Tamil Nadu - Vellore   

Two sculptures found in Polur taluk

P.V.V.Murthi

A rock relief of Durga and a hero stone date back to 15th century

VELLORE: : Two 15th century stone sculptures have recently been discovered in two villages of Polur taluk in Tiruvannamalai district.

A relief work on a rock at Thatchambadi on the southern side of Polur-Vandavasi Road, 17 km from Polur, depicts Goddess Durga, standing (105 cm tall) in `samabanga' pose on the head of a buffalo, representing the demon, Mahisasura. A lion, the `vahana' of Durga, is seated beside.

The headgear, chest and `abhaya' hand of the Goddess are damaged. Durga has eight hands. The right hands hold chakra, arrow, sword and `abhaya mudra', while the left hands hold conch, bow and shield. The chakra and conch are held in `kartarimudra' pose, while the other weapons are held in `musti mudra'. `Channavira' and `haras' (garlands) decorate Her chest and neck. The waist dress, `keyuras' and bangles enhance Her beauty. A `thiruvasi' in subdued carving is shown around the deity.

The other sculpture, which was found on the bund of an irrigation tank at Kulakkaraivadi, three km north of Thatchambadi, is a hero stone installed 90 cm above the ground, and which measures 85 cm by breadth. The hero moves vehemently on his left, holding a bow in his left hand and aiming an arrow in the right hand. On his shoulder is a pouch for arrows. A tassel is dangling from the mouth of the pouch. The head is covered with a cloth in conical shape. The ends of this cloth flutter in air. A dagger dangles on his waist.

A decorated waistband holds the hip dress. The ends of sashes hang on both his thighs.

M. Gandhi, former curator, Government Museum, Vellore, discovered the sculptures.

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