6 days ago
Ancient sculptures found
Stone sculptures of various deities were found by a group of researchers and students during a field survey at Senaiyyakkudi village in Kulathur taluk in the district recently..
The survey was led by A. Manikandan, founder of Pudukottai Archaeological Research Forum, along with Karu Rajendran of Melappanayur and Thanjavur Tamil University archaeology students involving the locals.
The sculpture of six-headed Lord Murugan, believed to be belonging to the 12th century, seated on a peacock was found on a field mound. The partially damaged idol on a lotus pedestal was found with only six arms out of the 12 arms holding weapons.
A sculpture of Lord Vishnu in standing posture with conch, believed to be 13th century, was uncovered from a thorny grove east of Senaiyakkudi Kanmai, said Mr. Manikandan. A headless Jain sculpture with a broken head and legs was found buried in a mound near the Vishnu sculpture. The Jain sculpture is believed to be belonging to the ninth century. A sculpture of Lord Ayyanar was found in the sugarcane field near the Pidari temple.
The sculpture with a smiling expression is found holding a lotus bud in the right hand with the left hand resting on the left knee. Another Ayyanar sculpture with a broken right hand was discovered near Periya Kanmai. A 'Soolakkal' (pillar base) and a sculpture of an ancient mother goddess called 'Thavvai' were also found.
