Subramanian temple - Kunnur

This temple is situated in close proximity to the northern border of Pandinadu. The vimana measures 15ft. 3.in. in width and features a Padabanda adhisthana. The wall is embellished with Brahmakantha pilasters, displaying archaic decorations. To the south, a false devakostha is adorned with an image of Dakshinamurti. A bhutamala with bhutas that have an archaic appearance is visible beneath the kapota, while the nasis are typical of the Pandya style, with broad A mukhapattis and narrow circular gadhas. The kantahi and prati above the kapota bear vyala figures in profile, as seen at Vijayanarayanam (Pemmal Temple) and Korkai. The griva, sikhara, and stupi are circular in shape.

Beneath the soffit of the sikhara, a bhutamala is visible. The grivakosthas contains devathas, some of which are old but have a nondescript character. As the temple is sacred to Siva’s son Subrahmanya, who is sometimes associated with elephants, elephant figures have been placed on the corners instead of the customary vrsa or bhuta figures of a Siva temple.

Although a donatory inscription from the time of Cola Aditya I exists, with the dated portion covered up by a later mandapa, the temple is older and built in the Pandya style. It was likely constructed before A.D. 880 when Aditya’s rule had spread over Konadu and the adjacent areas of Pandia nadu. The nasi and stupi forms are not Cola but rather Pandya, and the absence of pillars in the ardhamandapa is another Pandya feature. Additionally, the temple’s location within traditional Pandya territory suggests Pandya patronage.