DEVAKOSHTAS SCULPTURES AT VILLUPURAM KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE – A STUDY

Abstract

Sculpture is one of the visual arts. It forms the aesthetic expression in which designs are created in space. It can be fashioned from such durable materials as wax, ivory, stone, clay, wood, metal, bone and the like. Sculptures elucidate the progress of art and architecture. They stand as a testimony to the developments of civilization from its early stages. Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Villupuram Town in Villupuram Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi or Periyanayaki or Brahandha Nayagi. This Temple is situated in the heart of Villupuram Town. The Kailasanathar temple at Villupuram has a number of devakoshtas sculptures dating back to 10th century A.D. They expose the aesthetic sense and dexterity of the artisans.