March 18 Museum

We returned to Thanjavur to take in the state museum, repository for a large cache of bronzes buried to prevent pillaging in the 1400's, recently found in a field by accident and exhumed. We are met coming and going by Brahma.

Here Gail gives close examination to Rishabavaganadevar, next to Parvathi. She says he's the south Indian 'David'.


OK, children, avert your eyes: here is one of Hinduisms most sacred icons, the lingam and yoni here dramatically combined. Later in the day we will visit the 'big temple', literally littered with similar objects, including one of solid black stone about 16 feet tall: no photo – inside temple.


I thought this was a Shiva, like the giant one at the foundry, but it is an 11th century Nataraja. We visited a nearby government run craft store, then 3 wheeled over to the temple.