meaningat more than one level and presents a puzzle
![Page 14: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
The shrines of Tayumanavar andof the Uchchi-p-pillaiyar are well
known.
But there exist three monuments that are of greater antiquity
and are important art treasures.
Monuments in Tiruchirappalli
Rockfort Complex
![Page 15: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
The oldest is a cavern, a holy resort of Jain ascetics.
There are stone-beds where the holy men practised severe
austerities and a number of inscriptions on them.
The earliest inscription in Late Tamil Brahmi of the 3rd century AD is now lost.
Only three inscriptions in Early Vattezhuttu are extant and these are dated to the 5th century AD.
These mention the name of the patrons of the Jaina ascetics.
Jaina Natural Cavern
![Page 16: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Pallava Cave Temple
At the entrance tothe Uchchi-pillaiyar Temple
is an Early Pallava templein which is
the celebratedGangadhara panel
![Page 17: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Pandya Cave Temple
At a lower level is a cave temple, excavated by the Pandya-s in the 8th century.
This is believed to have been designed following the Hindu Shanmatha doctrine of Adi Sankara.
![Page 18: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Now let us visit the Pallava cave temple
![Page 19: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
The Pallava Cave Temple
Importance
The Pallava-s introduced excavating hard rock in the south in the 7th century.
This cave temple is one among the earliest cave temples of the Tamil country.
This is the southern most cave of the Pallava-s.
Like the other Pallava monuments this cave temple also holds some puzzles.
![Page 20: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
The cave temple built by Mahendra Pallava, is dedicated to Siva.
Mahendra calls the shrineLalitankura-pallavesvara-griham.
Lalitankura, meaning charming-offspring, is one among the many titles of Mahendra.
This name is found engraved in the temple.
Lalilankura Pallavesvara Griham
![Page 21: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Sculptures
The sculptural content includes two Pallava dvara-pala-s
guarding the garbha-griham and
the famous Gangadhara panel in bold relief.
![Page 22: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Inscriptions
The cave contains some important inscriptions.
Mahendra engraved 80 of his titles in this shrine, mostly on the pillars.
But, more important is a poem of eight stanzas,composed by the king himself,in Sanskrit, written in the Grantha script.
![Page 23: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Grantha script
Grantha, or more appropriately, Pallava Grantha, is a script used in the Tamil country
to write Sanskrit.
It is also the mother script for Malayalam, and script for most all the languages of the East:
Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Thai, Laos, Khmer, Combodia, Vietnam etc.
This happened through the political and cultural conquest of the East
by the Indian rulers, starting with the Pallava-s.
![Page 24: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Temple facade
Just beyond the entrance to the Uchchi-p-pillaiyar templelies the cave temple
The cave is supported by four pillars.
The façade looks rather simple.
![Page 25: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Pillars
The pillars are plain, square in cross section at the bottom and top, but eight-sided in the middle.
They become more and more sophisticated later on.
![Page 26: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Pillars
Beautiful geometrical shapes are found on the pillars.
![Page 27: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
PillarsTitles of Mahendra, mostly in Grantha, some in Tamil,
are engraved on them.
ChaLisappuruTu ChiLundhu(Grantha)
Chittirakkarappuli(Tamil)
![Page 28: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Mandapam
Beyond the pillars is a mandapam,and in the rear the hall is another set of pillars.
On the eastern wall of the cave, is the garbha-griham and on the west is the celebrated Gangadhara sculpture
![Page 29: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Garbha-griham
The typical Pallava sanctum is a cube of 9-foot each. There are two pits, one for the lingam to be installed.
The reasons for the other pit is not known.The sanctum is guarded by two dvara-pala-s.
![Page 30: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Dvara-pala-s
Two two-armed guards,in semi-profile
stand with one leg bent and the other planted
firmly on the ground, carrying a massive club.
Their dress, ornaments and sacred-thread reflect
the contemporary fashion.
![Page 31: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Gangadhara sculpture
On the western wall is the celebrated Gangadhara panel.
