Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.76

c2.76

The two smaller rock-cut shrines are unfinished and unimportant. The larger temple has been converted into a modern Hindu shrine and its appearance has been thoroughly ruined in consequence. On plan, the larger temple is similar to the one at Mēlachēri, in the South Arcot district, and like the latter, has only two plain cubical pillars standing in the facade. Cut in the back wall is a little square shrine chamber facing the east and containing a cylindrical stone linga of the usual kind. On each side of the shrine entrance are two doorkeepers. Their pose is similar to those in the Trichinopoly temple except that those at Vallam have their tall headdress decorated with bull's horns, and in this respect are similar to some of the later figures of doorkeepers at the Seven Pagodas belonging to the Māmalla period. Cut in a niche on the south side of the facade is a large well executed image of Ganēsa, and on the northern side of the facade is a crudely carved and much decayed female figure in bas-relief representing Jyeṣṭha. The Gaṇeśa figure appears to have been added at a later date. Between the openings in the facade are modern brick and plaster fillings and wooden doors, and the entire facade is covered in whitewash and its appearance is utterly spoilt, so much so, that it is useless to attempt to photograph it, as nothing of the original facade is now visible owing to these modern additions. It is a great pity, as it is an interesting and valuable ancient monument and one of the earliest Siva temples in Southern India.