Buddha statues found during field study (1993-2012) - Tiruvarur district
Dr. B.Jambulingam
On the first day of every month we are discussing about the experiences faced while seeing the Buddha statues. During this month I wish to share the experiences which I had individually and with the other help of other scholars while I had been on field work, from 1993 to 2012, to find out the Buddha statues.Of the statues which were identfied, during the past 20 years, many of them belonged to Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Now, over to Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu.
PUTHUR (2000)
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| Puthur Buddha Photo: Dr B.Jambulingam |
KUDAVASAL (APRIL 2002)
Based on the information given by Mr Govindarajan, head of Buddha was found in Seethakkamangalam near Kudavasal in Tiruvarur district. With elongated ears, broken flame, smiling lips, serene eyes the statue had tilak on the forehead.
TIRUNATTIYATTHANKUDI (2003)
While carrying out field work alongwith Dr Kudavayil Balasubramanian and Mr V.Kannan, A Buddha statue was found in Tirunattiyatthankudi in Tiruvarur district. It was in usual sitting dhyana posture. The right hand, neck and the face were found damaged. Chakra was found on the hand. The locals believe that if the garland of yercam was worn to this statue they would get rain.
ULLIKOTTAI (2004)
Mr. Madhavakumaraswami informed me about the prevalence of Buddha statue in Ullikkottai. With his help the statue was identified the statue. During field study it was learnt that the place in which the statue was found was known as Chettiarmedu. Locals said that while Chettiar came on a horse, he was disturbed by gangsters resulting him becoming stone. Some referred to Buddha as a king. The flame, part of nose and hands were found broken. While carrying out field work during September 2012, the statue was found missing, for which the locals felt very much.
VALAYAMAPURAM (2007)
Though I got information in 1993 itself about the prevalence of Buddha statues in Valayamapuram area, during the field work carried out during 2007 a Buddha statue without head was found. In sitting dhyana posture the Buddha of Valayamapuram had all the characteristics of Buddhas found in the Chola country. It had broad shoulders, dharmadchakra on the hand, having dress on it. It was found on a field. It was learnt that till some time back it was with head. Attempts were made to locate the head, but in vain. Headless Buddhas were also found in Rayampuram near Perambalur and Keezhakurichi near Trichy.
KANDRAMANICKAM (2012)
A Buddha statue in sitting dhyana posture was found in Kandramanickam while carrying out field work alongwith a team which included Dr. Kudavayil Balasubramanian. During field study it was learnt that while carrying out building works in Mettu street the statue was found. Locals worshipped the Buddha. It had a lemon garland. It also sported sandalwood paste and kumkum on the forehead. A lamp was found in front of the statue. Sacred ash was also kept there. Like other Buddha statues of the Chola country this statue belonged to 10th-11th century CE. It had smiling face, tilak mark on the forehed, elongated ears, dress over the shoulder and chest. Dharmachakra was found on the hand. Flame was found over the head. Part of nose is found broken. After some time it was that Buddha statue was taken from that place and exhibited in the Government Museum at Tiruvarur.
It may be interesting to note that during the field study carried out during the past two decades more number of Buddha statues were found in Tiruvarur district. In the ensuing months we shall discuss about the Buddha statues found in other districts of the Chola country. Our next trip will be to Thanjavur district to see the new Buddhas.
My thanks are due to Mr. Singaravelan, Dr. Kudavayil Balasubramanian, Mr.Govindarajan, Mr.Kannan and Mr. Madhavakumaraswami who either accompanied or helped during my field work.
Mr. Madhavakumaraswami informed me about the prevalence of Buddha statue in Ullikkottai. With his help the statue was identified the statue. During field study it was learnt that the place in which the statue was found was known as Chettiarmedu. Locals said that while Chettiar came on a horse, he was disturbed by gangsters resulting him becoming stone. Some referred to Buddha as a king. The flame, part of nose and hands were found broken. While carrying out field work during September 2012, the statue was found missing, for which the locals felt very much.
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| Valayamapuram Buddha Photo: Dr.B.Jambulingam |
Though I got information in 1993 itself about the prevalence of Buddha statues in Valayamapuram area, during the field work carried out during 2007 a Buddha statue without head was found. In sitting dhyana posture the Buddha of Valayamapuram had all the characteristics of Buddhas found in the Chola country. It had broad shoulders, dharmadchakra on the hand, having dress on it. It was found on a field. It was learnt that till some time back it was with head. Attempts were made to locate the head, but in vain. Headless Buddhas were also found in Rayampuram near Perambalur and Keezhakurichi near Trichy.
KANDRAMANICKAM (2012)
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| Dr.B.Jambulingam with Kandramanickam Buddha |
It may be interesting to note that during the field study carried out during the past two decades more number of Buddha statues were found in Tiruvarur district. In the ensuing months we shall discuss about the Buddha statues found in other districts of the Chola country. Our next trip will be to Thanjavur district to see the new Buddhas.
My thanks are due to Mr. Singaravelan, Dr. Kudavayil Balasubramanian, Mr.Govindarajan, Mr.Kannan and Mr. Madhavakumaraswami who either accompanied or helped during my field work.
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| First session |
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| Fourth session (before presenting paper) |
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| Fourth session (after presenting paper) |
A paper entitled "Buddha statues found during field study (1993-2012)" was presented by me during the seminar Buddhism in Tamil Culture, held on 24.3.2013 at Chennai. Photo courtesy: Mr E.Anban.
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Updated on 23 Decemer 2024
Buddha statue found in Puthur clearly shows that, people are ready to whorship the Gods beyond the barriers of Religion.
ReplyDeleteHearty congratulations for presenting your paper in Seminar
All extremely interesting new discoveries not mentioned by Sivaramalinggam (1997) or Schalk (2002). These images should be related to the erstwhile activities of one or other of the Tamil Trading Guilds and were probably set up by communities related to the export of cloth. Important finds which help to establish the former locations of Buddhist communitiesin Tamilnadu. E
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ReplyDeleteஐயா!. தங்களுடன் தொடர்பு கொள்ள வேண்டும் என ஆவலாய் உள்ளேன். நான் ஒரு தமிழ் பௌத்தராவேன். இலங்கையை தாயகமாக கொண்ட நான் இந்த தமிழ் பௌத்தத்தின் வரலாற்றினை அறிய மிக மிக ஆவலாய் உள்ளேன். நான் ஒரு ஊடகத்தில் பணி புரிகிறேன். தமிழ் பௌத்தம் தொடர்பாக ஒரு அறிக்கையை தயாரிப்பதற்கு உத்தேசித்துள்ளேன். இது தொடர்பாக உங்களிடம் பேச விரும்புகிறேன். தங்களை தொடர்பு கொள்ள வாய்ப்பளிக்குமாறு பணிவுடன் வேண்டிக்கொள்கிறேன்.
இது நாம் செய்யும் வைலைத்தளமாகும்.
http://tamilbuddhist.com/
Jambulingam sir,
ReplyDeleteThis is my e mail ID lakminiradika@gmail.com please contact me
Jain buddism idols some how people respect offer poojas very happy
ReplyDeleteDr. Jambulingam’s "Buddhism in Chola Nadu" is an insightful look at how Buddhism thrived in the Chola region. The book explores its influence through ancient Buddha statues and inscriptions, showing how Buddhism left its mark on the culture and history of the time. Despite Hinduism being dominant, the work highlights the important role Buddhism played in shaping the Chola heritage. It’s a simple and valuable guide for anyone curious about South India’s rich religious past.
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