Edayarpakkam Mahadevar Temple: Granite Structural Temple near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Mahadevar Koil, Edaiyarpakkam

Varalaru.com

Apsidal shape back view

Mahadevar Temple is located in Edayarpakkam village, Sriperumbudur taluk, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India PIN 631553. The temple is located 22 km towards North from district head quarters Kanchipuram; 19 km from Sriperumbudur; 12.5 km from Sunguvarchatram; 9.1 km from Thakkolam; 6.1 km from Arakkonam;  0.2 km from Elmyankottur; and 58 km from the state capital Chennai. This place is in the border of the Kanchipuram district and Thiruvallur district.  The temple is protected by ASI.

The Chola period Mahadevar shrine is apsidal  (horseshoe-shaped) dvitala (two tiered) vimana and an ardha-mandapam (அர்த்த-மண்டபம்). Therefore the vimana is called gajaprishta (கஜபிருஷ்ட விமானம்) or hastiprishta (ஹஸ்திபிருஷட விமானம்), both terms in Sanskrit meaning ‘back of an elephant’ as it is curved at the rear. According to dictionary.com the word 'apse'  means a semicircular or polygonal termination or recess in a building.  

According to most historians the apsidal form of vimana is of Buddhist origin. However current studies have confirmed that the apsidal vimana architecture was attempted by pan-Indian-tradition and the style was in existence much before the Buddhist era. This form of vimana is found in few other Chola temples in and around Chennai.

The entire temple structure is made out of granite and therefore it is a 'katrali' (கற்றளி). The vimana and ardhamandapam stands on a molded pada-bandha adishtana (பாதபந்த அதிஷ்டானா) with upa-peeta (உப பீடம்), jagadi (ஜகதி), tripatta kumuda (முப்பட்டைக் குமுதம்), khanta (கண்டம்) with pada and flanked by kampa (கம்பு) and pattika (பட்டிகை) mouldings. The east facing sanctum measures 3.05 m in width in the north-south direction and 4.65 m in length in the east-west direction. The sanctum entrance is 1.35 cm in width. The sanctum houses "Tiruppadakkadu udaiya Mahadevar" (திருப்படக்காடுடைய மகாதேவர்) in the form of Shivalingam.

The external walls of the vimana and ardhamandapam have five deeply cut niches (தேவகோட்டங்கள்) flanked by ornate square pilasters (அரைத்தூண்கள்). The niches on the south and north ardhamandapa walls houses the Chola style idols of Vinayaka and Durga respectively. The southern vimana wall houses the sanctum of the unique Dakshinamurthy appear seated on a pedestal under the Kallala tree (Banyan tree). The niche of the western vimana wall is empty. Brahma appear in the niche of the northern vimana wall.

Above the pilasters is the vettu potika holding the uttira. And the other roof parts are the vajana valabhi and kapota with rough kudu arches. Above the kapota is the bhumidesa denoting the end of the tala. Above the bhumidesa is seen the hara of the first tala. The hara components of second tala as well as griva, shikara and stupa (finial) might have got damaged and therefore not found at present.

Inscriptions

There are four inscriptions belonging to the later Chola period, especially that of Kulottunga Chola I (1070 - 1120 A.D.),  Kulottunga Chola II (1133 - 1150 A.D.) and Rajadhiraja Chola II (1163 - 1178) are found at Edayarpakkam Mahadevar temple near Kanchipuram. The inscription (ARE 251/1910), (த நா அ தொ து 524/2013) dated 13th in the reign (year 1083 A.D.) of king Kulottunga Chola I opening with his venerated Prasasti (also known as Meikeerthi மெய்க்கீர்த்தி) is considered as the earliest inscription in this temple.

Inscriptions mention the prime deity of the temple as "Tiruppadakkadu udaiya Mahadevar" (திருப்படக்காடுடைய மகாதேவர்) as well as "Aludaiyar Tiruppadakkadu udaiyar" (ஆளுடையார் திருப்படக்காடுடையார்).

Inscriptions cite the name of this village as "Edayarruppakkam" (இடையாற்றுப்பாக்கம்). Present name seems to have transitioned from Edayarruppakkam to Edayarpakkam. Edayarruppakkam village fell under the revenue division of Purisai Nadu (புரிசை நாடு), which was a sub-division of Manavir-kottam (மணவிற் கோட்டம்) under the larger division of Jayamkonda Cholamandalam (ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலம்). (ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலத்து மணவிற்கோட்டத்துப் புரிசை நாட்டு இடையாற்றுப்பாக்கம்). The village was also known as Purisai (புரிசை) village fell under the same revenue division, part of same sub-division and coming under the same larger division (ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலத்து மணவிற்கோட்டத்துப் புரிசைநாட்டுப் புரிசை).  The village was also popularly known as Rajavichadira Chaturvedi Mangalam (ராஜவிச்சாதிர சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்).

The inscription (ARE 251/1910), (த நா அ தொ து 524/2013) is dated 13th in the reign (year 1083 A.D.) of king Kulottunga Chola I. It opens with his venerated Prasasti also known as Meikeerthi (மெய்க்கீர்த்தி). It records the gift of land as devadana (தேவதானம்) to Tiruppadakkadu udaiya Mahadevar by one Arurudaiyan Vaidyanatan Tiruchcirrambalamudaiyan in Kilar-kurram, a sub-division of Nittavinoda-valanadu of Chola Mandalam.
(3 .. ... ஜயங்கொண்ட  சோழ மண்டலத்து மணவிற்கோட்டத்து ... சோழமண்டலத்து நித்த விநோத வளநாட்டுக் கிழாற் கூற்றத்து
4 .த்தங்குடி  ஆரூர்ருடையாந் வைத்யநாதன் திருச்சீற்றம்பல முடையான் ...  .)

