Stone Parrots, Stone Chains and Karna Koodu

Jai Ganesha!

This week we celebrate the installation of some of the final ornamental additions to Iraivan Temple's Nandi Mandapam. The silpis have completed the installation of the Karna Koodu, the twelve capstones that adorn the mandapam's roof. They've also installed the eight stone parrots that sit upon the corners of the roof. With all that completed, the silpis were then able to place the stone chains into their positions underneath the mandapam's eave. Aum.

The mandapam with the karna koodu and stone parrots installed

Looking more and more like a completed temple every day

an aerial view showing the karna koodu

a closer look

The stone parrots which now adorn the corners of the roof

With that done, it\

s time to add the stone chains. The ones in the top of the photograph are the chains that go on the Nandi Mandapam. '

They attach like a lock and key under the corners of the eave

The first one is lifted up to be installed

The chain is placed in and turned to lock in place

Despite their elegance they are still heavy stones, so it takes two people to hold them as they are lifted into place

The second one goes in.

Looking good!

By the end of they day they\

ll all be in'

We find Adaikalam working on the Bali Pitam base

after having polished the edges, he is adding the designs

He\

s half way through chiseling the lighter background onto this one'

In the late afternoon we find all the chains have been hung

Quite an astounding and beautiful structure!

Aum Namah Sivaya

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