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The Thiruvārūr Tyagarajaswamy Temple is notable for its eight prominent Gōpuras, including four at the cardinal directions and four additional towers. These structures are embellished with more than 1,000 sculptures, carved from stone and stucco, that represent a rich tapestry of puranic legends and historical narratives. The artistry on display is remarkable, with most sculptures capturing stories through profound symbolism, expressive gestures, and intricate visual composition.
While most sculptures boast exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful placement, a few display less intricate workmanship or less ideal placement, but all remain valuable cultural artefacts. The absence of detailed documentation of their creation complicates precise dating.
In this book, Dr. Sivakumar delves into the art and architecture of the Thiruvārūr Gōpuras, emphasising how these monumental structures exemplify profound devotion and remarkable creativity. His examination reveals how the Gōpuras serve as testaments to India’s extensive spiritual and artistic heritage. The intricate details and symbolic aspects of the sculptures are explored to highlight how both faith and creative ingenuity have been interwoven into their making, reflecting a tradition that has evolved and flourished over centuries.
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Dr. KANDIAH SIVAKUMAR
Dr. Kandiah Sivakumar has nurtured a lifelong passion for the art and architecture of the Indian subcontinent. Over the years, he has visited numerous sites renowned for their rich artistic and architectural heritage, deepening his appreciation and understanding of the region’s cultural legacy.
Dr. Sivakumar completed medical training in Sri Lanka and, after seven years working in the Health Service, moved to the UK. He worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist for almost forty years, served as an Associate Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and held several other important positions.
He continued his interest in the Art and Archaeology of the Indian subcontinent under the guidance of Padmashree Dr. John Marr and Mrs Wendy Marr. He obtained the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Certificate and completed an MA in the History of Art and Archaeology (South and Southeast Asia) at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
Dr. Sivakumar later became a Research Scholar at the Department of Sculpture, Tamil University, Thanjavur, India, and completed a PhD there. His thesis, under the supervision of Professor K. Kandas, was on the Architecture and Iconography of the Gōpuras of the Thiruvārūr Tyagarajaswamy Temple. He has a series of publications related to his interests.
He has been devotedly involved in temple restorations in Sri Lanka. In the UK, he has a keen interest in and has been an enthusiastic supporter of cultural events such as Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music recitals. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (UK). He is currently the convenor for the Dr. John and Mrs. Wendy Marr Arts History modules at the Bharatiya Bhavan, London.