In the center is Siva as Gangadhara with attendant figures.
![Page 32: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Gangadhara sculpture
On either side of the panel, are written eight couplets,
in Sanskrit in the Pallava Grantha script.
It is a great poem composed by the king himself and
explains the Gangadhara sculpture
![Page 33: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Gangadhara
The four-armed Siva is standing
with His left leg on the ground.
His right foot is held up by the head and an arm
of a crouching Siva-gaNa.
Siva’s upper right arm holds a strand of His tresses
into which Ganga is descending.
Ganga is shown asa small female figure
with folded hands.
![Page 34: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
GangadharaHis lower right hand holds
the tail of a serpent. His upper left holds
an akshara-maala and the lower one rests on His
hip.
His sacred-thread is vastra-yajnopaveeta.
The ornaments are: coiled valaya-s around the
wrists, elaborate keyoora-s
above His elbows, makara-kuNDala-s on both
ears, a broad necklace and
an udara-bandha round His belly.
![Page 35: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Gangadhara
Siva’s head-dress is an elaborate jaThaa-makuTa,
a rather unusual one.
It is decorated on the front and held in position by a coronet.
On the top right side is the moon and
at the left-bottom is a skull.
![Page 36: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Gangadhara
His veshTi, reaching up to ankles
with the central fan-like pleat of the kachchha
hanging between legs, every fold clear and crisp, is worn the way it is done
today; a tradition of continuity.
Round His waist He wears a kaTi-bandha.
Another uttareeya hangs loose in a loop in front and has tassels on either side.
![Page 37: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Now let us follow the other actors in this scene.
![Page 38: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
The crouching gaNa supporting the right leg of the Lord with his head and palm is Kumbhodara.
He holds a serpent on his right hand.
![Page 39: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
To the right of Siva’s makuTa is an animal.Because of the prominent hump it could be a bull.
Is it taking the place of vRshabha-dhvaja?
![Page 40: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Or is it a dog? A dog is found in other Gangadhara-s,
the Pallava and the non-Pallava,and this has not been satisfactorily explained yet.
![Page 41: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Below, kneeling on either side of Siva, are two identical figures.
Also two others are seen in adoration on both sides.
All these four figures are attired very similar to the Lord.
![Page 42: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Who could these people be, in the royal dress in Siva’s camp?
The customary Vishnu, Brahma and the deva-s are not found witnessing the grand spectacle.
![Page 43: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Behind the two kneeling figures are two identical rishis, identified by their huge jaTha-s and bearded face.
Their inner hands are raised in veneration.
![Page 44: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
This bas-relief is an outstanding composition.
It is also the earliest composition in the Tamil country.
That the artist could achieve aesthetic excellence on his very first attempt is astounding.
![Page 45: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
This must have inspired his illustrious son, Narasimha Varma,
to attempt the world’s first open-air bas-relief in Mahabalipuram, a feat never attempted there after!
![Page 46: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
The whole composition is an illustration of total balance.
It exudes the Pallava grace, every square inch of it.
Every character is perfectly modelled.
There is no overcrowding, no dramatisation.
It is beauty in simplicity.
![Page 47: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
We have not understood the reason for the unusual attire of Gangadhara.
We haven’t identified the four princely figures,and the animal atop.
The poem written on the sides gives some clue.
![Page 48: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Inscriptional Poem
The inscription, an 8-stanza poem
by Mahendra in Sanskrit,
was first translated byHultzsch in 1890
and his reading is more or less followed
even today by most epigraphists.
But I will be following the interpretation of Michael Lockwood
![Page 49: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Gist of the Poem
Let me give the gist of the poem,which, of course, does reflect
the poetic beauty of the composition.
Author says:The God, when approached by the author
to take an earthy abode, wished to see the fertile lands of
the Chozhas and the river Kaveri.
![Page 50: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Author adds:The choice of the hill also served another purpose.
It justified Siva’s name a Gireesha.
