1 Temples are found throughout India particularly in Tamilnadu and they have retained their importance, signification and popularity through the ages. Art, religion, culture, philosophy have been inseparable with society in the history of Indian culture. Among them art is the gift of God. The purpose of art is at the heart of the God is unifying the depth of all things. Man is still able to achieve and contact with the world of God, because of the aesthetic significances of the ancient and modern temples. All temples express the devotion and piety to the people 1. Temple art has been described as imitations, as representation of reality, as intuition, as expressions of need and emotions as communication as adjustment and as beauty. They tend to imply in one way or the other, the cognitive, affective and aesthetic function of art. In its aim, means and ends, art has been closely associated with life and its conditions. The art can be regarded as very conductive to the harmonious development of personality, it will live as long as humanity exists. Radhakamal Mukherjee says that true art is born out of the struggle but the integration of the emotion, of aesthetic contemplation by which the artist can secure peace with self and society 2. Art as imitations, art as pleasure, art as expressions, art as a quality of experience and art is an integral part of life cannot be separated from the daily activities of men and women. What men see and feel is intimately connected with what they think and know. Art is given out of the aesthetic
2 response, and it is also an expression of the personality of the artist. Art has a wider basis and also universal appeals. It appeals to the cognitive, cognitive and emotional aspects. Art in the true sense reflects the culture and civilization of the people. Mekinnery puts it art has a daily impact on the lives of every one and should form an integral and significant part of living. It is a field of human activity in which men use their talents and abilities to communicate their fellows the meaning of experiences through which they lived 3. Art is a wholesome living experience and a total self expression that lend meaning to life. According to Ramasamy Aiyar, art as a form of yoga, being essentially universal and spiritual being the presentation of the divine the ideal in artistic terms. Art plays the important part of making the truth, lovable and enjoyable to human heart. In short art should foster self control through self experience, self conquest through self giving, replace lust by love, pride and prejudice of the mind by piety and beauty of the soul, arrogance of ego, by the elegance of the spirit discord by harmony of the being, falsehood by truth, perversion by perfection, turbulent passions of the heart by the sublime peace of the soul. The highest aspiration of every individual should hence for the became a perfect work of art 4. Fine arts are important for human culture and progress. They purify man s mind and help them to lead fuller and happier lives. They
3 develop the sense of beauty and the way of life. The temples focus as all aspects of everyday life of Hindu society spiritual, religious, cultural, educational and social. The temple also the place where one can transcend the world of man. Hindus believe that their lives are merely stages in the progression to ultimate enlightenment. The temple is a place where God may be approached and where divine knowledge can be discovered. All the aspects of the Hindu temple focus on the goal of enlightenment and liberation. The principals of design and construction, the forms if its architecture and decoration, and the ritual performed and all these are determined by the ancient text called sastras which are compiled by the priest 5. We may hold that temples are turbines of divine energy. It has been said that the temple is like a power station that stores electricity and distributes among the people. It stores up divine power and makes it available for all who resides in the area in which it is situated. The Westerners call our place of worship as temple, a derivative of Latin word Templum which means square or rectangular drawings made by the priest. Temples originally means a holy shrine or building that is screened from the eyes of the profane. It is the dwelling place of God. It serves the purpose of housing his image and it is the architectural frame of the liturgy and cult of the God 6. The word Templuism is divided in to two terms namely Temple + ism which mean the word Temple means the place of
4 worship and ism means one of the various kinds of doctrines, theories or practices. So Templuism means a place of worship which curtains many doctrines theories or practices 7. According to Hindu tradition, the temple architecture is a religious architecture which is connected to astronomy and sacred geometry. Normally, the temple is referred to a place of sanctity representing the macrocosm or the universe and the microcosm or the inner space. In modern days architecture is the art of discipline of creating an actual or referring an implied or apparent plan of any complex object of system. Temple arts represent the spiritual expression and representing a new phase in its spiritual advancement and mental evolution. South India is studded with gigantic temples, fascinating in their beauty and imposing in their appearance 8. For the Hindu society the temple is a place of both daily and occasional worship. It may also be an object of pilgrimage at festival times. Temple is the symbolic reconstruction of the universe. The activities of Gods and the lives of human beings are linked together in a continue, in which time is conceived as a cyclical system. The architecture of the Hindu temple symbolically represents his quest by setting out to dissolve the boundaries between man and the divine. For this purpose certain notions are associated with the very forms and materials of the building. Paramount of the identification of the
