Koil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Koil is the Tamil name for a Hindu temple. The word literally means "abode of the king" (Ko = king il = residence).

The koil in Tamil Nadu has a long history and has always been associated with the ruler of the time. Most kings patronised temple building in their kingdom. Temples not only acted as the places of worship, but also as civic centres for the population.

There are thousands of temples in Tamilnadu. The Tamils have been one of the greatest of temple builders. The Sangam literature scripted before the common era refers to some of these temples.The songs of the revered Saivite Saints (Nayanmars) and the Vaishnavite Alwar Saints that date back to the period 7th to the 9th century CE provide ample references to the temples of those days, and these are a valued source of reference in estimating the age of temples.Stone inscriptions found in most temples throw a lot of light on the history, and on the patronage extended by various rulers.

The most ancient temples were built of brick and mortar. Up to about 700 CE temples were mostly of the rock-cut type. The Pallava Kings were great builders of temples in stone. The Cholas (850-1279 CE) have left a number of monuments to their credit. The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. The Cholas added many ornate mandpams or halls to temples and constructed large towers. The Pandya Style (until 1350 CE) saw the emergence of huge towers, high wall enclosures and enormous towered gateways. The Vijayanagar Style (1350 - 1560 CE) is famous for the intricacy and beauty especially for the decorated monolithic pillars. The Nayak style (1600 - 1750 CE) is noted for the addition of large prakarams (circumambulatory paths) and pillared halls.