Abstract
This research article explores how complex linguistic elements of scriptural cosmological aspects manifest as cultural expressions through a case study of the creation legend associated with select temples at Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu. While the extant works spotlight the creation myth associated with Kumbakonam and some of its famous temples, the scriptural connections still needed to be established. The current research paper leverages this opportunity and endeavors to connect key cosmological aspects of Vedic and Puranic scriptures with the creation myth linked to some of the temples of Kumbakonam. This paper uses field visits to select temples to study their paintings. It also analyses the narratives available in the digital media to complement the field studies. Based on the analysis, this paper concludes that the creation legend of Kumbakonam links back to Vedic and Puranic cosmological concepts with temple art, enhancing the value of the narration. The scriptural connection of the Kumbakonam creation myth aligns explicitly with the Nasadiya and Hiranyagarbha Suktas of the Rig Veda and the Puranic concept of cyclic creation-sustenance-dissolution-re-creation. This research article also emphasizes the need to restore and preserve such invaluable artistic communication at temples for a more effective cultural continuity so that such legends can thrive in the digitally oriented third millennium.
Author Information
Sivaram Sivasubramanian, JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), India
Rajani Jairam, JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), India
Paper Information
Conference: KAMC2024
Stream: Cultural Studies
This paper is part of the KAMC2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Sivasubramanian S., & Jairam R. (2024) Cultural Expressions of Scriptural Cosmology: Case Study of Temple Art of Select Temples in Kumbakonam ISSN: 2436-0503 – The Kyoto Conference on Arts, Media & Culture 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 85-95) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2436-0503.2024.9
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2436-0503.2024.9
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