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Dancing to the Tunes of Musical Pillars in South India

By Akshatha Vinayak

The fact that India has such heritage to boast about makes it a land of wonders! What we see today are the big apartments or skyscrapers that fill our cities. Other than that there is nothing much unusual about any buildings; at least not that is already constructed. In fact, the architects of ancient India have proved their talent which was much beyond their times. The heritage sites are the excellent examples to show the infinite knowledge of those artisans. Among them, the musical pillars found in the temples of South India sing to the different tunes altogether.

Vittala Temple Hampi

Vittala Temple premises with the Stone Chariot
Photo Courtesy: YashiWong

You will be awe-struck by their technique and beauty. Even today, tourists can tap on the pillars to hear the sounds. The Tapping Pillars or the Blowing Pillars are the two kinds of musical pillars found in the South Indian temples.

Tapping Pillars make a sound when you beat or tap on it. Whereas, Blowing Pillars have holes where you can blow air and hear the tunes as it is on the flute.

Let us discover the resounding monuments in South India!

Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hampi

One your trip to Hampi take your time to explore the Vijaya Vittala Temple. It is known for various things; one prominent feature are the musical pillars. These pillars support the roof of Vittala Temple.

Musical Pillars at Hampi

Musical Pillars at Vijaya Vittala Temple
Photo Courtesy: Vinayak Kulkarni

Seven thin pillars circulate one thick post at the centre. Each of these emit sounds of different instruments. It is said that the British even cut one of the pillars to see what is there inside but they only saw empty pipe.

Nellaiappar Temple

Nellaiappar Temple is one of the most prominent temples located in Tirunelveli of Tamil Nadu. This large temple is known for its elegant and exotic carvings. The musical pillars are one of the most attractive parts of Nellaiappar Temple. The detailing of the musical pillars are just incredible and each of the pillar make different sounds.

Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli

Intricate and massive musical pillar on the extreme right
Photo Courtesy: Ssriram mt

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

In olden times, the temples were the centres for various cultural activities. Hence, musical pillars were made for the purpose of playing prayers to the God as well as for the cultural events. Meenakshi Amman Temple is a masterpiece architecture which has many attractions. Five musical pillars located just outside the thousand-pillared hall should not be missed.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

1000 - pillared hall in Meenakshi Temple
Photo Courtesy: Manasbaisya

Alwar Tirunagari Temple

Alwar Tirunagari Temple is one of the famous Vishnu Temples in Tamil Nadu. The town of Alwar Tirunagari flourished during the time of Pandya Kings. One of the principle elements of this temple are the musical pillars. Here both tapping pillars and the blowing pillars are found. The stone nadaswaram (double reed wind instrument) is one interesting feature of Alwar Tirunagari Temple.

Alwar Tirunagari Temple

Interior View of Alwar Tirunagari Temple
Photo Courtesy: Ssriram mt

There are many other temples in South India where you can see the musical pillars. They are Thanumalayam Temple, Lepakshi, Adi Kumbareswarar Temple, Alakar Kovil, etc.

Note: Earlier tourists could touch these pillars but now no one is allowed to touch the musical pillars in many sites. It is a measure taken to preserve these unique heritage structures.

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