10th century Chola sculpture of Chandesvara found in Tamil Nadu village
The holy figure is the oldest of the 63 nayanmars – saint-poets devoted to Shiva from the 6th-8th century – who influenced the Bhakti movement in Tamil Nadu.
![10th century Chola sculpture of Chandesvara found in Tamil Nadu village](https://sc0.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/large/805357-article-nnqhqjciob-1458368066.jpeg)
A research scholar from Trichy's Dr M Rajamanickam Centre for Historical Research has found a stone sculpture of Chandesvara from 10th century AD at Chundakkai village near Umayalpuram on the Trichy-Salem highway. The Hindu reported that the sculpture was found partially buried on the outskirts of the Tamil Nadu village. Chandesvara is the oldest of the 63 nayanmars – saint-poets devoted to Shiva from the 6th-8th century – who influenced the Bhakti movement in Tamil Nadu.
According to a press release, the researchers stumbled upon the sculpture during a study in the area. Dr Kalaikkovan, the director of the centre, said the sculpture was an early Chola icon measuring 92 cm in height, 58 cm in breadth and 15 cm in thickness. The figure's headgear is in the jatabhara (thickly braided) style, and a short and wavy robe can be identified near his hip. He is seated in the sukhasana posture with one leg folded up and the other on a pedestal, and wears a sacred thread, a band around the waist and a necklace.
Researchers believe the discovery could lead them to a dilapidated Siva temple in the vicinity and a study will be a undertaken to find the remains.