History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s6.20

v1.c19.s6.20

In Little Conjivaram is the Vaishnava temple of Varadarâja-swâmî or Arulâla-Perumâl, which—though smaller than the Saiva shrine—is the wealthier, being the principal seat of the Visishtâdwaitya school of Râmânuja. The principal gopuram of seven storeys and about 100 ft. high is plain in style and not plastered over like so many others. Within, to the left, is a hall of pillars, carved in the style of the Vellor and other temples, with figures riding on horses or hippogriffs. North of this is the usual Teppa-kulam or sacred tank and other buildings. Inscriptions of the beginning of the 13th century show that the temple was then in existence, and it is probably of still earlier date.