Saturday, April 5, 2008

Kaviyoor Trikkudi Cave Temple


Bio speleological research is still in infancy in India,where there are thousands of caves dotted all over the land.Most of the caves in India has religious scarcity attached to it.But when compared to the rest of India there are only a few specimens of cave architecture in Kerala belonging to the earliest phase .These temples was no doubt influenced by Buddhism who were the originators of cave architecture in India and the Pallavas who transmitted the art form to the Kerala. Kaviyoor Trikkudi Cave Temple on the banks of the river Manimala in Pattanamthitta District of South Kerala is one of the earliest specimen of rock cut cave temples in Kerala.Almost all early cave temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva.The Kaviyoor temple consists of a pillared facade ,
ardhamandapa and a shrine room consisting of a three feet high Sivalinga.The
pillared facade as well as on the walls inside the ardha-mandapa has sculptured
reliefs of the donor,a bearded rishi,a seated four armed Ganesha and dwarapalakas.
Unlike the rest of India the transition of rock cut architecture to
structural temples could not be clearly demarcated in Kerala.This rock cut
temple is presumed to have come into existence even before the Cheras or
the Ays kingdom.The Kaviyoor shasanams of 950AD is a historical document
regarding the temple.It temple no doubt is an exposition of the rich cultural
heritage of Kerala and reflects the technical capabilities and artistic excellence.

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