Ancient Ayyanar Stone Sculpture From Chola Period Discovered

MessageToEagle.com – A stone sculpture of Ayyanar dating back to 11th or 12th century was unearthed at Sevanthi Lingapuram village near Musiri in the district.

Ayyanar is primarily worshipped as a guardian deity who protects the rural villages.

The Ayyanar sculpture, measuring 94 cms in height and 78 cms in breadth and belonging to the later Chola period, was unearthed recently by R Akila, Assistant Professor, History, Anna Government Arts and Science College, Musiri.’

Ayyanar is seen seated on a stone throne in a special posture described by as “utkudi asana,” which is specific of the deity.

His right hand is planted on the seat while the left on the knee.

Two necklaces are seen around the neck. A dagger is seen on the right side of his hip, Akila said.

Epigraphic records relating to villages around Tiruchirapalli indicate the prevalence of Ayyanar worship during the Chola rule.

This god is worshipped predominantly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Tamil villages in Sri Lanka. The temples of Aiyanar are usually flanked by gigantic and colorful statues of him and his companions riding horses or elephants.

There are number of theories as to the origins of the deity as well as the etymology of the name.

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