NARTHAMALAI SHIVA TEMPLES PART 4

NARTHAMALAI SHIVA TEMPLES PART 4 - THE SPHINX

NARTHAMALAI – THE EGYPTIAN CONNECTION

Narthamalai – a small village now, was a major trading center under the Muttaraiyar Kings, Vassals of the early Pallava’s and Pandya’s (7^th to 9^th century CE) and later came under the influence of the medieval Chola’s under Vijayala Chola during the last decade of 9^th century CE. Narthamalai perhaps is named after the trading community Nagaratthar (Nagaratthar – Malai) also known as Nattukottai Chettiyar’s even now.

Did the Nattukottai Chettiyar’s have an Egyptian connection? Did they have trade links with Egypt in the 7^th century CE or before. Did the merchants & artisans of Narthamalai visit Egypt?

The artisans from the reign of Muthuraiyars, seem to have been to Egypt, in order to have come out with a small frame in the walls of the Big Shiva Vishnu cave, with a sculpture similar to the “SPHINX”. The Human face with a Lions body.

The same is well engraved in a chain of Yalhi’s, consisting of Simha – Lion , Gaja – Elephant , Makara – Crocodile , Ajah – Ram and seems to be unique, on the pedestal of the Mukhamandapam.

Did the Egyptians visit Narthamalai?

PHOTOS : NARTHAMALAI - THE SPHINX

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