What is the News ?

The Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology is preparing to initiate the restoration of the ancient Naganathaswamy Temple, which has stood for a millennium in Manambadi, located within the Thanjavur district.

Facts About:

• This temple was commissioned by Rajendra Chola I, reigning from 1012 to 1044 CE.
• In historical inscriptions, it is also known as the Kailasamudaiyar Temple.
• Key Features:
• Renowned for its intricate stone carvings and significant inscriptions.
• Comprises a single-tiered vimana (sanctum) and a mukha mandapa (front hall).
• The walls of both structures are divided into three sections.
• Within the central bays of the vimana, niches are dedicated to Dakshinamurthi in the south, Lingodhbava in the west, and Brahma in the north.
• The mukha mandapa features three niches each on the south and north sides.
• Notable sculptures in the southern niches include Bikshatana, Adavallan, and Ganapathi, while the northern niches feature Gangadarara, Durga, and Ammaiappar.
• All these niches exhibit finely crafted and distinctive makara thoranas (decorative arches) with central relief sculptures.
• Inscriptions: The temple boasts important inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga I (1070-1120 CE).
• A total of nine informative inscriptions have been documented within the temple premises.
• The earliest of these inscriptions dates to the fourth year of Rajendra Chola I's rule and pertains to a tax-free land grant by the nagaratthar of Ilaichikkudi for establishing a flower garden in honor of the king for the temple's benefit.