The hanging stone is at least two centimetres above its support base and one of the four pillars in the sanctum. —Photo: Special arrangement
An intricately carved stone pillar, weighing around two tonnes, hangs from the ceiling at the sanctum sanctorum of the Mallikarjuneshwar shrine at the Kotai Kamatchi Amman Temple here.
The hanging stone is at least two centimetres above its support base. It is one of the four pillars in the sanctum.
It is an engineering marvel of the Nulamba Pallava dynasty of 9th century, says S. Selvaraj, retired Regional Assistant Director of the State Archaeological Department.
King Mahendra Nulamba Pallava built the temple around 850 AD.
Terming it a cultural marvel, he says the hexagonal pillar has several images sculpted all the sides.
On one side, various forms of Lord Siva are carved. On the second, there are images depicting sacrifices and on the third side, there are dancing girls. And there are similar images on the other three sides.
Mr. Selvaraj says that the temple’s ‘vimanam’ is hallow. It also belongs to the Nulamba Pallava dynasty.
He suggests that this ‘vimanam’ might have been the inspiration for the ‘vimanam’ at the Thanjavur Big Temple.
“Ashta Thik Balagargal”
The ceiling has sculptures of “Ashta Thik Balagargal” (guards of the eight directions).
Another special feature of the sanctum sanctorum is that it is built on pedestal supported by 18 elephants. Images and sculptures at the base depict scenes from the Ramayana, starting with the birth of Luv and Kush.
King Mahendra Nulamba Pallava built the temple around 850 AD
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