American Journal of Humanities and Social Science (AJHSS ......(The Chola with three crown), Mummudi...

American Journal of Humanities and Social Science (AJHSS) Volume 21, 2021

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A Cultural and Indian Heritage Landscape of the Century:

Historical, Cultural and Digital Perspectives of

Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Southern Karnataka, India

S.S.Iyengar Ph.D., Shivanna Ph.D., Rajanna M Ph.D., Latesh Kumar KJ, Ph.D

Gopura

Source: Google Images


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S.S. Iyengar, Ph.D.

ACM Fellow, IEEE Fellow, AAAS Fellow, NAI Fellow, AIMBE Fellow

Distinguished University Professor

Director of US Army funded Digital Forensics Center of Excellence

Knight Foundation School of Computing & Information Sciences

Florida International University

Office: 305-348-3947 or Fax: 305-348-3549

Email: [email protected]

April 17, 2021


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Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Background of the ancient temple from 10th

Century

3.0 Scope of the Study

4.0 Technological Innovation of the 10th Century

5.0 Architectural Importance of this temple

6.0 Architectural Beauty of the temple

7.0 Preservation of the architectural beauty for the future

generation

8.0 Photos of the temple architecture


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1. Executive Summary

India is a country which is full of diversity and multiple aspects. Compared to many other

countries of the world, India stands out as a very diverse country with respect to language, dress,

food, literature, arts and in many other fields. India is one of the most ancient countries. Indian

culture is also very ancient and an ideal one.

The antiquity of a country is recognized in terms of its art, literature, culture, language etc.

Similarly, Karnataka is one of the famous states in India. It is well known in history that many

dynasties have come to power and ruled over Karnataka and have perished. When the pages of

history are turned it becomes evident that the temples built during the times of kings were not

merely centers of devotion and worship. They were the reflection of the entire state.

Marehalli TEMPLE is very unique in Karnataka, Southern India is renowned for the evocative

remnants of the medieval metropolis of the Ganga/Raja Rajendra Chola's empire flourished in

14th century.

Rajendra Chola I (Rajendra Chola the Great) was son of Rajaraja Chola I and considered one of

the greatest rulers and military leaders of Indian Tamil Chola Empire. He succeeded his father in

1014 CE as Chola emperor. During his reign, he extended the influences of already vast Chola

Empire up to banks of river Ganges in the north and across the ocean. Rajendra’s territories

extended coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, conquered

the kings of Srivijaya and Pegu islands with his fleet of ships. He defeated Mahipala, the Pala

king of Bengal and Bihar, and to commemorate his victory he built a new capital called

Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The Cholas became one of the most powerful dynasties in Asia

during his reign.

Rajendra Chola

(Courtesy: Bharath Gyan (Dr. D K Hari and Dr. D K Hema Hari)

https://bharathgyanblog.wordpress.com/author/bharathgyanblog/


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The Tamil Chola armies exacted the tribute from Thailand and Khmer kingdom of Cambodia.

The successful invasions of Rajendra Chola were applauded by several medieval Tamil poets

like Jayamkondan in his text Kalingattupparani and Ottakkoothar in his text Ula. He received the

titles Gangai Kondan (He who took the Ganges River in north India) and Kadaram Kondan (He

who took kedah in Malaysia). Like the predecessors of the Cholas, the Pallavas and the

contemporaneous Pandiyans, the Cholas too under Raja I the father of Rajendra and then

Rajendra Chola I too undertook several expeditions to occupy territories outside Indian shores.

Of these kings, it was Rajendra who made extensive overseas conquests of territories like the

Andamans, Lakshadweepa, wide areas of Indo China (Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia)

and indeed, Burma.

Rajendra Kingdom Map

In fact, Rajendra Chola I was the first Indian king to take his armies overseas and make

conquests of these territories, even though there is epigraphically evidence of Pallava presence in

these very areas, but it is not known that Burma and Indo-China were subordinate to them, as

they were under Rajendra and his successors up to Kulothunga Chola I.


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Kingdom World Map

Courtesy: Bharath Gyan (Dr. D K Hari and Dr. D K Hema Hari)

After his successful campaign to the Ganges he got the tittle Gangaikonda Chola, he also built

the Shiva temple at his new capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram similar in the design to the Tanjore

Brihadisvara temple built by the father Rajaraja Chola and expanded the Pathirakali Amman

Templeand Koneswaram temples of Trincomalee. Rajendra Chola created at his capital the vast

artificial lake, sixteen miles long and three miles wide which to this day remains one of the

largest man-made lakes in India. He inherited from his father the famous title Mummudi Cholan

(The Chola with three crown), Mummudi title was used by Tamil kings who ruled the three

kingdoms of Chola, Pandya and Chera. He founded a new capital called Gangaikonda

Cholapuram.

