Harihara-Ekapada Trimurti: Iconography and Conservation in Rāmagiri's Kalyāṇa-Nṛsiṃha Temple
By R.K.K. Rajarajan
Summary
The article focuses on a rare Harihara-Ekapāda-Trimūrti sculpture from the Kalyāṇa-Nṛsiṃha temple in Rāmagiri, Tamil Nadu, highlighting its unique iconography and historical context. The tēr (car temple) houses a wood-carved Harihara image combining features of Śiva, Viṣṇu, and Brahmā in a one-legged (ekapāda) form, a rare representation in South Indian art. The study examines the sculpture's iconographic details, such as the central Harihara figure flanked by Garuḍa and haṃsa (vehicles of Viṣṇu and Brahmā), and its deviation from traditional orientations where Śiva typically occupies the right. The article also explores the historical and religious significance of the temple, built by 17th-18th century zamīndārs, and references earlier scholarly works on similar iconography. The analysis emphasizes the sculpture's uniqueness, noting the absence of comparable examples with all three deities' vehicles depicted together. The study underscores the syncretic nature of Harihara imagery and its role in Hindu iconography, while contextualizing it within broader South Indian artistic and religious traditions.
Conclusion
The article highlights the significance of the Rāmagiri tēr (Car Temple) and its rare Harihara-Ekapāda-Trimūrti sculpture, emphasizing its unique iconography and historical context. The study underscores the temple's role in preserving regional art history, particularly in the under-researched Dindigul region. By analyzing the fusion of Śiva and Viṣṇu attributes in the Ekapāda form, the research contributes to broader discussions on syncretic Hindu iconography and regional variations in South Indian temple art. The findings also shed light on the cultural and religious dynamics of the area, reflecting the interplay between local traditions and broader theological frameworks. This exploration not only enriches scholarly understanding of lesser-documented artistic traditions but also emphasizes the need for continued research and preservation efforts in overlooked historical sites.