5 divinity with the fabric of the temple or form another point of view, the identification of the form of the universe with that of the temple 9. Such an identification is achieved through the form and meaning of those architectural element that are considered fundamental to the temple. Hence the significance attended to the site of the temple. The famous and significance Shore temple and beautiful rathas and mandapas are situated at Mamallapuram. Mamallapuram is situated on the coromandal coast, 58 kms to the south of Chennai. It was designated a world Heritage site by UNESCO IN 1984 for its standing range of monuments, dating from the 6 th century the 10 th century A.D 10. Mamallapuram is one among the 16 world Heritage sites being protected and developed by the Archaeological survey of India and the Central Tourism Development. The visitor to this tourist spot never fails to experience the rare symphony on the rocks created by the Pallavas. The tourists discover that the resort takes them through a series of wonderful monuments, now getting fresh lease of life and an enchanting beach 11. Mamallapuram has kept alive the ancient art of stone masons and sculptors. The visitors can witness the actual techniques of stone carving, be it with the traditional hammer and chides or with modern powered tools 12 Occupying an important place among the classical monuments in India, the monolithic rathas, cave temples at Mamallapuram attract the
6 visitors from the far and wide. Picturesquely situated close to and rich in their artistic wealth, these monuments offered scope for not only the study of ancient architecture and sculptures in Tamil Nadu but also for enjoying a pleasant holiday 13. About Mamallapuram heard of a temple singing in the rhythm of waves, rocks reading epic poetry spell pound sculptures and rock cut caves echoing a glorious past 14. Mamallapuram is a supreme cultural monument of Tamilnadu and the world, presents the finest flower of the indigenous sculptural accomplishment of the Tamilnadu. It is a perennial treasure trove of Archaeological interest and academic research. It has over the past hundred years, attracted the best of scholars in the field to marvel at its multifaceted artistic splendor and to examine its structural excellence 15. Mamallapuram city of the Great wrestler is a popular beach resort on the coast of Tamilnadu, South India. Now famous for its monolithic carvings and cave temple, it formally served as a major port on sea lanes stretching from imperial China to Rome. From the third through the ninth century kings of Pallava dynasty controlled the region from Kanchipuram their capital city 60 km in land. Architectural remains at the site indicate that Mamallapuram also served as a major ceremonial centre and residence of Pallava king from the sixth century onwards, though coins from still earlier periods have been found in dunes along its shores 16.
7 There are numerous temples, images, icons and sculptures in India and the world. Among them, Mamallapuram Shore temple, Dharmaraja ratha and sculptures occupy a prominent place because of its antiquity and its structure. It represents the religious tolerance because, it has both Siva and Vishnu images in this temple even though it is a Saiva temple. Shore temple has some special features of its own 17. Mamallapuram Shore temple, rathas and sculptures represent the religious tolerance, spiritual expression, holy and social activities with their massive and expansive constructions, abounding in admirable architectural achievements full of sculptural splendours, their hoary antiquating, impressive san city, natural locality, scenic beauty, and infuse piety in their hearts. The spiritual and graceful vibrations emanating from the temple and sculptures attract and arrest people, and invest them with a spiritual splendour. Pilgrimage to this temple provides us immense pleasure and divine enjoyment. The mere sight and visit to this temple and sculptures is heart thrilling and soul inspiring. They purify our mind, elevate our thought and sublimate our very life. We forget ourselves, get rid of worldly worries and derive much spiritual solace and pleasure, by offering visit in the sacred shrines 18. The greatness of this temple and sculptures can be gauged, in many aspects the symbolisms of the various forms, images idols, icons and sculpture in Siva temple is really a great mine of religious and
8 philosophical wisdom and spiritualism. The whole world wonders at the Mamallapuram Shore temple, and the sculptures 19. Sculpture is one of the visual arts catering to the aesthetic hunger of society. The sculptures are the favored medium of artistic extremism on the Indian sub continents symbolism or representation is the soul of sculpture. Sculpture is one of the devices by which Gods are brought nearer to the heart of Man. Sculpture can be properly visualized and made, being an aesthetic representation of mental, visual, imagery of a genuine artist, is naturally enlightening and entertaining to the different state of society seeking mental place harmonious relations and reconciliation 20. UNESCO recognized ancient Indian monuments of Mamallaburam attract and provide inspiration to all people, all over the world. In this work I have attempted to discuss almost all the rathas, mandapas and temples which are contributed by the Pallavas to the artistic world. I have made an attempt especially to bring out all the features of Dharmaraja ratha and Shore temple because of their artistic expression and aesthetic characters 21. As a student of temple arts and culture from my undergraduate and post graduate degree course, my enthusiasm towards the temple architecture is indefinable. I attempted much to reflect the various
9 information concerning to Mamallaburam art centre. No doubt Mamallaburam has always been the centre of intellect and artistic centre. 1-1 Need for the study Man is a religious, social, rational, aesthetic and finally spiritual being. Temple, sculptures are expose the aesthetic sense and spirituality visiting and offering worship to our ancient temple makes mental peace and harmony. The present study Templuism of the great Pallavas with special reference to Mamallapuram A study provides a detailed account of entire realm of Mamallapuram temples and sculptures. So it is essential to study about Mamallapuram Dharmaraja ratha and Shore temple. It is also necessary to deal with the Shore temple and Dharmaraja ratha of Mamallaburam. Such an integrated study would be called for, essentially, as the monument it self is a unique ensemble of a simulated architectural types and design. 1-2 Objectives of the study The research focuses the following objectives. 1. This present study is very beneficial to the Pilgrims as well as the Tourists. 2. The history of the Pallavas makes the authorities, of Mamallapuram rathas, temple and sculptures. 3. A study on Dharmaraja ratha and Shore temple in a brief manner. 4. To bring out the Pallavas contribution to Kanchipuram.
