Art and Research

This magnificent five-tier wooden temple chariot dedicated to “Pandanallur shri Adikesavaperumal” (lord Vishnu), advances from the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern part of India. It was crafted in the mid 19th century by “Sri Pasupati Achari” and his son under the guidance of four devotees named “Manikkam Pillai”, “Subbu Pilai”,”Cattaya Pillai” and “Jambu Nath Pillai”. It was prepared using locality available wood Viz. teak, sandal and acacia. Such chariots were primarily used in most temples in South India during festivals (rathothsavas) carrying gracefully decorated idols of  gods and goddeness, and were drawn through street of town and village by hundreds of devotees. Ample reference to such festivities were usually conduct to commemorate foundation of temples, pray for the wellbeing of king, celebrate birthday of chieftains, births of marriage of princes, planetary conjunctions and events associated with astrological significance. Innumerable devotees would come out of their singing and dancing to pay homage to the deities being carried.