Rajendra Chola formally ascended the Chola throne in the 1014 CE, two years after his

installation as Co Regent. Early in his reign in 1018 CE he installed his eldest son Rajadhiraja

Chola I as yuvaraja (Co-regent). Rajadhiraja continued to rule alongside his father for the next 26

years. The son ruled in full regal status as the father. This practice was probably adapted initially

to obviate disputed succession.

Chola Conquests

Conquering Sri Lanka: In 1017 CE, the king captured the whole of Sri Lanka, of which his

father, Raja Chola was able to conquer only the northern half. He realized his father’s dream of

gaining complete control over Sri Lanka.



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Victory over Pandyas and Cheras: In 1018 CE, King Rajendra marched to Pandya and Chera

regions and fighting a fierce battle, defeated their kings.

Defeating Chaulakyas: In 1021 CE, Rajendra Chola planned to conquer the Chaulakya territory.

At that time, Jayasimha was the ruler of the Chaulakya territory and was going strong. However

such was the prowess of Rajendra that, he was able to defeat Jayasimha in a battle, now called

the battle of Maski.

Gangaikonda Cholan: Rajendra Chola then conquered regions around Ganga, from Palas of

Bengal. He brought waters of Ganga in ceremonial procession and for this feat; he renamed his

capital as Gangaikonda. He was conferred the title Gangaikonda Cholan, meaning, “one who

brought the waters of Ganga”.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The city that Rajendra Chola built was named Gangaikonda

Cholapuram, meaning “the city of him who conquered the kings in the Ganga region.” This city

became the capital of the Chola Empire.

Oveseas Conquests: Rajendra Chola was among the first Indian kings to conquer territories

outside India. His conquests included areas of present day Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos,

Andamans, Lakshadweep and Cambodia.

A Thai painting shows Chola soldiers invading Kedah (Malaysia) and using fire throwers against

those Siamese defending them inside fort.


In all these Conquests, Krishnan Raman served as the Commander in Chief of the Chola forces,

under Rajendra Chola.

Feared by Mohammed of Gazni: Mohammed of Gazni while raiding the north west of India,

dared not to cross into the Chola kingdom, fearing it might.



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Closing years: The closing years of Rajendra’s reign from 1040CE to 1044CE were a golden

period for the Cholas. The Chola Kingdom had extended far and wide. The naval proves of the

Cholas was at its peak. King Rajendra passed on all the powers to his sons and others in the

family who ruled on his behalf. He soon passed on the mantle to his son Rajendra Chola II.

Temples and Lakes (His legacy): King Rajendra Chola is said to have built a number of

temples during his 30 year reign. He built the Dharasuram temple replicating the Tanjavore

temple built by his father.

Spreading Culture: The invasion of the overseas islands by Rajendra Chola was in keeping

with the civilized norms of those days and did not involve destruction or plunder as is evidenced

from the records of those islands. These conquests actually led to opening the doors for the

spread of Indian culture, ideas and ethos to the whole of South East Asia.

World Heritage, today this place is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for a

Shiva temple that goes by the same name – Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.


Very rich in material heritage from ARCHITECTURE to SCULPTURE, murals in stones and

has provided a platform for investigation into research study and representation. This study

reveals the architectural beauty of the following:

1. Insights that can be gained from an integration of archaeological and digital approaches

to explore the following

2. Aspects of architectural heritage, ICONOGRAPHY, ICONOMETRY, from stones

ranging from granite, schist and dolerite.

3. THESE INCLUDES images of Narasimha images and the portraits of GANGAA,

CHOLAS dynasty, Vitthala temple complex, resonant columns and spaces



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2. Background

Ancient temples are a reflection of the architecture, arts, and the reign of the kings and the

contribution of hard work of the common people. These temples were also a mark of prestige of

those times. Through these temples we get to know the times of the temples, the rule of the

kings, the design of different types and the changes they underwent. Today's generation needs to

know the significance of these temples and have to do research on them. In this respect it

wouldn't be wrong to say that the archaeological survey of India is doing an extraordinary job. A

big effort has been put in by the department of archaeology in conserving and preserving the

ancient architecture and culture. The culture and tradition of those days is a model for today.

India has realized the importance of introducing them to the new generation and has been

familiarizing the younger generation with the country's tradition and culture in the manner they

would appreciate and understand. For that reason India has been preserving the monuments that

describe and showcase the Indian tradition.

The temple in Marenahalli, Malavallitaluk, Mandya district, Mysore region, and Karnataka state

is one such. Realizing the importance and significance of this temple it is taken care of by the

archaeological department. If these temples had not been taken care of, the following generations

would not have seen and known the importance of those times. It is very important for the

younger generation of India to have that curiosity and sense of wonder about its past.

