Koranganatha Temple

Koranganatha Temple is known for its advanced architectural features. The vestibule inserted between the sanctum and ardha-mandapa. The Sanctum inside vimana is a square chamber. This temple has no sedent or rampant lion base pillars. The architects introduced a new scheme where animal`s heads were put into a single-course. This is an advanced feature noticed at Koranganatha Temple. There is a single-course row consisting of animal heads, vyala row which is placed above adhisthana.

There is a low rising upapitam which is constructed to level the ground for construction of the temple. Above this upapitam rises upanam. There is a kambudam above this which is rounded at its edges. Again above this there is kabodam which is surmounted with yalam. The vyala row has magnificent figures of mythological animals with heads of lions or elephants. Makara figures are protruding out on the corners.

There are several pavilions in the attic of the first storey of the vimana. Karnakuta is placed at the angle of the edifice. Salai is placed in middle that has an elongated oblong roof. There are niches, gosta-panjaram, carved between pilasters on the external walls of the temple sanctum. On top of the niches is the makara-torana. Niches were provided for attendants. The images placed inside the niches are boldly carved. On right side there is a small niche where Shiva is depicted as Bhikshatanamurti. On left side niche is a dvarpala who is standing with both his hands folded on his chest. Niche on north side has an image of Lord Brahma. He is standing in sambhaga posture carrying an askamala and a kamandalu in his upper arms.

According to an inscription the name of the temple is Tirukkurakkutturai-Perumanadigal. The local name is Koranganatha that was given based upon a local legend. It states that the temple was defiled by a monkey after its completion. Therefore it was never consecrated.

Impressive sculpture of Koranganatha Temple is quite apparent inspite of its overwhelming size. This particular Chola temple is one of the early shrines and strikes a fine balance between grandeur and art. It was built by King Parantaka I. The miniature sculptures of the daily life have been done in details. A frieze of lions and makaras run around the temple along with fierce looking crocodile creatures. These creatures were probably sculpted to represent the mighty men of the contemporary age. The sculpture of Koranganatha temple also consists of fine portraits. Portraits were one of the main features of Chola sculpture.

Both the inner and the outer walls of Koranganatha temple has been adorned with beautiful sculptures. The base of the temple wall flaunts a row of well carved out mythical animals. These animals are known as yazhi. These are a recurring pattern of Chola temple sculpture. In between the niches of the temple wall one would come across the attendants who appear to step out of those nooks. These figures are perfect embodiments of beauty and grace. The sculpture of the temple is a fine prototype of later Chola architecture and sculpture. This is a small temple with beautiful sculptures on every surface.