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Principle Behind Musical Pillars in Indian Temples
The musical pillars in Indian temples, such as those in the Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli city TN marvels of ancient acoustic engineering. These pillars operate on the principles of resonance and sympathetic vibration, where specific structural features, material properties, and configurations enable them to produce distinct musical notes. Made from single blocks of granite, these pillars resonate at certain frequencies when struck, a feature resulting from precise shaping and positioning of the stone to create vibrations that translate into sound.
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1. Historical Significance
The Nellaiappar Temple, a historical Shiva temple over 1,300 years old, houses a stunning collection of musical pillars in its Thamara Sabha or Copper Hall. According to temple chronicles and inscriptions, the pillars were created during the reign of Pandyan King Nindraseer Nedumaran in the 7th century. Successive Pandyan rulers contributed to the temple’s structure, yet the original musical pillars have remained untouched, preserving their ancient craftsmanship.
2. Structure and Arrangement
The musical pillars of the temple are located in the Ranga Mandapa, where there are 56 primary musical pillars, with clusters of sub-pillars intricately designed around a central pillar. In total, there are 161 musical pillars, with the northern section of the hall featuring two clusters of 24 pillars each and the southern section featuring a single cluster of 33 pillars. Each pillar comprises multiple smaller, cylindrical sub-pillars of varying diameters, all carved from a single granite block.
3. Types of Musical Pillars
The Nellaiappar Temple has three distinct types of musical pillars, each producing different tones and rhythms: 01.Shruti Thoongal (Pitch Pillars): These produce the basic notes, essential for chanting hymns such as the Thevaram and other Vedic verses.02. Gana Thoongal (Melody Pillars): These can create basic tunes and classical ragas, such as Harahara Priya 03..Laya Thoongal (Rhythm Pillars): These pillars generate rhythmic beats or taalam, which contribute to the overall harmony when multiple pillars are tapped.
4. Mechanism of Sound Production
The sound produced by these pillars relies on a combination of two main mechanisms: Tapping Pillars: These produce sound when struck lightly, similar to tapping a keyboard, allowing different tones to resonate from each pillar based on their size and shape. Blowing Pillars: Sound is produced by blowing into specific holes, creating resonances similar to those from wind instruments like flutes or conches.
5. Resonance and Vibrations
The arrangement of pillars allows each one to resonate in harmony with the others. When one pillar is tapped, vibrations are transmitted to surrounding pillars, creating a cascading wave of sound through sympathetic vibrations. This effect not only amplifies the original note but also adds a unique depth and richness to the sound, making the experience of these musical pillars truly remarkable.
Legacy and Wonder
The musical pillars at the Nellaiappar Temple are a testament to the advanced understanding of acoustics and craftsmanship of ancient Indian artisans. Their skill in creating music from solid granite reflects profound knowledge of both music theory and material resonance, making these pillars not only an architectural wonder but also a cultural and spiritual legacy dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer.
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