from the Chola period and is attributed to Karikala Chola (2nd century AD), but most of it was completed in later centuries. This is one of the Tandavasthalas or Dancehalls of Shiva and has a gold-plated statue of Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. The view shows the pillar at the entrance. Lyon's 'Notes to Accompany a Series of Photographs Prepared to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India' (Marion & Co., London, 1870), edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this photograph: '[which] represents a beautiful Monolithic Pillar, or Deepdan, outside the walls, but close to the temple. The iron sort of cage on the top is used to hold a lighted lantern at festivals. There is a very fine tank entirely lined with cut stone, and said to be of great depth, close to this monolith. Some of these pillars, - one of which is to be found in almost every temple, - are among the most graceful efforts of Hindu architecture'.by Edmund David Lyon british photogrpher