Wouldn’t you call this vanity of Mahendraattempting to justify the Lord’s name?
Gist of the Poem
![Page 51: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
Author continues:The mountain became Siva’s chief jewel.
Then the author established an idol of Siva on his own image and made himself immortal.
The second line perhaps explains the princely attire of Lord Siva.
Gist of the Poem
![Page 52: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Now the author becomes mischievous.
The author adds:Ganga, the daughter of Himavan,
now fearing that the Lord may become infatuated with the river Kaveri,
left Her mountain-dwelling to reside here.
Some hold that ‘daughter of Himavan’
would mean Parvati.
Gist of the Poem
![Page 53: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Did you notice that the cave overlooks the Chozha fields,
but not the river Kaveri?
Did Mahendra cheat the Lord too!
Gist of the Poem
![Page 54: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
Dhvani is a feature of poetry that contrives two levels of meaning: a direct meaning and a suggested meaning.
This suggested meaning that appeals to an aesthete is really the soul of poetry.
This poem has both direct and suggested meanings.
So also the sculpture, which is novel.
Dhvani in the Poem
![Page 55: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
Dhvani in the Poem
Mahendra contrives the double-meaning skillfully using his titles that are also
the names of Siva.
Gunabhara, Purushottama and Satya-sandha are some of them.
Ganga could also mean Kaveri. And so on.
![Page 56: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
For example, in the last stanza, when the author says that this abode of
Satyasandha is His chief jewel, can be taken to mean that this is
the crest-jewel of King Mahendra, for Satyasandha is a name of Siva and
also a title of Mahendra.
Dhvani in the Poem
![Page 57: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Dhvani in the sculpture
Some hold that the sculpture has a contrived meaning too,dhvani in stone, a unique Pallava feature!
Let us follow this line of argument.
![Page 58: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
Mahendra says that he has made Gangadhara in his image,which would explain
the unusual princely dress of the Lord.
The central figure can, then, be taken as Mahendra himself,and then we shall attempt to follow
the suggested meaning of the composition.
Dhvani in the sculpture
![Page 59: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Then, it is argued, that the royal dignitarieson either side of Mahendra
would be their feudatories:the Ganga-s, suggested by the theme of composition
and by the presence of descending Gangaandthe Kadamba-s, who used dog-emblem,
suggested by the figure dog shown on the right!
Does this look a little too contrived meaning?
Dhvani in the sculpture
![Page 60: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Gangadhara Composition
The Pallava dynasty seemed to enjoy teasing. Many of the Pallava monuments present puzzles,
both intended and unintended.
![Page 61: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Before we conclude, let me quote the last stanza from the poem.
![Page 62: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
शि�ला�क्षरे�ण जनि�ता� सत्यसन्धस्य भौ�निताकी� ।சி�லா�க்ஷரே�ண-ஜநி�தா�-ஸத்யஸந்தா4ஸ்யபெ�ள4தா�கீ.
śilaaksharENa-janitaa-satyasandhasya-bhautikee
मू�र्त्तिः��� की�र्त्तिः��मूय�ञ्चा�स्य की! ता� ता��"व ��श्वता� ॥ மூர்த்தா�: கீர்த்தா�மயீஞ்சி�ஸ்ய க்ருதா� ரேதாநைநிவ சி�ச்வதீ.
muurtih keertimayeeñchaasya-kRtaa-tEnaiva-śaaśvatee.
This bodily image [of Satyasandha (God/king)] was created out of the stone inscription of Satyasandha [poet-king].
By the same imperishable character, an embodiment of His/his fame was made imperishable.
![Page 63: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
With this poem in stone was a unique tradition of temple building
ushered in the Tamil countrystudding its landscape
with countless icons of art and piety.
![Page 64: Pallava Cave Temple on Rockfort in Tiruchirappally](https://reader037.fdocuments.us/reader037/viewer/2022103000/555c9d9dd8b42a85758b52c0/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
Thank you
S. Swaminathan