VIMANAS IN THE ART OF RAYALASEEMA

Thesis submitted to
SRI VENKATESWARA UNIVERSITY

For the award of degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY, CULTURE AND ARCHAEOLOGY

By
M. VENKATA PAVAN KUMAR

Research Supervisor
Prof. N.KRISHNA REDDY

DEPARTMENT OF ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY, CULTURE AND ARCHAEOLOGY

SRI VENKATESWARA UNIVERSITY
TIRUPATI-517 502 (A.P.), INDIA

JANUARY, 2021.
 Declaration

I hereby declare that the thesis entitled “VIMANAS IN THE ART OF

RAYALASEEMA” submitted by me for the award of the Degree of Doctor of

Philosophy in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology of Sri

Venkateswara University, Tirupati, is an original and independent research

work carried out by me and it has not been submitted previously in part or full

to this or any other University for any Degree, Diploma, associate ship or

fellowship or other similar title.

TIRUPATI (M.VENKATA PAVAN KUMAR)

DATE:
Prof. N. KRISHNA REDDY
Dept. of Ancient Indian History, Culture
and Archaeology,
Sri Venkateswara University,
Tirupati–517 502, A.P.
Mobile: +91-9441112636
E-Mail: nagolu59@gmail.com
__________________________________________________________________________

Certificate

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “VIMANAS IN THE ART OF

RAYALASEEMA” submitted by M. VENKATA PAVAN KUMAR for the award of

the Ph.D., Degree is a bonafide research work done under my supervision and

that it has not previously formed the basis for any other Degree, Diploma or

other similar title of this University or other University.

Tirupati (Prof. N.KRISHNA REDDY)

Date:
 CERTIFICATE OF GENUINENESS OF THE PUBLICATIONS

This is to certify that the research scholar M. VENKATA PAVAN

KUMAR working under my Supervision has published research articles
entitled.

1. "The Study of Vimana & Sculptural Art of Malleswara Swamy Temple at

Kambadur Anantapur District", Andhra Pradesh History Congress,
Proceedings of the 42nd Session, Narsapur, 2018, ISSN 2320-057X, pp.78-80.

2. "Architectural Features of Kakatiyas Special Reference to Temple Vimana",

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research, Volume 7,
Issue 7 (1), July 2018, Sucharitha Publications, Visakhapatnam, pp.146-152.

3. "The Palliswara Mudaiya Mahadeva Temple - Kalakada, Special Reference to

Vimana", International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research,
Volume 7, Issue 9 (2), September 2018, Sucharitha Publications,
Visakhapatnam, pp.34-40.

4. "Art & Architecture of Nolamba Pallavas with Special reference to

Hemavati", Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Proceedings of the 43rd
Session, Rajamahendravaram, 2019, ISSN 2320-057X, pp.81-82.

The content of the publication is part of the research results and incorporated
in the thesis.

Signature of the Research Scholar Signature of the Supervisor

 Acknowledgements

I am greatful to my Research Supervisor Prof. N. Krishna Reddy, (BoS),

Department of AIHC & Archaeology, S.V. University, Tirupati, for his constant
encouragement inspiring guidance. In fact it is he who not only encouraged me
to do research but also enlightened me patiently on various difficult aspects at
the time of research. Words are not adequate to express my gratitude to him.

. My deepest gratitude to Prof. V. Sakunthalamma, Head of the

Department, Prof. P. Bhaskar Reddy Department of Ancient Indian History,
Culture and Archaeology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, for their help
and cooperation during the time of my research work.

Words are inadequate to express my respect and gratitude to

J. Vijayakumar, Rtd., Director, Department of Archaeology & Museums,
Andhra Pradesh, for his, assistance, inspirations, unstinted support and
encouragement in my filed & research work.

I express my gratitude to my seniors, Dr. D. Govindulu, Dr. P. Hema

and Dr. K. Venkatesu Naik and their help in course of my research work.

I express my gratitude to my Co-Scholars, Nelavoy Vinodh, M. Indira,

B. Ravindra Naik and Dr. S. Veerabhadra their support and encouragements,
help in course of my research work.

I take the pleasure to thank my friends, C. Manjunath, Y. Ramgopal,

have given me cheerful work atmosphere for their encouragements in successful
completion of my work.
 I take this opportunity to express my Salutation to my revered parents
M. Subbarathna and Late M. Rajendra Prasad. My mother always inspired,
encouraged and supported me towards my career. It is for her that I have been
able to reach this stage of life today in this endeavor. I am also would like to
express my heartiest gratitude to my wife M. Aparna Devi, my son
M. Jashwanth Prasad, my daughter M. Mithuna, my brother M. Vijaya
Krishna, M.Naga Siva Kiran and my Sister B. Lakshmi Devi for their all time
encouragement and endless love and affection.

