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Opposite
to Gommata and outside the enclosure around Gommata is a very
elegantly carved pillar known as the Tyagada Brahmadeva pillar. On
this pillar four creepers are shown in bold relief as emerging out
from the top corners of the cubical base intertwining all round the
cylindrical shaft and each convolution having a beautifully designed
flower or leaf in the centre. This beautiful work of art is said to
have been supported from above in such a way that a hand-kerchief
could be passed under it. But the pavilion, which supports the
pillar ar present, appears to have been put up at a much later date.
The inscription on the north base which gives a glowing accound of
Chamundaraya's expeditions confirms the traditional account of
attributing the erection of this pillar to Chamundaraya himself.
Unfortunately the inscription has been effaced on the three sides of
the base leaving only a portion on the fourth side intact. Among the
figures sculptured on the south base of the pillar, the one flanked
by chamara bearers is said to represent Chamundaraya. Another figure
in the same group is said to represent his guru Nemichandra, who is
said to be the suthor of the work Gommatasara, written by him for
the instruction of his disciple, Chamundaraya, the great minister of
the Ganga king Racahamalla. The name chagada Kamba or Tyagada pillar
is accounted for by the statement that it was the place where gifts
were distributed. |
