Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.80

c2.80

Mr. Jouveau-Dubreuil makes the following remark concerning the name of this village. "It is very probable that Singavaram (that is to say Simha-puram) was the capital of Singapurarādu." This name is, therefore, very ancient and since the doorkeepers are in the style of Mahendravarman I, we may assume that Singavaram was founded by Simhavishnu and that the temple was excavated either during his reign or that of his successor Mahendravarman I." No Pallava inscriptions have been found in the Singavaram temple, but that does not necessarily mean that none exist, because the surface of the pillars is hidden by the modern mandapa built up against the facade of the temple. As the temple is in use for worship, the priests object to having this portion of the building removed, so there will always remain some doubt as to who was the author of the original temple.