Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Lalitankura Pallava Griham
Lalitankura Pallava Griham
This is the southern-most Pallava cave temple and shrine of Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu.

Share this Article:

Lalitankura Pallava GrihamLalitankura Pallaveswara Griham is the southern-most Pallava cave temple and shrine of Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu. This cave temple was excavated by Mahendravarman Pallava in the 7th century. This is known as Lalitankura Pallaveswara Griham, where Lalitankura is taken from (`charming-scion`) the title of Mahendravarman.

Lalitankura Pallaveswara Griham is the southernmost Pallava cave temple. It is a typical early Pallava temple dedicated to Siva, which consists of a front mandapam and a narrow rear mandapam and a sanctum. There are two sculptures of Pallava dvarapalas (doorkeepers) guarding the present empty garbhagriham and the well-known `Gangadhara` (Siva wearing the Ganga on his head) panel in bold relief. This panel is a wonderful composition. The Pallavas most liked motif was this `Gangadhara`. This composition was described by Mahendravarman himself in eight beautiful slokas (verses) in Sanskrit in the Pallava Grantha script, inscribed around the composition itself. Hence it is special one.

Moreover, both the verses and the sculpture have multiple meanings, called dhvani, characteristic of classical Sanskrit poetry. This also represents the well-known scene of falling of Ganga at the request of Bhagiratha. It can also be assumed to signify Mahendra Pallava with his feudatories. These stanzas inscribed here as well as the titles of Mahendra Pallava on the pillars, in both Pallava Grantha and Tamil scripts are calligraphic materials. The Lalitankura Pallaveswara cave temple is a rare specimen of South Indian heritage.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.