Kalinga Sculptures, Chengamedu

At Chengamedu, also called Sengalmedu, about 1.5 km from Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district, two buildings in the Veerakaliamman temple complex at Keela Chengamedu hold a set of sculptures known as the Kalinga sculptures. They are images of Durga, Kali, Bhairava and Bhairavi that Rajendra Chola I is said to have carried back from the Kalinga country in the 11th century as trophies of victory.

The Bhairavi, called Kalinga Bhairavi, and the Bhairava are both of red sandstone, and a board placed by the Tamil Nadu archaeology department describes the group as fine examples of the art. The Cholas brought back many such pieces, from sculptures to pillars, from lands they conquered. Rajendra was devoted to Durga as Mahishasuramardini, and more images of her stand in all eight directions around Gangaikonda Cholapuram, some still worshipped today.