Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c24.6

c24.6

For the purposes of study however reference may be made to a larger and more distinctive example of the early architecture of the Cholas, the temple of Koranganatha at Srinivasanallur in the Trichinopoly district. (Plate LXVI). This was built probably during the reign of one of the first of the dynasty, Parantaka I (907-949), and therefore dates before the middle of the tenth century. Its peculiar name is due to a local legend which records that on completion it was defiled by a monkey (*korangu*), and thus was never consecrated. Consisting of a pillared hall, or mandapa, with its attached sanctuary or vimana, its total length is 50 feet, the former occupying a rectangle 25 feet by 20 feet, and the latter a square of 25 feet side. The height of the sikhara or tower is 50 feet, while the cornice of the mandapa measures 16 feet from the ground. A small hall having four pillars comprises the interior, with a vestibule and passage beyond leading to the cella, a square chamber of 12 feet side.