|
Narthamalai
has some of the oldest structural stone temples, built by the Mutharaiyars.
This temple has six large, skillfully carved statues of Lord Vishnu in
the central hall. A 9th century Pallava cave temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva lies to the south, and in front of this is the Vijayalaya Choliswaran
temple. Vijayalaya was the first of the later Cholas and as such, this
Shiva temple is one of the earliest Chola creations. However, glimpse
of artistic greatness that was still to come can be seen in the beautiful
figures of the dancers in front of the vimana, the elegantly carved dwara-palakas
and the figures of other Gods.
|