Konar Temple

The temple located behind Thirumalpur Railway Station is known as the Konar Temple. Built of green stone, this temple is considered an important monument representing the transition from the later Pallava period to the early development of Chola-period art and architecture. Inscriptions dating from the reign of Parantaka Chola I to the period of Rajaraja Chola I can be found around the temple.

One of the distinctive features of this temple is the presence of numerous three-dimensional embossed Bhootha friezes, depicting the Bhoothas in various playful and amusing postures. The temple also contains several miniature sculptures depicting different episodes associated with Lord Krishna, along with intricately carved garland and festoon designs. The Gandharva faces carved within the nasika projections display different facial expressions and moods, showcasing the artistic skill of the sculptors.

The temple has a padabandha adhisthana and extends up to the prastara, but there is no superstructure or vimana above it. The Devakoshta niches do not contain sculptures. However, the makara toranas above the niches feature remarkable Pallava-style sculptures, including Mahishasuramardini accompanied by a lion and Gaja Lakshmi. The Ashta Mangala symbols are carved above the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum.

The temple is an exquisite example of highly refined artistic workmanship in green stone, reflecting the evolution of South Indian temple architecture from the later Pallava period towards the early Chola period.

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