Believes in past, lives in future -
Dr. Kudavayil M. Balasubramanian takes Olympia Shilpa Gerald centuries back in time.

He treads across the stone floor of the 1,000 year old Rajarajeswaram temple, as his hands caress the stone walls. He walks barefoot in the precincts, pausing to decipher ancient inscriptions, dwelling on murals and frescoes, marvelling at the innumerable untold tales of the temple. He fits in here perfectly; in fact, it is here that he is at home.

After all, the Thanjavur Big Temple or the Rajarajeswaram has been Kudavayil M.Balasubramanian's fixation for 40 years now. With the magnificence and mysteries of 100 decades surrounding us, I listen fascinated.

“I have something to show you,” he says and leads us to a room with a black stone idol. This is Agni, a rare manifestation in stone.”

The countenance of the statue is beautiful to behold, but parts of it are knocked off. “An illustration of vandalism,” he rues.

Former curator and publication manager at the Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur, Balasubramanian, now devotes all his time to research on temples of South India. Accredited with discovering more than 100 inscriptions, coins, copper plates, sculptures and paintings which grace museums and temples over the State, the historian and epigraphist is an authority on temple art and architecture. Besides, he has in-depth knowledge of paintings and ancient music instruments of Tamil Nadu.

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http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/07/17/stories/2010071754460800.htm