Brihadeeswarar Temple – Maratta Mandapam &
Paintings
The Maratta mandapam is an extension of the Subramaniya
shrine entrance and forms as Alangara Mandapa. In this mandapa many
paintings reveal the Maratta rule and the portrait of the Maratta kings and queens.
Paintings on the walls are in huge scale. As the granite wall is not suitable
for painting, the wall is plastered with a thin layer of calcium for the
paintings to fix on them firmly. The vibrant colors are used and gold is
liberally used in the cloth garments and ornaments in the portraits reveal the
luxury of the royal family.
During Shivaji Raja Period Maratta Kings drawings were
painted in Mallappa Naikar mandapam (Opposite to Sri Subramaniyar Sannadhi). In
Vinayagar Sannadhi mandapam we can see the faded paintings also.
The second parts of drawings are from Varunan Sannadhi
to Somaraja Sannadhi on the outer corridor. The important paintings are
Gajalakshmi, Naradha worshiping Saraswathy, Ganapathy on his vahanam
Moonchuru, with his concerts on both side, Murugan on his vahanam Peacock with
his consorts, Thiruvarur Thyagaraja worship by Andhanars, 64 Thiruvilayadal
Purana stories etc,.
