Chozha-era sculptures depicting Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism from different time periods have been discovered near Kiranur, at Senaiyakudi. In Senaiyakudi, Kulathur Taluk, Pudukkottai District Tamilnadu, sculptures representing Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism in Chozha-period artistic style have been unearthed during a field survey led by A. Manikandan and Karu. Rajendran, founders of the Pudukkottai Archaeological Research Centre. Regarding this, Manikandan of Manganur, a researcher in the Department of Archaeology, Tamil University, Thanjavur, told reporters: Byte Highlights Shiva Temple: Near Pidarikovil in Senaiyakudi, on a raised mound in a paddy field, there is a sculpture of Thavvai (a guardian goddess) alongside Chozha-period granite temple ruins. On either side of the sculpture are male attendants; above is a parasol, and on both sides are carved chaamara (fly-whisks). Based on its stylistic features, it is believed to date to the 11th century. In the same location, a Nandi sculpture — a Shaivite symbol — is found buried in the soil, and it too may belong to the same period. From the ruins of the temple, a stone slab depicting Vamana (associated with Vaishnavism) was recovered and documented through an inscription, though its exact period has not yet been determined. This location also contains pillars and architectural fragments in the style of the Later Chozhas. Trident Stone: In the palmyra grove of Senaiyakudi, a trident-shaped stone (Soolakkal) marking land belonging to a Shiva temple — crafted in Chozha artistic style — has been found. This too is thought to date to the 11th century. In a sugarcane field, a 10th-century sculpture of Ayyanar was discovered. In it, Ayyanar is depicted holding a lotus bud in his right hand, resting his left hand on his left knee, and smiling serenely. Based on stylistic features, this is attributed to the 10th century. In the shrubland near the large kanmai (reservoir) of Senaiyakudi, another Ayyanar sculpture with its right arm broken, seated with a drum (sendu), and dating to the 11th century has been found. Both Ayyanar sculptures display jadaa bhaaram — coiled hair — in Chozha style. Arumuga Murugan Sculpture: On a mound in a paddy field, a sculpture of six-headed Murugan seated on his peacock mount has been found. He wears a chest ornament, has twelve arms (with only the six on the right side remaining), holds weapons, and is seated on a lotus pedestal. Based on comparison, this sculpture is thought to date to the 12th century. Vishnu Sculpture: In the thicket on the eastern side of Senaiyakudi kanmai, a standing Vishnu sculpture holding a conch and discus, in 13th-century style, has been found. Headless Jain Sculpture: Near the Vishnu sculpture, hidden in shrubs, a headless and footless Jain sculpture in a simple form has been discovered. It is dated to the 9th century, making it older than the Shaivite and Vaishnavite sculptures found here. With Jain traces continuously being found along the banks of the Agni River, this latest Jain discovery could shed new light on future historical research, he said. R.Amarvannan For Zee News From Chennai