Brahma in Shiva temple

Pullamangai temple is located on the outskirts of Pashupathikoil, between Tanjavoor and Kumbakonam of Tamil Nadu. This temple is very deceptive to look at from outside but once you are inside this temple, you will discover its extraordinary grandeur! It was built during the early years of Chola King Parantaka Choladeva-1. Hence this temple existed with active worship during the early 7th century CE. 

People refer to this temple by various names - Thiruvalanthurai Mahadevar Temple, Sri Brahmapurisvara Temple, or Tiruppullamangai Temple!

The presiding deity of Pullamangai is  Brahmapuriswara - a form of Lord Shiva. This temple is often cited as Brahma Temple because of the sculptures on the exterior walls include a number of beautiful images of Brahma. 

There are a number of extraordinary sculptures in this temple! Of the hundreds of sculptures seen in this temple the most adorable ones are Shiva's Ganas! These Ganas are depicted in different happy moods and dancing poses!

The Lingobhava murti seen here are very similar to the ones seen in Big temple of Tanjavoor and Gangaikonda Chozhapuram.

Sixth Century Shiva Temple

Mahakuta is a tiny village in Karnataka. The main attraction of this place is a Sixth Century CE group of temples. This is a place of religious significance for Shaivites. It is situated in Bagalkot District of Karnataka, a few kilometres away from Badami.

These temple's architecture is a hybrid of Dravidian and Nagara style and they also resemble northern and southern styles. Probably the architects of those times were experimenting on different styles.

At the centre of these temples there is a spring fed tank called Vishnu Pushkarni. A constant stream of water passes through this tank from a mountain spring. They also call it by another name Papavinasha Tirth meaning tank which purifies from sins. This tank has a rare statue of Lingam called Panchamukhi Shiva Linga - with five faces of Shiva. Since swimming is allowed in this tank, swimming here is the greatest past-time of boys who live around these temples.

The outer walls of the temple bear a number of pieces of art executed by sculptors of the Early Chalukyan times. Noteworthy among them are Ardhanareershwara, Varaha rescuing Prithvi, Lakulisha propounder of Yoga system and a few guardian deities. There are also pierced windows characteristic of the Chalukyan temples.

Durga Temple of Aihole, Karnataka

Aihole is historically famous as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the villages and nearby fields. Most of these temples were built between the 6^th & 8^th centuries and some even earlier!

The main attraction at Aihole, Karnataka is the Durga Temple. This is not a temple of lord Durga but it derives its name from its vicinity to the fort (Durga). Originally it was a Surya temple, subsequently it is dedicated to either Vishnu or Shiva as the representations of Vishnu are as numerous as those of Shiva.

Durga temple is the most elaborately decorated monument in Aihole. The columns at the entrance and within the porch are carved with figures and ornamental relief's. This temple is considered a unique and magnificent temple of the Chalukyan period.