Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.60

c2.60

(1) *Dalavānūr.*—The village of Dalavānūr is at a distance of ten miles by road to the south-east of Gingee in the South Arcot district. It is noteworthy as containing one of the best rock-cut Pallava temples in the district. The temple is dedicated to Siva and is excavated in the southern face of a small granite hill lying to the north of the village and is known locally as the Pancha Pāndava Malai. The temple is no longer in use as a place of worship, although it still contains a stone linga. The facade faces the south but the little shrine containing the linga faces the east. The shrine chamber is 7' 10" long, 8' 6" wide and 6' 10" in height and the walls are free from ornamentation. It contains a cylindrical granite linga, 2' 5" in height and measuring 4' 6"