I am due to thanks, Office Subordinates, Department of AIHC &

Archaeology, S.V.University, Tirupati.

All my gratitude and heartiest thanks to all of you who ever supported me
in this research work.

(M. Venkata Pavan Kumar)

 ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. No Page No

2.1 Hindu Temple Plan 12

2.2 Elements of Hindu Temple 14

2.3 Hindu Temple as the body of deity 14

2.4 Characteristics of Vimana 28

2.5 Classification of Hindu Temple 28

3.1 Pallava dynasty map 32

3.2 Cave Temple, Mahabalipram 48

3.3 Cave Temple, Mahabalipram 49

3.4 Monolithic Rathas, Mahabalipuram 49

3.5 Monolithic Rathas, Mahabalipuram 50

3.6 Arjuna’s penance, Mahabalipuram 50

3.7 Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram 51

3.8 Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram 51

3.9 Vaikunta perumal Temple, Kanchipuram 52

3.10 Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram 52

3.11 Vimana of Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram 53

3.12 Vimana of Vaikunta perumal Temple, Kanchipuram 53

3.13 Badami Chalkyas Dynasty map 54

3.14 Kumara Brahma Temple, Alampur 71

Fig. No Page No

3.15 Hucchimalli Temple, Aihole 71

3.16 Arka Brahma Temple, Alampur 72

3.17 Vira Brahma Temple,Alampur 72

3.18 Bala Brahma Temple, Alampur 73

3.19 Sangamesvara Temple, Kudaveli 73

3.20 Svarga Brahma Temple, Alampur 74

3.21 Visva Brahma Temple, Alampur 74

3.22 Padma Brahma Temple, Alampur 75

3.23 Garuda Brahma Temple, Alampur 75

3.24 Chola Dynasty map 77

3.25 Brihadeesvara Temple, Tanjavur 99

3.26 Vimana of Brihadeesvara Temple, Tanjavur 99

3.27 Brihadeesvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram 100

3.28 Vimana of Brihadeesvara Temple, Gangaikonda 100

Cholapuram

3.29 Koranganatha Samy Temple, Srinivasanallur 101

3.30 Vimana of Koranganatha Samy Temple, Srinivasanallur 101

3.31 Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram 102

3.32 Vimana of Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram 102

3.33 Siva Temple, Thribuvanam 103

Fig. No Page No

3.34 Vimana of Siva Temple, Thribuvanam 103

4.1 Kalyani Chalukyas Dynasty map 110

4.2 Siddesvara Swamy Temple, Haveri 121

4.3 Galaganathesvara Temple, Galaganath 122

4.4 Doddesvara Temple, Dambala 122

4.5 Siddevara Swamy Temple, Shirur 123

4.6 Uma Maheswara Shiva Temple, Umapur. 123

4.7 Moolesankara Temple, Turuvekere 124

4.8 Moolesankara Temple, Turuvekere 124

4.9 Erakesvara Swamy Temple, Pillalamarri 137

4.10 Ramappa Temple, Palampet 137

4.11 Kota-Gullu Ghanpur Group Temples, Ghanpur 138

4.12 Kota-Gullu Ghanpur Group Temples, Ghanpur 138

4.13 Tripurantakesvara Temple, Tripurantakam 139

4.14 Tripurantakesvara Temple, Tripurantakam 139

4.15 Viayanagara Dynasty map 141

4.16 Trikuta Temple at Hillock, Hampi 153

4.17 Chennakesava Group Temples, Pushpagiri 153

4.18 Minor Shrine, Pushpagiri 154

4.19 Hillock Temple, Hampi 154

Fig. No Page No

4.20 Chandragiri Fort Temple 155

4.21 Hazararama Temple, Hampi 155

5.1 Rayalaseema region map 159

5.2 Doddesvara Swamy Temple, Hemavathi 178

5.3 Doddesvara Swamy Temple, Hemavathi 178

5.4 Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Kambadur 179

5.5 Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Kambadur 179

5.6 Vimana of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Kambadur 180

5.7 Vimana of Parvathi Temple, Kambadur 180

5.8 Bugga Ramalingesvara Temple, Tadipatri 181

5.9 Bugga Ramalingesvara Temple, Tadipatri 181

5.10 Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple, Tadipatri 182

5.11 Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple, Tadipatri 182

5.12 Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Lepakshi 183

5.13 Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Lepakshi 183

5.14 Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam 194

5.15 Vimana of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam 194

5.16 Mahanandisvara Temple, Mahanandi 195

5.17 Mahanandisvara Temple, Mahanandi 195

5.18 Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Lower Ahobilam 196

Fig. No Page No

5.19 Narasimha Swamy Temple, Upper Ahobilam 196

5.20 Soumyanatha Temple, Nandalur 202

5.21 Vimana of Soumyanatha Temple, Nandalur 203

5.22 Vimana of Soumyanatha Temple, Nandalur 203

5.23 Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Pushpagiri 204

