14th Century Kali Bronze from Padi's Pidari Ponni Amman Temple
By M. Chandramoorthy
Summary
A Vijayanagar bronze statue of Kali, dating to the 14th century AD, was discovered in the Pidari Ponni Amman temple in Padi, a village 13 km northwest of Madras. The village, historically known as Tiruvalithayam in Ambatturnadu, was part of the Chola-era Jayangonda Chola Valanadu. The bronze, serving as the utsavamurthi (processional deity) of the temple, depicts a seated Kali on a lotus pedestal, with her left leg resting on a skull and right leg hanging down. The statue features four arms: the right upper hand holds a trident, the left upper hand grips a severed head, the lower right hand displays the abhaya mudra, and the lower left hand holds a skull. Adorned with a skull crown, serpent ornaments, and intricate jewelry, including earrings, a sacred thread, and a necklace, the 48.5 cm-tall bronze reflects 14th-century artistic traditions. The detailed craftsmanship highlights exaggerated eyes, a prominent nose, and graceful anatomical proportions. The statue is now preserved in the Tiruvalliswarar temple, Padi, alongside an ancient Siva temple dedicated to Tiruvalithaya Nayanar, which was celebrated by Chola-era saints like Tirugnanasambandar and Arunagirinathar. Fourteen inscriptions from the temple reference the deity and its consort, Tiruvithi Nachiyar, underscoring the site's historical and religious significance during the Chola period.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Vijayanagar bronze statue of Kali from Padi highlights the historical and cultural significance of the region during the 14th century AD. The intricate craftsmanship, detailed ornamentation, and stylistic elements of the bronze, such as the entwined serpents, dancing serpent motifs, and symbolic attributes like the trident and skull, reflect the artistic traditions of the period. The statue's presence in the Pidari Ponni Amman temple, located near the ancient Siva temple, underscores the religious and ritual importance of the site. The study of this bronze, along with the temple's inscriptions, provides valuable insights into the Chola dynasty's influence and the elevated status of Padi, then known as Tiruvalithayam, during that era. The conservation of the statue in the Tiruvalliswarar temple ensures its preservation for future research and appreciation of its historical and artistic value.