ICONOGRAPHY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SCULPTURES AT THE CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE COMPLEX PUSHPAGIRI, KADAPA DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

This paper describes the study on the iconography and significance of the sculpture in the Chennakesava temple complex at Pushpagiri of Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh which is rich in historical and mythological significance that thrived and peaked under the Vijayanagara dynasty. Hindu legend asserts that the Penna river sprang from the bow of God Shiva, referred to as Pinaka.

Epigraphical evidence indicates that the Chennakesava, Santanamalleswara, and Umamaheswara temples were established  in 1294 CE. Reports indicate that these temples were in a state of disrepair by the early sixteenth century. The Chennakesava temple is an artistic masterpiece, including three inner shrines and two external sub-shrines on an elevated platform in common. The author has delineated the sculptures of the temple complex throughout several sections, including narrative episodes, individual and decorative friezes etc. Observers can perceive the motifs of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and other deities such as Surya, Parvati, Kamadeva, Ganapati, Nataraja, Bhudevi, Vrishabharudamurti, Hayagriva, and Narasimha.  The narrative of Kiratarjuniyam is intricately carved with exceptional mastery. The skill in sculpting and the temple's Mukhamandapa, characterised by its projections, reveals the influence and participation of Hoysala artisans. Nearly 2688 sculptures were found in this temple complex. All the sculptures measure between 2 and 20 inches in height. The temple construction includes a combination of limestone, granite, and sandstone mortar. The stone available locally, technically called a blend of sedimentary limestone and ferric impurities