Kumbha Panjara

[Sundara Rajan]

Kumbha Panjara- ancient drainage system of Dravidian temples. 

This architectural embellishment is usually seen on the main wall of Dravidian temples in between the Kosthas (in the sunken face of the wall). It has following parts. 

(1) a vase at the bottom

(2) a pilaster (rectangular column)

(3)an ornamental panjara with overflowing creepers on either side.

(4) sometimes animals are also depicted on Panjaras. Through these structures rain water is drained out 

(5) & the Kumbha vase acts as a water reservoir.  Ref the photo

Kumbhas Panjara depicts the ancient concept of 'Purnakalasa' which denotes symbolically the universe (brahmanda). The pot here is filled with water to denote the statement of 'Bhagavata Purana' - "apomayam idam jagat" which means from the water life emerges depicted in the form of creepers & animal life. 

Below is the picture of Kumbha Panjara depicted on the walls of Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in Tadipatri, Ananthapur district, Andhra Pradesh built by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu I a chieftain of Gutti-Gandikota under Krishna Deva Raya in 1490-1509 AD.