Circulating on social media is a captivating photograph showcasing a magnificent Hindu structure, renowned for its intricate carvings, believed to have been meticulously carved out of a single rock. Intriguingly, amidst the online discussions, certain users have made audacious claims, suggesting that this architectural marvel dates back an astonishing 5,000 years. The image has garnered significant attention, prompting numerous travel and lifestyle websites to feature the structure prominently on their lists of India’s most awe-inspiring landmarks.
Fast Check
Newschecker conducted a reverse image search of the photograph and found multiple reports and images related to the Vettuvan Koil, a rock-cut temple situated in Kalugumalai, Thoothukudi, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to Heritage Daily, this temple was constructed in the 8th century AD, during the reign of the Pandya dynasty, also known as the Pandyas of Madurai. It was dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, one of the principal gods in Hinduism.
The Vettuvan Koil is a remarkable architectural masterpiece that was meticulously carved out of a single granite rock. The upper section of the temple features intricate carvings of various “Parsavadevatas,” which are attendant deities of Shiva. These carvings include depictions of Uma, the goddess associated with fertility, love, beauty, marriage, and children, as well as Nandi, the gate-guardian deity of Kailasa, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. Additionally, the temple showcases sculptures of different animals, such as monkeys and lions.
These details emphasize that the Vettuvan Koil is a genuine historical structure with significant cultural and religious importance. Its construction during the 8th century AD aligns with the historical records and architectural styles of the period.
Further research based on the keyword “Vettuvan Koil” yields additional information from news reports and travel blog posts. According to an article by RH Kulkarni, an art history professor, published in the New Indian Express, the Vettuvan Koil holds a prominent position among the architectural wonders of South India. Situated in Kazhugumalai, Tamil Nadu, this monolithic temple is regarded as a sculptor’s paradise, akin to other remarkable structures like the Pancha Rathas in Mamallapuram and the Kailasanatha temple in Ellora.
Professor Kulkarni describes the Vettuvan Koil as a monolithic temple, with a Dravida vimana (a distinctive tower) emerging from the rectangular rock. The temple’s construction is estimated to have taken place between 760 and 800 CE, providing valuable insight into its historical timeline and architectural style.
This additional information reinforces the significance of the Vettuvan Koil as a remarkable monolithic temple, highlighting its unique features and solidifying its place in the rich architectural heritage of South India.
Upon further investigation, we cross-referenced the viral image with an image displayed on the right in the aforementioned article. It is evident that the two images share similarities, albeit captured from different angles, further supporting the connection between the viral picture and the Vettuvan Koil.
To gather more information, we visited the website of the Department of Archaeology under the Tamil Nadu government. According to their records, it is widely believed that the Vettuvan Koil was established during the 8th century ACE by the Pandya Maranchadayan king. This rock-cut cave complex and temple exhibit architectural elements reminiscent of the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple and cave sculptures. The temple has earned the moniker “ELLORA OF SOUTH,” underscoring its significance and likening it to the renowned Ellora Caves in Maharashtra.
Notably, the Vettuvan Koil is a monolithic structure, hewn out of a single rock, and adorned with devotional sculptures. These sculptures were crafted during the Paranthaka Nedunchadaian period, adding historical context to the temple’s creation.
The information obtained from the Tamil Nadu government’s Department of Archaeology corroborates the previous findings, reinforcing the historical and cultural importance of the Vettuvan Koil as a remarkable rock-cut temple in Tamil Nadu.
Renowned archaeology journalist TS Subramanian, who has extensive experience in the field and formerly served as the Associate Editor of Frontline, has provided further confirmation regarding the age of the Vettuvan Koil temple. According to Subramanian, the temple’s dating aligns with the eighth or ninth century CE, dispelling the claim that it is 5,000 years old.
Subramanian’s expertise and authoritative statement contribute to the consensus that the Vettuvan Koil was constructed during the medieval period, further reinforcing the historical context and timeline associated with this remarkable rock-cut temple.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the viral photograph circulating on social media was determined to be an image of the Vettuvan Koil temple located in Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is a remarkable rock-cut structure carved out of a single rock. Extensive research and expert analysis indicate that the temple dates back to the eighth or ninth century CE, making it approximately 1,300 years old. The historical and cultural significance of the Vettuvan Koil further solidifies its position as a remarkable architectural marvel in Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage.
