Terracotta horses offered as part of "puravi eduppu" at the Ayyanar temple at Kottur Melavasal in Pudukkottai district. ▲
Small terracotta figurines of a horse, cow and "madhalai" (infant) at the Ayyanar temple at Kottur Melavasal in Pudukottai district. ▲
An array of terracotta horses at the Ayyanar temple at Kottur Melavasal. ▲
Karu. Rajendran, a retired schoolteacher, epigraphist and an authority on the history and archaeology of Pudukottai district, seen with the terracotta horses of Kottur Melavasal Ayyanar temple. ▲
An 18-feet tall stucco "seema kudirai" at the Villakkada Ayyanar temple at Rendivayal-Virachchilai village. The caparisoned horse is shown as emerging from a dragon's mouth. ▲
Ayyanar depicted riding a horse. Villagers believe that Ayyanar protects them from evil spirits by keeping vigil at night. Painted and plain terracotta horses abound in this sacred abode of Ayyanar located in a scrub jungle on the outskirts of Nakkheeran Vayal. ▲
A lavishly decorated elephant with howdah, carrying a king in all his regal splendour at Kulamangalam-Kannangudi Kovil. ▲
Decorations on terracotta horses at Kulamangalam Kattu Kovil. ▲
Thousands of terracotta horses lined up along the pathway to the Ayyanar temple at Ilangudipatti village. ▲
At a sacred grove at Naarthamalai hill, a serene abode for Ayyanar. ▲
A gallery of terracotta horses and cows near the Poi Solla Mei Ayyanar temple at Moolangudi. ▲
The sanctum of Sammandha Karrupar at Kulamangalam hamlet. The human figurines represent those killed in a riot that took place in the area 500 years ago. ▲
Seated Karuppars, embellished with moustaches and ornaments at the Ayyanar temple at Urapatti village. ▲
The potter P. Prabakaran, who is the priest at the Poi Sella Mei Ayyanar temple, with a terracotta cow he had made. ▲
A 20-foot tall stucco sculpture of a caprisoned elephant in front of the Azhagar Ayyanar temple at Saluppai village in Ariyalur district. ▲
The Urappatti Ayyanar temple has a remarkable accumulation of big terracotta horses with applique decorations, such as the one portraying Gajalakshmi. ▲
C. Mariappan, the potter of Urappatti at his kiln. ▲
Terracotta hoses and Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses) at Odugampatti village. ▲
Get unlimited access to premium articles, issues, and all-time archives
