Namperumal of Srirangam is revered as a majestic and glorious Emperor the king of all kings according to Vaishnava tradition. Among the many rulers who served Him with devotion, King Jatavarman Sundara Pandiyan I (1250–1284 CE) stands out for his immeasurable love and dedication toward Lord Ranganatha.
The most resplendent of his many contributions is the gold plating of the Pranavakara Vimanam, which continues to shine like a divine crest-jewel. Because he rendered numerous services using gold, he earned the honorary title “Ponmeynda Perumal Sundara Pandiyan Devar” — the king who adorned the Lord with gold.
Another significant service offered by Sundara Pandiyan is the introduction of the Pandiyan Kondai, the special crown worn by Namperumal. During Vaikunta Ekadashi and on occasions when He gives Thiruchchi (procession) along with the Ubhaya Nachiyars, Namperumal adorns this distinguished headgear.
The Pandiyan Kondai currently in use was reconstructed in the 19th century by a devotee named Venkadadhri Swamigal, after the original one deteriorated. Today, the Ranganathar Temple preserves two variants of this sacred headgear:
1.Ratina Pandiyan Kondai – crafted in gold and studded with precious stones such as rubies, emerald and blue sapphire.
2. Muthu Pandiyan Kondai – made with Basra pearls and tiny stone worked pendent elements. This version is often used in processions and features intricate workmanship.
As the Pandiyan Kondai is regarded as a royal ornament, it later inspired several other Vaishnava temples, where similar headgear came to be used during temple processions and special occasions.
The representation of the Pandiyan Kondai has been understood through references from sculpture and bronze icons in the college. A notable example is the depiction of Jatavarman Sundara Pandiyan I in the Chidambaram Temple, where the king is shown with a right-side bun, interpreted as shown as artistic perspective to showcase the hair bun . Similarly, the celebrated bronze image of Nammalvar in Srirangam shows a distinct topknot that closely resembles the shape of the Pandiyan Kondai.
This sculptural hairstyle is typically a simple elegent coiled topknot, an ancient method of securing long hair. The bun is positioned at the top of the head with a slight forward tilt and appears compact and rounded, tapering gently at the top. A decorative band possibly pearls or beads encircles the base of the bun, signifying adornment associated with royalty or divinity.
Similar hairstyles can be observed in several Alvar bronzes, suggesting that this iconic headgear may originally have drawn inspiration from common traditional hairstyles, later refined into a royal and divine emblem.
-- Ramu Rm N
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