Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur   

Chola period bronze idols discovered

Special Correspondent

Thanjavur: Three bronze idols of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati were unearthed at Airavateeswara Temple, Darasuram, in Thanjavur district. The Siva idol, measuring two feet four inches x one ft five inches and Parvati measuring one ft three inches x two feet, were found in the north west corner of the cloister `Mandapa' at a depth of 2.5 ft during conservation work carried out by Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai circle.

According to Sathyabhama Badreenath, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Chennai circle, the idols are a part of the Somaskanda group though they are two separate pieces. Siva is seated in `Sukhasana' position with four arms, the upper arm carrying `mriga' and `mazhu' (battle axe) while the lower arms are in `abhaya' and `simhakarna' positions.

The idol is adorned with Jatamakuta, Udharabhanda, etc. Parvati is also in `Sukhasana' position and her right hand looks as if she is holding a lotus.

The drapery and the ornaments are minimum.

The idols are from the 12th century A.D. of middle Chola period, Badhreenath said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Plan to procure five lakh tonnes of Kuruvai paddy
Stage set for polls in four central districts
Chola period bronze idols discovered
Local holiday

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu