Vañcaikkaḷam Past and Present Rāmāyaṇa Panels in Kēraḷa-Mahādeva Temple
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Vañcaikkaḷam Past and Present Rāmāyaṇa Panels in Kēraḷa-Mahādeva Temple
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The article "Vañcaikkaḷam Past and Present: Rāmāyaṇa Panels in Kēraḷa-Mahādeva Temple" by R.K.K. Rajarajan delves into the significance of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, a renowned Śiva-śthala located in the Kuṭṭanāḍu region of Kēraḷa, India. Despite its notable history and cultural importance, research on its architecture and iconography has been limited. The temple is particularly distinguished for its unique wood-carved sculptures that portray scenes from the Rāmāyaṇa epic. The study combines historical literature with field research to explore various aspects of this temple and its art.
2) Architectural Features of the Vañcaikkaḷam Temple
The Vañcaikkaḷam temple, known as Mēl-taḷi, features a traditional Kēraḷa temple layout with an east-facing oblong structure enclosed by two prākāras or walls. It is marked by unique characteristics such as multiple gopuras (entrances) and a spacious sacred enclosure housing numerous shrines. Important figures, including Cēramāṉ Perumāḷ and Cuntarar, are honored within the temple, which also boasts mural paintings and inscriptions dating back to the 18th century. The temple serves as a significant center of Śivaism and represents the cultural narrative of Kēraḷa.
3) Rāmāyaṇa Iconography in the Temple
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple is its extensive wood-carved sculptures depicting episodes from the Rāmāyaṇa, particularly from the Bālakāṇḍa section. The illustrations captured on the temple's ceiling largely focus on key events, such as Rāma's interactions with Daśaratha, his training by Viśvāmitra, and his battles against the demons, including Tāṭakā. The selection of these specific events over others raises questions regarding the thematic choices made by the artists. This body of work is significant as it embodies a local interpretation of the epic and enhances the understanding of Rāmāyaṇa narratives in South Indian culture.
4) Historical and Cultural Significance
The temple reflects the unique intermingling of various cultural influences, with different artistic traditions coalescing within its structure. By incorporating Rāmāyaṇa themes, the temple not only emphasizes the popular narrative of Rāma but also aligns the reverence for Śiva with the moral imperatives depicted in the epic. This blending of iconography illustrates deeper philosophical connections and cultural dialogues across different sectarian traditions, underscoring the temple's role as a cultural repository in Kēraḷa.
5) Contemporary Relevance
In light of limited accessibility for research within sacred Hindu temples, this article seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple and its Rāmāyaṇa sculptures. By shedding light on these historical and cultural treasures, it enriches scholarly discourse around Kēraḷa's religious architecture and iconography. The temple stands as an exemplar of Kēraḷa's artistic tradition and signifies the enduring relevance of Rāmāyaṇa narratives, which continue to inspire and resonate with contemporary audiences.
6) Conclusion
The study of Vañcaikkaḷam and its artistic contributions emphasizes the temple's significance as both a religious edifice and a cultural artifact. The unique wood-carved Rāmāyaṇa panels provide an invaluable glimpse into the artistic expressions of a past age, reflecting the intertwining of faith, art, and community in Kēraḷa. Rajarajan's work advocates for further exploration and recognition of such hidden gems in Indian cultural heritage, paving the way for future research that bridges the fields of architecture, literature, and art history.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
R.K.K. Rajarajan
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Vañcaikkaḷam Past and Present Rāmāyaṇa Panels in Kēraḷa-Mahādeva Temple
Year: 2015 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.4454
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Vañcaikkaḷam and its significance in Kēraḷa?
Vañcaikkaḷam is a sacred Shiva temple located in the Kuṭṭanāḍu region of Kēraḷa. It holds a unique architectural style and is extolled in over 280 hymns from the Tēvāram, making it an important site for Shaivism in the region.
Who are the prominent saints associated with Vañcaikkaḷam?
Saints Cēramāṉ Perumāḷ and Cuntarar are notable figures linked with Vañcaikkaḷam. They are revered for their hymns and are believed to have had personal experiences with Shiva, marking them as significant figures in local religious history.
What architectural features define the Vañcaikkaḷam temple?
The Vañcaikkaḷam temple features an east-facing design, two outer prākāras, and multiple gopuras, which are traditional entrance towers. Its layout is unique within Kēraḷa and integrates elements typical of Kēraḷite temple architecture.
What types of sculptures are found in Vañcaikkaḷam temple?
The temple is distinguished for its rare wood-carved Rāmāyaṇa sculptures, primarily depicting scenes from the Bālakāṇḍa of the epic. These sculptures display intricate craftsmanship and reflect local cultural motifs and themes.
What is the historical context of Vañcaikkaḷam?
Historically, Vañcaikkaḷam has been associated with the ancient Cēras and represents a center of Shiva worship by the ninth century CE, showing its significance in the development of Shaivism in southern India.
How do the Rāmāyaṇa panels contribute to temple iconography?
The Rāmāyaṇa panels in Vañcaikkaḷam serve to narrate significant events from the epic, enriching the temple's iconographic tradition. They offer insights into the interplay of mythology, culture, and artistic expression in Kēraḷa.
What are the goals of the present research on Vañcaikkaḷam?
The research aims to provide a comprehensive account of the temple's architecture, examine the Rāmāyaṇa sculptures, and summarize hymns related to Vañcaikkaḷam, enhancing understanding of Kēraḷa's religious and cultural heritage.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Vañcaikkaḷam Past and Present Rāmāyaṇa Panels in Kēraḷa-Mahādeva Temple”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Temple:
A temple is a Śiva-sthala in Vañcaikkaḷam, noted for its Śrīkōvil architecture. It is associated with numerous elements like gopuras, prākāras, and the sacred architecture of Kēraḷa. This particular temple houses wood-carved Rāmāyaṇa sculptures.
2) Rama:
Rāma is a key figure in Hindu mythology known for his virtuous rule and heroism. In the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, sculptures depict various scenes from his life and the Rāmāyaṇa, such as his encounter with sages Viśvāmitra and Daśaratha.
3) Ramayana:
The Rāmāyaṇa is an epic showcasing the life and adventures of Rāma, including his battles against demons. The Vañcaikkaḷam temple features intricate wood-carved panels depicting episodes from this epic, particularly from the Bālakāṇḍa.
4) Kerala:
Kerala is the Indian state where the Vañcaikkaḷam temple is situated, known for its distinct temple architecture and cultural heritage.
5) Rajarajan (Rajan-rajan):
Rajarajan is the author of the study documenting the Vañcaikkaḷam temple and its Rāmāyaṇa panels. This work highlights the architectural and iconographic significance of the temple.
6) Shiva (Siva):
Śiva is a principal deity in Hinduism worshipped in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, depicted often with matted locks and adorned with elements like snakes. The temple is regarded as a Dakṣiṇa-Kailāsa, or earthly abode of Śiva.
7) Vishvamitra (Visvamitra, Vishva-mitra):
Viśvāmitra is a sage who plays a significant role in the Rāmāyaṇa, teaching archery to Rāma and involving him in various yajñas. The Vañcaikkaḷam temple features Viśvāmitra in its Rāmāyaṇa wood carvings.
8) Mahadeva (Maha-deva):
Mahādeva is another name for Śiva, revered in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple. The term emphasizes Śiva's supreme divinity, and the temple enshrines this deity in its sacred garbhagṛha.
9) India:
India is the country where Kēraḷa and the Vañcaikkaḷam temple are located, known for its rich religious and cultural history, including the tradition of Śiva worship.
10) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
11) Pashupati (Pasupati, Pashu-pati):
Paśupati is a benign form of Śiva depicted in a dedicated shrine within the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, embodying compassion and care for living beings.
12) Thevaram (Tevaram):
Tēvāram is a collection of Tamil hymns praising Śiva, which extol the Śiva-sthalas including Vañcaikkaḷam. The temple is the only Śiva-sthala in Kēraḷa praised in these hymns.
13) Tamil:
Tamil is the language of the Tēvāram hymns and many other ancient texts that describe the sanctity of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple and its iconography.
14) Dasharatha (Dasaratha, Dashan-ratha):
Daśaratha is a king in the Rāmāyaṇa who appears in the wood-carved panels of Vañcaikkaḷam temple, discussing the importance of sending Rāma with sage Viśvāmitra.
15) Perumal:
[see source text or glossary: Perumāḷ]
16) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
17) Sage:
The term sage refers to revered seers like Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha in the Rāmāyaṇa, whose interactions with Rāma are depicted in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple’s wood carvings.
18) House:
[see source text or glossary: House]
19) Cuntarar:
Cuntarar is one of the Tēvāram-trio who composed hymns that praise the Śiva-sthala of Vañcaikkaḷam, asserting its sanctity and divine significance.
20) Kailasa (Kailasha):
Kailāsa is the mythical abode of Śiva, and Vañcaikkaḷam is metaphorically referred to as Dakṣiṇa-Kailāsa, signifying its sacredness as Śiva's earthly residence.
21) Lakshmana (Laksmana):
Lakṣmaṇa is Rāma’s brother and is depicted in the Rāmāyaṇa wood carvings in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, accompanying Rāma on his forest journey and learning archery.
22) Gopura (Go-pura):
A gopura is a monumental tower at the entrance of a temple, characteristic of Kēraḷite temples like Vañcaikkaḷam, which features multiple gopuras in its architectural design.
23) Sthala:
Sthala refers to a holy place; Vañcaikkaḷam is highlighted as a Śiva-sthala in the Tēvāram hymns, one of the sacred sites revered for its divine connection.
24) Vishnu (Visnu):
[see source text or glossary: Viṣṇu]
25) Image:
[see source text or glossary: Image]
26) Valmiki:
Vālmīki is the revered author of the Rāmāyaṇa, whose epic is intricately depicted in the wood carvings in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
27) Sharada (Sarada, Sara-da):
[see source text or glossary: Sharada]
28) Yajna:
Yajña refers to a Vedic sacrificial ritual, examples of which are performed by sages like Viśvāmitra in the Rāmāyaṇa carvings found in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
29) Chennai:
Chennai is an important city in Tamilnadu and may serve as a reference point for Tamil literature related to the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
30) New Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: New Delhi]
31) Dakshinamurti (Daksinamurti, Dakshinamurthy, Dakshina-murti):
Dakṣiṇāmūrti is a form of Śiva worshipped in the southern temple zone of Vañcaikkaḷam, signifying his role as the ultimate teacher and repository of wisdom.
32) Iconography:
Iconography refers to the visual symbols and images depicted in religious art; in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, this includes wood-carved panels of the Rāmāyaṇa.
33) Tataka:
Tāṭakā is a demoness in the Rāmāyaṇa slain by Rāma, whose defeat is depicted in the wood carvings within the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
34) Epic:
Epic refers to long narrative poems like the Rāmāyaṇa, stories from which are carved into the wood panels of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
35) Malaiyalam:
Malaiyāḷam is the regional language of Kēraḷa where Vañcaikkaḷam is located, and ancient texts about the temple may be in this language.
36) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice, or Yajña, is a ritual involving offerings to deities, a significant theme in the Rāmāyaṇa panels in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, showcasing events like Viśvāmitra’s yajña.
37) Gopuras:
[see source text or glossary: Gopuras]
38) Brahma:
[see source text or glossary: Brahmā]
39) Kannaki:
Kaṇṇaki is a key figure in Tamil literature and mythology, associated with local temples near the Vañcaikkaḷam site.
40) Ahalya:
Ahalyā is a character in the Rāmāyaṇa who was cursed into stone and redeemed by Rāma, depicted in the wood carvings of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
41) Sarga (Sharga):
Sarga is a chapter or book in Sanskrit epics like the Rāmāyaṇa, detailing many events that are depicted in the Vañcaikkaḷam wood carvings.
42) Madra:
[see source text or glossary: Madra]
43) Tank:
A tank is a water reservoir found near the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, contributing to the temple’s sacred landscape and used for ritual purposes.
44) Silappadikaram (Silappatikaram, Cilappatikaram):
Cilappatikāram is an ancient Tamil epic that narrates the story of Kaṇṇaki, whose temple is located near Vañcaikkaḷam.
45) Dhanurdhara (Dhanus-dhara):
Dhanurdhara refers to Rāma’s prowess with the bow, a characteristic highlighted in the sculptures of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
46) Literature:
Literature refers to written works, like the Tēvāram and Rāmāyaṇa, that praise and detail the significance of Vañcaikkaḷam and its deities.
47) Shriranga (Sriranga, Shrirangam, Srirangam, Shri-ranga, Shriramga):
[see source text or glossary: Śrīraṅgam]
48) Tancavur:
[see source text or glossary: Tañcāvūr]
49) Nayaka:
[see source text or glossary: Nāyaka]
50) Forest:
Forest is a significant setting in the Rāmāyaṇa, where Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Viśvāmitra confront demons, depicted in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple's carvings.
51) Shrine:
A shrine is a sacred space within the Vañcaikkaḷam temple dedicated to deities like Paśupati, contributing to the temple's overall sanctity.
52) Pillai:
[see source text or glossary: Pillai]
53) Kanda (Kamda):
A Kāṇḍa is a section or book of an epic, such as those in the Rāmāyaṇa, some of which are depicted in the wood carvings of the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
54) Demon:
A demon, such as Tāṭakā in the Rāmāyaṇa, represents evil forces that Rāma combats, illustrated in the carvings at Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
55) Peace:
Peace is the desired outcome of rituals like yajñas depicted in the Rāmāyaṇa panels at Vañcaikkaḷam, aiming for cosmic harmony.
56) Alvar (Arvar, Alwar):
[see source text or glossary: Āḻvār]
57) Rock:
Rock formations house some sacred places, and Vañcaikkaḷam’s vicinity includes such features, possibly ancient sites of worship.
58) Vijayanagara (Vijaya-nagara):
Vijayanagara is an era and cultural sphere influencing art and architecture, including traditions seen in Vañcaikkaḷam.
59) Divyadesha (Divyadesa, Divya-desha):
Divyadeśa refers to sacred Vishnu temples, and Vañcaikkaḷam, while primarily Shaivite, shares a similar religious significance in its regional context.
60) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamilnadu is a neighboring state to Kēraḷa, sharing many cultural and religious ties, including the Śiva-sthalas mentioned in Tēvāram hymns.
61) Sumantra (Su-mantra):
[see source text or glossary: Sumantra]
62) Vaishnava (Vaisnava):
Vaiṣṇava refers to the tradition of worshipping Vishnu, which parallels the Śaiva traditions seen in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple.
63) Painting:
Painting is an artistic medium; while Vañcaikkaḷam focuses on wood carvings, other temples may use murals to depict similar themes.
64) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the language of ancient Indian epics like the Rāmāyaṇa, the themes of which are visually represented in Vañcaikkaḷam wood carvings.
65) Prakara:
Prākāra refers to the enclosing walls typically found in South Indian temple architecture, like those seen at Vañcaikkaḷam, housing various sacred spaces.
66) Dharma:
Dharma is the moral law guiding actions; the Rāmāyaṇa carvings in Vañcaikkaḷam frequently depict Rāma's adherence to dharma.
67) Shastri (Sastri, Sastr):
[see source text or glossary: Sastri]
68) Tillai:
[see source text or glossary: Tillai]
69) Vishnusahasranaman (Visnusahasranaman, Vishnu-sahasranama, Vishnusahasranama, Visnusahasranama):
[see source text or glossary: Viṣṇusahasranāma]
70) Kumaragurupara (Kumara-gurubarar, Kumarakuruparar, Kumaragurubarar, Kumara-kuruparar, Kumara-gurupara):
[see source text or glossary: Kumarakuruparar]
71) Cittirakutam (Cittira-kutam):
[see source text or glossary: Cittirakūṭam]
72) Parashurama (Parasurama, Parashu-rama):
Paraśurāma is a significant figure believed to have consecrated Vañcaikkaḷam, linking it to the broader mythology of ancient India.
73) Citamparam:
[see source text or glossary: Citamparam]
74) Bhagavati:
Bhagavatī is a goddess worshipped near Vañcaikkaḷam temple, specifically in the Koṭuṅkallūr temple dedicated to Bhagavatī-Kaṇṇaki.
75) Mythology:
Mythology provides the narrative foundation for the wood-carved panels in the Vañcaikkaḷam temple, bringing stories like the Rāmāyaṇa to life.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 89]