Kadavul's Tiruvasi

The ancient Silpashastras describe the archway that is one of the ornaments of the Deity in a temple or shrine. It is called Tiruvasi, and it represents the Cosmic Sphere in which Siva dances or another deity abides. The flames are consciousness and the fierce face at the top is Mahakala, Lord of Time who ultimately devours all.

The two tiruvasis in Kadavul were made many years back under the supervision of Jiva Rajasankara. Since he is on pilgrimage here, he undertook the refurbishing of the hammered metal arches, which had become a bit worn and weary, as this do over time. It took several days and they were reinstalled last night. See the slideshow for the short story.

NOTE: If you move the slider in the first image you will reveal the before and after photos. Murugan is dressed in yellow today, celebrating we can surmise His new golden accoutrement.

The three silpis move a finish arch to an area for lacquering.

This is before, with a dull luster that needed to be removed.

Several solvents were used, including the rural favorite, tamarind paste. Mostly the arches responded to elbow grease.

Tamarind and a stiff brush gets into the crevices.

Hours of hard scrubbing are required.

Our team works with great vigor.

Jiva helps

Jiva adds a protective layer of lacquer

Final application and we are done!

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