10 5. A descriptive and field study of the temples, mandapas and rathas of the Mamallapuram. 1-3 Limitation of the study A detailed study of the historical aspects of the Pallavas is well brought out. It narrates the antiquity of Kanchipuram temples Mamallapuram rathas, sculptures, Shore temple, mandapas. These are not brought out by any Researcher till this date fully. This present study presents the detailed study on history of the Pallavas, Kanchipuram temples, mandapas, rathas and sculptures especially Dharmaraja ratha and Shore temple. Hence, an attempt is made to study the Pallavas contribution to the art and architecture particularly the artistic centre of Mamallaburam. 1-4 Plan of the study The first chapter is an introduction. The second chapter discusses the significances of the temples. The third chapter explains the contribution of the Pallavas to Kanchipuram. The fourth chapter discusses Mamallapuram as a centre of arts creations. The fifth chapter ends with the findings of the Researcher. 1-5 Delimitation This thesis Templuism of the great Pallavas with special reference to Mamallapuram A study for the award of the Ph.D. Degree covers roughly from the beginning of 6 th century A.D to the present day.
11 Mamallapuram Shore temple, mandapas, rathas and sculptures are the most significant and magnificent works of the Pallavas. Hence, this study is limited from the 6 th century A.D to the present day. 1-6 Sources of the study Generally sources are classified into primary and secondary sources. Agamas, Silpasastras and epigraphy are the primary sources. All the available books, journals and articles both published and unpublished works are the secondary sources. 1-7 Review of Literature The primary source for the study of Mamallapuram Shore temple, mandapas, rathas, sculptures and the stone inscriptions found in the temple as well as in the rocks. The epigraphical evidences give valuable information about the Shore temple, mandapas, rathas and sculptures of Mamallapuram. Apart from the inscriptional evidences there are useful literary works both in Tamil and Sanskrit giving detailed information about the Mamallapuram artistic centre. Radhakamal Mukerjee in his book The flowering of Indian art defines that the school of Mamallapuram on the coast shows a slender, super human sublimity, delicacy and sensuousness and maintains a subtle and elegant balance between the vigor and tension of movement, especially in serene flight and languorous repose, worthy of Gods and Angles 22.
12 He has also emphasized that the art of Mamallapuram has super human sublimity and lyricism in cosmic themes while Mukerjee discussed the techniques applied in Mamallapuram art creations. He points out that, the Mamallapuram techniques, the first of organizing a whole boulder in to the plastic composition on a large scale over stepping the shape and size of a regular frame and second of fitting the composition on a large scale over stepping the shape and size of a regular frame and second of fitting the composition on to a rectangular panel or recess and settling the figures against the flat surface of the rock or making them appear as emerging from within the informed rock influenced not only cave sculpture but also relief on temple wall in India and abroad 23. E.B. Havel defines in his book Ideals of Indian art saiva temples built of fine masonry which evidence the growing popularity of the cult first began to appear in Southern India about the seventh century A.D. especially from Pallavas but the expresses that the evidence of saiva temples in the simplest form appear even in the sixth century A.D 24. Dr.R. Nagasamy in his work Mamallapuram defines that, the temple standing as it is on the coast for over a thousand years with most of its sculptures having been eroded due to saline action but leaving vestiges here and there, out lines shrines in its pristine glory 25. Percy Brown in his book Indian Architecture states that, the first Pallava buildings to be constructed in dressed stone was the Shore temple,
13 so named in modern times, as it stands on the extreme for shore of the ancient part. Although the earliest known production in their techniques of Pallavas as it dates from the last years of the seventh century. The materials of which it is composed and the name in which they have applied indicate a certain amount of latent experience in the art of building construction 26. George Michaell in his book The Hindu Temple explains that the series of monolithic temple known as rathas literally chariots, at Mamallapuram provide a veritable catalogue of the architecture form and sacred icons current during, the seventh and eighth centuries in South Indian. Despite the fact that this monolithic phase was only transitory, the rathas reveal a true sophistication of craftsmanship and imaginative elaboration of the South Indian architectural formula 27. Prof. K.R. Srinivasan in his work The Dharmaraja Ratha and its Sculptures - Mahapalipuram described the Dharmaraja ratha is the largest and of the well known Five Rathas called Pancha Pandava Rathas 28. Satis Grover defines, The architecture of India the most exquisite and well preserved is the Shore temple at Mamallapuram dedicatedly praised on the rocky shore line half in the sea and half in the land. He also described that the quality of the South Indian stone mason form intuited in to on accomplished craftsman 29.
14 1-8 Methodology This study is purely based on descriptive and field study methods that bringout all the information pertaining to Templuism of the great Pallavas with special reference to Mamallapuram. ****