Mamallapuram Mukunda Nayanar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Mamallapuram Mukunda Nayanar Temple, Kanchipuram

Mahabalipuram,

Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 603104

Moolavar

Mukunda Nayanar

Introduction

The Mukunda Nayanar Temple, located near Mamallapuram in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu, is a small but historically significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: The temple is situated near Mamallapuram, not far from the town, on the way to Saluvankuppam.
Architecture and Design: The Mukunda Nayanar Temple is known for its architecture and design, which is similar to the Dharmaraja Ratha. It is an east-facing double-storey temple. While it is attributed to the period of Rajasimha, it lacks the rampant lion pillars that are characteristic features of his style and are found in all the temples attributed to him.
Structure: The temple consists of an ardha-mandapa supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars are circular in shape and diminish in diameter toward the upper end. Above the cornice, there is a regular arrangement of mini shrines interconnected via cloisters. The corner shrines have square roofs, while the middle one has an oblong roof.
First Storey: The first storey of the temple features niches on all four sides, although they are empty. The ardha-mandapa leads into a square garbha-griham (sanctum). On the back wall of this sanctum, there is a Somaskanda panel. In this panel, Lord Shiva is depicted seated with Uma (Parvati) and their baby Skanda (Lord Murugan), while Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma are shown standing behind them. Skanda is depicted seated in Parvati’s lap. The artistic style of this panel is very similar to other panels from the time of Rajasimha, supporting the theory of the temple’s assignment to this period.
Shivalingam: In front of the Somaskanda panel, there is a Shivalingam installed. However, it appears to be a later addition to the temple.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be more than 1,500 years old and is known for its historical and architectural value. It was buried under 12 feet of sand and was excavated around the same time as the Saluvankuppam excavations.

The Mukunda Nayanar Temple, with its unique architecture and historical importance, is a valuable archaeological site that offers insights into the art and culture of the region during the Pallava period.