Rare Statue's

[Guest guest]

Dear Lenji and Neilji,

 

Thank you for explaining clearly to Bro Amit but it may be hard for

him to digest our answers.

 

If he's in india he may go to Alagar Temple and have a look at the

Rajagopuram (Main Temple Entrance Tower) Built between 4 BC and 10

AD.

 

He can see many rare statue's sitted on the tower itself.

 

Have given details of temple location and a brief history below:

 

Madurai is one of the ancient cities of the world. Its history goes

several centuries before Christ. Tamil and Greek documents record

its existence from 4th century BC. The city is situated on the banks

of River Vaigai. The Pandyans ruled Madurai until 10th century AD.

This was the golden era of Tamil culture, literature and learning.

Then Madurai changed hands with Cholas, Pandyas, Muslim rulers,

Vijayanagar rulers and finally the Madurai Nayaks under whom Madurai

became the cultural center of Tamils.

 

Alagar Koil: 21km from Madurai and situated at the bottom of the

Alagar Hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

 

The story goes that Vishnu came down to this place from Vaikunta -

his abode in Heaven - to give away Meenakshi(Parvathi) in marriage

to Sundareswarar(Shiva). This journey is also celebrated as a part

of the Chithirai festival of Meenakshi Temple. In this temple he is

seen in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the

other. God Kallalagar (Vishnu)is brought down into Vaigai river

every Chithirai festival via Alagar Koil road.

Alagar Koil was even maintained by the late Pandyas. Here you may

see some Sadhus (Swamiyars), or homeless, casteless holy man

passing, mischievous monkeys among the families that bring their

small children to have their heads shaved, coated in cooling

sandalwood paste, and blessed.

 

Hope this can help.

 

Yours

George Pillai