5.24 Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Pushpagiri 204

5.25 Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Pushpagiri 205

5.26 Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Pushpagiri 205

5.27 Kodandarama Temple, Vontimita 206

5.28 Vimana of Kodandarama Temple, Vontimita 206

5.29 Pallisvara Mudaiya Mahadeva Temple, kalakada 214

5.30 Pallisvara Mudaiya Mahadeva Temple, kalakada 214

5.31 Sri Kalahastisvara Temple, Sri Kalahasti 215

5.32 Sri Kalahastisvara Temple, Sri Kalahasti 215

5.33 Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala 216

5.34 Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala 216

5.35 Vimana of Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala 217

 GLOSSARY

Adhah-padma - Lotus in the lower part of the adhistana.

Adhistana - Base.

Alingapattika - Band connecting the adhistana and wall.

Antarala - Ante-chamber

Balipitha - The stone pedestal on which Bali is offered.

Citra-torana - A decorative device above a niche.

Dhruvabera - Fixed image.

Dhvaja - Flag.

Dhvajastambha - Flag-staff in the temple.

Dipastambha - Lamp pillar.

Dravida - An order in which the sikhara or cupola is six sided or

eight sided.

Dvara - Entrance.

Dvarapalaka - Gate-keeper.

Dvitala - Two storeyed.

Ekatala - One storeyed.

Gala - Neck.

Garbhagiha - Sanctum.

Gopura - Oblong structure above the entrance of a prakara.

Griva - Neck
Idal - Lotus like member in the capital of a pillar.

Kalasa - Finial.

Kalyanamandapa - Hall where the marriages of the deities are celebrated.

Kapota - Cornice.

Kirtimukha - Lion’s face

Kosta - Niche.

Kumbhapanjara - Pilaster with a vase at the base and a cage at the top.

Kumuda - Rounded projecting member of an adhistana.

Kuta - Structure with a sikhara or cupola of four faces.

Kuta-kosta - Niche surmounted by a kuta.

Madhya-padma - Lotus, in the centre of the adhistana.

Mahamandapa - Great hall beyond mukhamandapa.

Makara - Mythical crocodile.

Makara-torana - Decorative device above a niche with makaras at ends

with plumes hanging below.

Mandapa - Hall.

Mukhamandapa - Hall before the antarala

Nagara - Temple order in which the sikhara or cupola is four

sided
Nandimandapa - Pavilion elected for housing the sacred bull.

Natyamandapa - Dance hall.

Padma - Moulding presenting the curves of the lotus.

Panavatta - Outlet for the abhiseka water.

Panjara - Cage like part above one or two pilasters (a miniature

Shrine decoration).

Patra-torana - Variety of decoration above a niche consisting of

leaves and branches.
Patta - Band.

Phalaka - Square plank like member.

Pitha - Pedestal or base.

Pradaksina - Ambulatory.

Prukara - Passage around the temple (Enclosure).

Prasada - The temple.

Prastara - Entablature.

Puspa-potika - Lotus bud hanging below the extended part (arm) of a

pillar capital.

Ratha - Temple car.

Sala - Structure with an oblong or wagon top.

Sala-kosta - Niche with the top like sala.

Sikhara - Cupola or the part above the griva or neck and below
the kalasa.

Simhalalata - Lion’s face.

Somasutra - Square or round object below a linga or image with an

outlet through which the water poured over the deity
passes (same as panavatta).
Stambha - Column or pillar.

Sukanasa - Gable like part projecting from the front face of the
Vimana.

Tala - Storey.

Tadi - A kind of necking in the capital of a pidar or pilaster.

Tarawa - Decorative device above a niche; Gateway.

Tripatta - Part containing three bands, one in the centre and two
sloping inwards above and below.

Upapitha - Lower base of a structure.

Upana - Lowest member of adhistana.

Urdhva-padma - Upper lotus.

Vedi - Pedestal.

Vimana - Tower rising above the sanctum or garbhagiha.

Yali - Leogryph.

Yoni - Circular part into which a linga is stuck.

 ABBREVIATIONS

1. ASI - Archaeological Survey of India

2. EI - Epigraphia Indica

3. TTD - Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams

4. ARE - Annual Reports of Epigraphy

5. MJLS - Madras Journal Literature and Sciences

6. SII - South Indian Inscriptions

7. MHRD - Ministry of Human Resource and Development

8. NME - National Mission on Education

9. JAHRS - Journal of Andhra Historical Research Society

10. IJPSS - International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences