MOOVENDHAR: The Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam

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Namaste! With an uptick in the economic performance, an upgraded health infrastructure and a hugely successful vaccination drive, travel is rising once again in India with pent-up demand, post pandemic. We are now looking forward to unlocking the future growth potential of tourism to India and the Indian Subcontinent with you.

Meanwhile, in this edition, we will take you through another remarkable kingdom of India “MOOVENDHAR: The Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam”.

Cheras, Pandyans and Cholas ruled Tamilakam, an ancient Tamil country comprising of present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and some of the southern parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The political regime of the trio was referred to as ‘Moovendhar’. They used to fight with each other frequently for political interests. However, one thing that was common in all the three powers was their admiration for art and literature, which is evident through the structures commissioned by them. Sangam literature, historically known as 'the poetry of the noble ones', is another example which was patronized by all of them. Another common factor among all these three dynasties is the fact that they were all devotees of the Hindu God Shiva. Tamil was the natural language spoken in this region. Take a glimpse of 1000 years old Brihadeeshwara Temple, constructed by one of the Moovendhar in this short video


LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO MOOVENDHARS AND EXPLORE SOME OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS:

THE CHERAS

The rule of Chera dynasty can be traced from 02nd century BCE to 12th century CE. Karur in Tamil Nadu was their initial kingdom which was later extended till Kerala majorly in Cochin, North Travancore and Southern Malabar. Famous for jewels and spice trade, Cheras are considered to be one of the oldest dynasties who ruled over India. They are believed to belong to the ancient Dravidians, which reflects in their architecture with mostly octagonal and rectangular structures. The temples commissioned by them and made up of sandstone and granite can be observed in 04 parts- Vimana (structure over the inner sanctum), Mandapas (a porch-like structure through the gateway and leading to the temple), Gopuram (ornate gateway), and Garbagriha (the sanctum sanctorum). Some of the surviving masterpieces from their era are:

Bhagavathi Amman Temple:

Also known as Kumari Amman Temple, this 3000-year-old temple in Kanyakumari has an admirable architecture. A visit to Kanyakumari, lying on the shores of the sea on the southern-most tip of India, also gives one a chance to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Gandhi Mandapam.

Kadambar Koil (Kalamboir Temple): Lying close to Trichy and the initial capital of Chera rulers, Karur, in Tamil Nadu, Kadambar Koil is also known for its marvellous architecture. The main draws here are the five tired towers and two corridors around the main shrine. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as Dakshin Kashi (A pious place in the South).

THE PANDYAS

The existence of Pandyas can be traced between 4th century BCE and 16th century CE. While Madurai in Tamil Nadu was the capital of Pandyas, their kingdom was expanded uptil Sri Lanka. Pandyas also patronized Tamil Sangams, which were held in Madurai. Their love for art and architecture reflects in various rock-cut and structural temples. While early Pandya temples feature Vimanas and Mandapas, the later temples of Pandyas were famous for sculptured idols and Gopurams. Some of the surviving masterpieces from their era are:

Kalugumalai temple complex: The complex has Rock cut temples and structures, which are testimony of Pandyan art. Lying approximately 120 kms from Madurai and 140 kms from Kanyakumari, Kalugumalai temple complex has-

Kalgumalai Jain beds:

The temple built in rock-cut architecture dates back to 8th -9th century CE. The rock relief has around 150 sculptures, which include images of Jain Tirthankaras and Jain religious women.

Kalugasalamoorthy temple:

The rock cut temple built in Dravidian style is dedicated to Hindu god Murugan (son of god Shiva and goddess Parvati). The temple is known for its daily rituals and several festivals held throughout the year.

Nellaiappar Temple: The temple complex with a number of shrines is spread in 14.5 acres and is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. It was initially built by the Pandyas but later on other rulers like Cholas, Pallavas, Nayaks, and Cheras also contributed. One can still see some inscriptions and a large sized Nandi (bull god) here.

The most admirable architectural aspect of the temple is its Mani Mandapam, which has 02 huge pillars carved out of a single stone. Each of the two pillars is further carved to form 48 sub pillars each, which produce musical notes on striking them.

Tirunelveli, where this temple is located, is situated between Kanyakumari and Kalugumalai.

Meenakshi Amman Temple: One of the most famous temple, it was built by Pandyas and is located in the city that never sleeps, Madurai.

Lying on the banks of Vaigai River, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and her consort Lord Shiva. The complex has many shrines and mandapams.

The Pandyas built this temple and Nayaks contributed in its restoration after the temple was partially destructed by Mughals. The temple has 14 Gopurams (towering gateways), which are multi-storeyed structures and numerous Mandapams (pillared halls).