3. Scope of the study

The study of ancient temples is very important. Along with the tradition of those days these

temples along with the palaces and other such monuments are points of interest for many other

reasons as well. It is interesting to see how these ancient monuments retell and reconstruct our

ancient traditions. The current study is undertaken in that background.

The purpose of the current study is to research the ancient temples and through that study to

know about the art, culture, language, administration, attitudes towards common people and their

lifestyles. By doing so, the current generation will get to know the importance of our tradition

and the importance of developing that faith and struggle behind building such traditions.

4. Technological Innovation of the 10th Century

This study shows that men without the knowledge of history may have to live in darkness in

future. In that sense the study intends to find out the best suited ways to impart this historical

knowledge to the current generation. This study is a small attempt in showing the antiquity and

tradition of India to the world.

Along with the study of history and culture the attempt is also made to find out how tradition can

be conserved in the times of digital technology. It is also attempted to figure out how historical

temples and monuments can be stored and restored using the digital technology.


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5. The architectural importance of this temple

Marehalli is a small village near Malavallitaluk in Mandya district. This place has a history of

around 1200 to 1300 years. The village was very prosperous and wealthy. History shows that

there was a big Agrahara in the village. As a proof to that even to this day there are many people

living across the country and abroad who are still followers of this temple in the village and visit

it often.

Different views of the temple built around the 10th

Century in Karnataka State, India

Gangas founded this temple. Gangas shifted their administration from Kolar to Talakad. Hence

we find the influence of Gangas around this place. The inscriptions that are available in this

region belong from 10th

to 12th

century.

The inscriptions of this temple are very special because they are not carved as usual on blocks of

rock. Instead they are carved on the foundation platform around the sanctum sanctorum. The

inscriptions are in old Kannada. Some inscriptions are found to be carved on pillars in which

Tamil and Tamil mixed Kannada are used.

Map of India Karnataka State Front entrance to the temple


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The founders of this temple are Gangas. But even in the later period many other royal families

have generously donated to this temple and have been responsible for the temple being in good

condition. It is not only the royal families but also the common people who have donated to this

temple and the same has been depicted in the inscriptions. After Gangas it was the Cholas who

made this temple famous.

When Raja Rajachola invaded the Gangas in the 10th century he defeated them and occupied this

place. Since he defeated the Gangas he acquired the title Gangeya Konda Chola. He built the

precinct of this temple. It is built in the Chola-Dravida style and is in the shape of a star. It is

said that the stones used for this temple are from the hill near Kunduru village. The temple is

built in an area of around 12 acres.

The uniqueness of this temple is that it is built in both Hoysala and Dravida styles.

Courtesy: Glimpses of history


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Dravida Temple Architecture

The influence of the Vijayanagara kings can also be noticed. The main entrance follows the

Vijayanagara period style. It also has the special features of the Cholas. The sanctum sanctorum,

antarala, navaranga, the portico (mukhamantapa), the precinct (ಪ್ರಾ ಕಾರ), the altar (balipeetha) and

the Garuda pillar (garudagambha) are the seven entrance points. It is built from west to east

facing the East. The temple has two Garuda pillars of which one is within the temple premises.

The one inside the premises belongs to the Gangas period and other is in front of the main

entrance which was built during the Chola period. Garuda pillar within the temple is made of

wood and the one outside it is carved of stone. The temple is surrounded by space with many

pillars. The ceiling has openings for proper light and ventilation.

The statue of Lakshmi Narasimha in this temple is made of shaligrama rock. In all the other

Lakshmi Narasimha statues Lakshmi seated on the thigh of Narasimha looks at the people

whereas the Lakshmi in the statue in this temple is facing and seeing Narasimha.


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Shaligram Stone a Sacred Original Shila

(Courtesy:Travelmassif )

According to the locals this God is called Marehallimudukappa (old man). The reason that is

available according to the folklore is that the God here is aged. That is why he peaceful instead

of looking violent and terrible. In accordance to this belief the statue is bathed in in cold water

instead of hot water. The belief goes that the old man cannot stand the heat.

People call the area around this place as Gajaranya which means forest of the elephants. The

name comes because of the reason that during the Gangas this place was the training field of

elephants. The royal emblem of the Gangas is a wild elephant. Gangas probably chose this place

to train the royal elephants.

The name of the place is an indicator of a person. Mara is generally the name of an individual.

Even to this day the name is used by many people. King of 17th century Ganga dynasty was

called Marasinga. It is possible that the village might have been founded during his period or it is

also possible that the village is much older. It is not clear. But at that time the place was already a

famous Agrahara and maybe during Marasinga’s reign it came to be known as Marenahalli.


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Sculptures of Western Ganga Dynast

(Courtesy: Wikiwand )

Today only the temple exists and the village does not. According to the villagers it is because of

a curse by a Rishi called Suyajna. Suyajna had once undertaken penance. He used to come to

Marenahalli Shiva temple from Kunduru every week to offer his worship. Once when he came

for worship he was surprised because locals had disfigured his Puja paraphernalia and therefore

he cursed that Maralli shall be destroyed.

