Rare photo series: Kumbakonam Sarangapani Temple & Ramar Temple

Photograph of the entrance gopura of the Sarangapani Temple at Kumbakonam, taken by Alexander Rea around 1892, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections. Kumbakonam, in Tamil Nadu, was an important centre during the 9th to 13th centuries under the Chola dynasty. There are fifteen temples in the town dedicated both to Shiva and Vishnu. Some of these temples have Chola foundations with later extensions constructed under the patronage of the Vijayanagara and Nayaka rulers. The Sarangapani Temple is the largest Vaishnava temple in Kumbakonam and was erected between the 13th and 17th centuries. This is a view of the tall entrance gopura or tower that leads to a hundred-pillared mandapa or hall from the Nayaka period. Another gopura leads to a further court with a columned mandapa.

View of part of the mahamandapa of the Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonum

Photograph of the mahamandapa (great hall) of the Sarangapani Temple at Kumbakonam, taken by Alexander Rea around 1892, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections.

General view from back of Sarangapani and Someshvara Temples, Kumbakonam

Ramar temple

Close view of carved pillars inside the front mandapa of the Rama Temple, Kumbakonam

 Photograph of carved pillars inside the mandapa of the Rama Temple at Kumbakonam, taken by Alexander Rea around 1892, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections.

Mahamaham Tank

General view from the north looking across the Mahamakam Tank towards temples on the farther side, Kumbakonam

General view from the west looking across the Mahamakam Tank towards temples on the farther side, Kumbakonam