While one admires the beauty of this temple and its architecture, a night ceremony in the temple is worth experiencing. In the ceremony, the idol of Lord Shiva is brought in a palanquin to the chamber of his wife Goddess Meenaskhi, for a night halt, which is accompanied by procession of devotees, chanting and beating drums.

Insider Tip: An early morning walk through the lanes lying adjacent to the temple is a rewarding experience as one can witness the daily routines of typical Tamil families. The vibrant and colorful fruits, vegetable and flower markets, that are witnessed during the walk are also a treat for the eyes.

Ranganathaswamy Temple: One of the largest religious complexes in the world, Ranganathaswamy temple is also known as the ‘Srirangam Temple’. Built in Dravidian style and dedicated to god Vishnu, it was a prime centre during the ‘Bhakti movement’. It was also an economic and charitable institution, which is evident from its various inscriptions.

Sculptures and artwork on Gopurams and Mandapams are a must-see here. The temple complex with around 50 shrines is located in Srirangam, which is around 10 kms from one of the oldest inhabited cities of India- Trichy.

Jambukeswarar Temple: Located near to Ranganathaswamy, this 800-year-old temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva.

The temple has five enclosures and its architecture is the main pull here. Its sanctum has an underground stream, which keeps the water body here filled naturally. One can also find inscriptions from the Chola period inside the temple.

THE CHOLAS

The rule of Cholas can be traced between 3rd century BCE and 13th century C.E. One of the longest-ruling dynasties of the world, Cholas expanded their kingdom from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It also included some parts of Andhra Pradesh.

They were the patrons of Tamil literature and enthusiastic builders, whose zeal in art and architecture reflects not only in structures but bronze sculptures as well. The art of casting bronze using lost wax technique as practised today was highly patronized during their reign. It was in their period, the art, religion and literature reached new heights in their entire kingdom. Temples were not only spiritual centres but also served as centres for economic and social gatherings. While Tanjore was the initial capital of Chola kingdom, Gangaikondacholapuram was the new capital during Rajendra I’s period, which is also known as the ‘Golden age of Chola Kingdom’.

This period saw commissioning of many temples of architectural value. Their delicate workmanship was so much appreciated that once historian architecture, James Fergusson said,’’ The Chola artists conceived like giants and finished like jewellers.’’

Across the banks of Kaveri River, Cholas built many Shiva temples in Dravidian style of architecture. Carved temple walls, a deity in the Sanctum Sanctorum, miniature figures of Gods and Goddesses and Vimanas are the most commonly found features in any Chola temple. Among the many temples built by the Cholas, we are highlighting here ‘Great Living Chola Temples’, which are together designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Airavatesvara Temple: The temple got its name from the white elephant named Airavata, mount of Hindu lord Indra. Built in around 1150 AD, it is the last of the three listed temples, and for that reason, it is more refined comparatively. What we see today is just a part of the temple, which once had a larger structure comprising seven courtyards, numerous gopurams, and shrines.

Even with just one courtyard and much of its area in ruins, the temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. The delicate work on carved pillars, chariots drawn by horses carved out of stone and steps made of granite stones, leaves the visitors spellbound.

Insider tip: Airavatesvara temple is located in Darasuram which lies very close to Kumbakonam. Here one can visit the craftsmen working on Bronze sculptures. One can also explore and experience the village life style here.

Brihadeeswarar Temple:

Built between 1003 and 1010 CE, this Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the finest example of Tamil architecture. It is one of the largest temples that also boast of one of the tallest temple towers in Southern India. On its interior walls, one can find fresco murals.

The temple famous for its finest sculptures, largest shiva lingams, and a huge monolithic Nandi statue (vehicle mount of lord Shiva) is an architectural marvel believed to have been chiselled out of 60,000 tonnes of granite, which was quarried 50 kms away and transported by bullock carts and elephants to the temple site. The temple is credited with the origin of one of the classical dance form of India ‘Bharatnatyam’, in the early 19th century.

Insider tip: Airavatesvara temple is located in Darasuram which lies very close to Kumbakonam. Here one can visit the craftsmen working on Bronze sculptures. One can also explore and experience the village life style here.

Gangaikondacholapuram temple:

Located approx. 70 kms from Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram temple was built in 1035 A.D. on the same lines as that of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore. Along with Shaivism, the temple also follows Vaishnavism and Shaktism, which is evident by various structures of respective sects lying within the temple premises. While it has similarities with Tanjore temple, it is famous for its bronze artwork. Explore this masterpiece in stone, in this short video.

India has a very extensive rich history which has witnessed the rise and fall of various glorious dynasties. The incredible land has many such royal stories waiting to be explored. Come and experience these historic trails with us! We, at Indo Asia Tours, are all about the handcrafted tours, memories, and moments you take out of your trip, and believe us, this escapade will be a life-changing one!