The study will undertake many other issues. The main objective is to present many interesting,

curious and ancient aspects to the people.

6. The architectural beauty of this temple

Today the temple is under the care of archaeological survey of India. The temple was brought

under the Hindu religious and charitable endowment department due to the efforts of

H.V.Iyengar (R.B.I. governor) and S.S.Iyengar (computer scientist). It is because of their efforts

the temple has survived the onslaught of the public. According to Hindu religious and charitable

endowments department this temple comes under 'B' grade with respect to income.


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Even to this day a very famous fair takes place in this place. This fair goes on for a fortnight

during which Navanvika Mahothsava also takes place. For nine days different utsavas happen.

First Ankurarpanam and Dhvajarohanam happen where the soil from the base of a peepal tree is

brought and the seeds are soaked for nine days and nine different grains are offered.

At first, the pooja is offered to Vignesha and Navanvikamahotsava is begun. First it is the

Hamsotsav, then sheshautsav, Gajendra moksha, Garudotsav, Hanumotsav,

AshwotsavRathotsav, theerthasnana and Teppotsav. The fair goes on this way and the

newlyweds come and offer fruits and other offerings to the holy car.

There are two ponds in this place of which one is used for Puja purposes and the other for

bathing. It is said that the pond used for bathing was built by a Papa Shetty. It has been renovated

by world famous computer scientist S.S.Iyengar.

7. Preservation of the architectural beauty for the future generation

The rapid growth, proliferation and reliance on digital devices permeates our society,

Government and cultural heritage

1. Key aspects of digital applications are use of scientific methods, collection, analysis ,

interpretation and documentation

2. Images generated from laser scanning are used for exploring aspects of architectural

heritage, iconography and iconometry in stones

3. Digital forensic models are scientifically derived and is useful for preservation,

validation, identification , interpretation , documentation and presentation of digital

evidence

4. These methods can also be used on information derived in facilitating the reconstruction

of past events.

5. Creating an opportunity for future VIRTUAL FORENSIC ENVIRONMENT to conduct

training for future researchers in the preservation of cultural and heritage landscape of

these historic temple of monument value

6. PRESERVING INDIAN CULTURE through these artifacts and digital technologies

Disclaimer and Fair Use Statement

The contents, images and any other information obtained from various digital sources and

printed in this paper are purely for the purpose of showcasing the Indian heritage and culture.

They do not involve any commercial purposes.


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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge all the source cited such as Images, URL’s and any other

form of digital content that is being used in the paper. More specifically, to all the digital media

and authors who have contributed in showcasing the Indian Temple heritage and culture.

Without their support and publishing of content on Internet this paper would not have become a

reality.

We kindly acknowledge all directly and indirectly who are part of this paper through various

internet sources (Google Images, Wiki, Websites, Blogs, Public discussion form and personal

sites).

Processing charge for this paper is funded from Iyengar Medical and Educational foundation.

References

1) Balasubrahmanyam, S. R., B. Natarajan, B. Venkataraman, and B. Ramachandran. Later

Chola Temples Kulottunga I to Rajendra III (A.D. 1070-1280). Madras: Mudgala Trust,

1979.

2) Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. The Cōlas. Madras: University of Madras, 1955.

3) Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of

Vijayanagar. Madras: Indian Branch, Oxford University Press, 1966.

4) Spencer, George W. Royal Leadership and Imperial Conquest in Medieval South India The

Naval Expedition of Rajendra Chola I, C. 1025 C.E. 1967.

5) Spencer, George W. The Politics of Expansion The Chola Conquest of Sri Lanka and Sri

Vijaya. Madras: New Era, 1983.

6) https://rcmysore-portal.kar.nic.in/temples/lakshminarasimhaswamytemple/

7) https://bharathgyanblog.wordpress.com/2019/07/28/rajendra-chola-i/

8) https://glimpsesofhistory.com/vesara-and-hoysala-style-of-temple-architecture/

9) https://royalkingsofindia.wordpress.com/raja-raja-chola-rajendra-chola-10th-century-ad/

10) https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Origin_of_the_Western_Ganga_Dynasty

11) https://travelmassif.com/shaligram-stone-facts/

https://bharathgyanblog.wordpress.com/2019/07/28/rajendra-chola-i/

https://royalkingsofindia.wordpress.com/raja-raja-chola-rajendra-chola-10th-century-ad/

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Origin_of_the_Western_Ganga_Dynasty


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8. Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Photos


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American Journal of Humanities and Social Science (AJHSS ......(The Chola with three crown), Mummudi...

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Transcript of American Journal of Humanities and Social Science (AJHSS ......(The Chola with three crown), Mummudi...