Photo 212/2(25)

Genre: Architectural Photography

Close view of a pillar carved in the form of a figure of Shiva, in the Viravasantaraya Mandapa of the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple. Lyon's 'Notes to accompany a series of photographs prepared to illustrate the ancient architecture of southern India' (Marion and Co., London, 1870), edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this photograph: 'The portico in front of the 1000-pillar portico, is called the 'Viravasantha Rayan,' and the two next views, 314 and 315 [prints 24-25] - are figures situated at the east end of it. 314 represents apparently the goddess Minakshi or Kali, six armed, and under the protection of the hood of a five-headed Naga. 315 is Shiva triumphing over Tripurasura whom he has slain, and who is lying at his feet; the base of the eastern pyramidal tower 289, being seen behind these two figures. Leaving the temple by this gateway, the visitor finds himself in the road between the temple and the Puthu porch. The next place of importance in Madura to which a visit should be paid, is the palace; it is not far from the pagoda in the north-easterly direction.' Another copy at Photo 1000/29(2965).