Kailasanathar Temple, Tharamangalam - Temple Pillars
It is
the pillars that deserve separate praise. Looking at the details, they are
exquisitely carved. Looking at the overall arrangement, they are harmonious.
They are formal but not rigid. Each pillar is essentially of a square base with
octagonal or 16-sided sections or bands. In every section are carvings in bas
relief. This basic pillar is joined to a much slender pillar by latticed stone
work. These two form a composite pillar. At the corners, three such slender
pillars together with the primary pillar form the composite pillar.
The
slender secondary pillars are not just ornamental. They support the overhanging
stonework that rises gracefully towards the capital. On some pillars,
elephants, horses and lions are beautifully carved. Yalis, or mythical lions,
are carved on some pillars. It is said that stone balls in their mouths can be
freely rolled. The sculptures discusses above are not done separately in stone,
they have been carved along with the pillars. The pillar carving is what makes
the Kailasanadhar temple an architectural famous temple.
The
pillars in the Kailasanathar Temple are embellished with amazing details and
are exquisitely carved. The whole architectural and artistic representations present
a well-balanced look. Each pillar is placed on a square base with octagonal,
16-sided sections or bands. Every section has carvings in bas relief. The basic
pillar is joined to a much more slender pillar by latticed stonework and form a
composite pillar.
At the corners, three such slender pillars together with the primary pillar form the composite pillar. The slender secondary pillars are not just ornamental. They support the overhanging stonework that rises gracefully towards the capital. On some pillars, elephants, horses and lions are beautifully carved. Yalis, or mythical lions, are carved on some pillars. The sculptural technique is so exquisite that the stone balls in their mouth can be freely rolled.
At the corners, three such slender pillars together with the primary pillar form the composite pillar. The slender secondary pillars are not just ornamental. They support the overhanging stonework that rises gracefully towards the capital. On some pillars, elephants, horses and lions are beautifully carved. Yalis, or mythical lions, are carved on some pillars. The sculptural technique is so exquisite that the stone balls in their mouth can be freely rolled.
