Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur – Paintings
A clutch of rare paintings dating back to the
Vijayanagar era were found at the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Kalyanasundareswarar
Temple at Nallur in the district recently. Though many paintings adorn the
walls of the sanctum sanctorum, except four all have faded.
“The paintings are that of Naradar playing a veena, an
artiste holding a pair of cymbals, moon, and child Skanda holding a lotus. They
are painted using natural colours and the background is of dark hue with
colourful flowers and clouds,”
The temple belonging to Tiruvavaduthurai Adheenam is one
of the madakoils of Chola country and is located near the ancient city of
Pazhayarai, the historical capital of the Cholas. The temple finds a specific
mention in the hagiography of saint Thirunavukarasar and Amarniti Nayanar and
was renovated and reconsecrated by the Chola queen, Sembian Mahadevi.