Monday, March 17, 2014

Tirubhuvanam Kambahareswarar Temple (Kumbakonam)

The Kampahareswarar Temple at Tirubhuvanam near Kumbhakonam is the last in the series of four Chola masterpieces along with Brihadeeswara Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram & Darasuram. The front mandapam here is again built in the form of a huge chariot. The Vimanam here is larger than that of Darasuram, and is about 120 feet in height. Sculptured panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana adorn this temple.Shiva is worshiped as "Kampaheswarar" as he removed the quaking (Kampa) of a king who was being haunted by a Brahmarakshasa . 
There is a separate shrine for Sarabeswarar a fusion of man, eagle and lion - the deity is believed to have relieved the devas (celestial deities) from the fury of Narasimha after he slayed Hiranyakasibu the demon. A sculpture of Sharbeshwaramurti in the Tribhuvanam temple is seen with three legs, with body and face of a lion and a tail. It has four human arms, the right upper hand holds axe, noose is held in the lower right hand, the deer in the upper left hand and fire in the lower left hand.
The magnificent colorful Vimanam
Amazing Chola architecture
It was a bright and sunny day - The Vimanam was bright and captivating !
A huge niche image of Lingodbhavar  - above and below
This is one of the largest Lingodbhavar images I have seen
Beautiful sculptures in stone
Sarabeswarar - Bas relief on ceiling
The tank into which the abhishekam water collects
We are happy to be here

19 comments:

  1. Indeed magnificent color and amazing architecture. It is so difficult to imagine such sights exist.

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  2. i am glad you have people in the photos, it shows just how massive the buildings are.. and all that beautiful detail up close....

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  3. I'm in awe, both of the temple and its surroundings as well as of your photography! What a pleasure it was to look over this post. That temple is simply magnificent with all the fantastic architectural details and the beautiful colors. It's an amazing space. And I appreciate the explanation of the mythology that it represents.

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  4. I love this temple. It looks well maintained and very neat so the colors are on highlight to the viewers. :)

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  5. Beautiful buildings, splendid sculptures, amazing colours.......a visual treat!
    Thank you for sharing the beauty Ram.

    Ruby

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  6. Nice pictures! Felt like seeing Brihadeeshwarar temple! Our South Indian temples are always great!

    This is the first time I am hearing about this temple. Will include this in our next trip to Kumbakonam temples!

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  7. Wonderful pictures and great architecture..Thanks for the post :-)

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  8. Nice to know about this wonderful temple. Lovely captures of the architecture. Is this also a part of the Great living chola temples?

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  9. amazing, intritricate architectures to enjoy

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  10. I've really enjoyed looking at all four temples Ram, unbelievably beautiful.. As were your family photos, so nice to see :)

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  11. Amazing detail and beautiful temples! The colors are lovely on the Vimanam! The last of the pretty ladies is wonderful! Have a great day and week ahead!

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  12. majestic architectural photos, fabulous temples, rami.

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  13. What an amazing place!!! Thank you so much for sharing.

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  14. Remarkable buildings - and so colourful.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  15. The Kampahareswarar Temple is stunning!
    Love the happy photo!

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  16. A very beautiful and charming in colors! The temple resembles the big temple in various aspects… Superb captures

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