The inscription (த நா அ தொ து 523/2013) is dated 13th in the reign (year 1107 A.D.) of king Kulottunga Chola I. It commences with his venerated Prasasti also known as Meikeerthi (மெய்க்கீர்த்தி). It records the gift of 95 sheep (சாவா மூவா பேராடு தொண்ணூற்றைந்து) for a perpetual lamps for the Lord Tiruppadakkadu udaiya Mahadevar at Purisai in Purisai Nadu, a sub-division of Manavir-kottam by Velan Madurantakan, the head man of Arasur, in Koneri-nadu in the Eyirk-kottam. (3 ... இம்மண்டலத்து எயிற்கோட்டத்துக் கோநேரி நாட்டுக் கோநேரியில் அரசூர்
 கிழவந் வேளாந் மதுராந்தகநேன் ....  )  

The inscription (ARE 254/1910), (த நா அ தொ து 525/2013) is dated 12th in the reign (year 1145 A.D.) of king Kulottunga Chola II. It commences with his venerated Prasasti also known as Meikeerthi (மெய்க்கீர்த்தி). It records the gift of land purchased from the urar (ஊரார்) of Purisai, for a lamp to the temple of Aludaiyar Tiruppadakkadu udaiyar at Idaiyarruppakkam (இடையாற்றுப்பாக்கம்) alias Rajavichchadira Chaturvedimangalam (ராஜவிச்சாதிர சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்) Purisai-nadu, a sub-division of Manavirkottam by a brahmana lady Andanaichchani, wife of Arulala pattan in the same village. (2 ... இவ்வூர் ஸவந்ந அருளாள பட்டந் மகள் ஆண்டமைச் சாநியேந் ...)

The inscription (ARE 253/1910), (த நா அ தொ து 526/2013) is dated 11th in the reign (year 1174 A.D.) of king Rajadhiraja Chola II. It records the gift of cows in exchange for a land in Purisai, granted by a brahmana lady of Idaiyarruppakkam (இடையாற்றுப்பாக்கம்) alias Rajavichchadira Chaturvedimangalam (ராஜவிச்சாதிர சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்).

How to get there?

By road: Edayarruppakkam is the remote village and less traveled destination. The temple is also lesser known to the public. Public transport is not available. Rental cabs can be hired from Sunguvarchatram or Sri Perumbudur or Kanchipuram.

Nearest Railway-station: There is no railway station near to Edayarpakkam in less than 10 km. However Chennai Central Rail Way Station is major railway station.

Nearest Airport: Chennai.

Reference

1. ARE 1910        251 - 254
2. Edayarpakkam (http://www.onefivenine.com/india/villages/Kanchipuram/Sriperumbudur/Edayarpakkam)
3. Edayarpakkam Mahadevar Temple. Indian Columbus (http://indiancolumbus.blogspot.com/2016/04/edayarpakkam.html)
4. இடையார்பாக்கம் மகாதேவர் திருக்கோயில். கி.ஸ்ரீதரன்..வரலாறு.காம் இதழ் 103 ஜனவரி 9, 2013
5. தமிழ்நாட்டுக் கல்வெட்டுக்கள் - தொகுதி 4 - சீ.வசந்தி, General Editor, இரா.சிவானந்தம், Editor - சென்னை, தமிழ்நாடு அரசு தொல்லியல் துறை. 2013 பக்கங்கள் ; 49 - 54 வரை (தமிழ்நாட்டுக் கல்வெட்டுக்கள் வரிசை எண் - 43)

Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple

Thirunandhikarai, (Tamil: திருநந்திக்கரை, Malayalam: തിരുനന്തികര )  also known as Thirunandhikara, rock cut cave is located in Thirunandhikarai village, Kalkulam (கல்குளம்) taluk, Kanyakumari (கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டம்) district, Tamil Nadu state, India PIN 629161. This village is located in the Kulasekaram (குலசேகரம்) - Pechipparai (பேச்சிப்பாறை) road and forms part of Thirparappu special village panchayat and Kulasekharam post office limit. The Latitude and Longitude coordinates of Kulasekaram are N 8° 22' 5.1445" (8.368096°) and E 77° 18' 3.0622" (77.300851°) respectively. The elevation / altitude of Kulasekaram is 280 meters (920 feet) above sea level.  

Kanyakumari, mostly preferred by travelers since it has many tourist attractions. There are around 25 tourist places in Kanyakumari district for the travelers to explore and they include Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Muttom Beach, Keeriparai Reserve Forest, and Ullakaarvi, all vie for attention. Other charmers include Government Museum, Thanumalayan Temple, and Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary. Thirparappu Falls (திற்பரப்பு அருவி) is the famous falls in the Kothai River (கோதை  ஆறு). Kulasekaram has many rubber plantations. and has a respectable transport network Thirunandhikarai village and cave are located 3 km from Kulasekaram, 11 km from Pechiparai Dam (பேச்சிப்பாறை அணை), 5 km from Thriparappu Waterfalls, 38 km from Nagerkoil and 50 km from Kanyakumari. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram. The best season to visit places in Kanyakumari is between February - December. ISRO chairman Mr. Madhavan Nair was born and brought up in Thirunandhikarai.

There are two important Shiva temples in Thirunandhikarai:  Thirunanthikara Nanthishwaran Temple and Thirunandhikara Cave Temple. Nanthishwaran Temple is situated on the river banks of Nandhiaaru. Thirunandhikarai is the fourth shivalayam among the 12 saivite shrines in Kanyakumari district (1 Tirumalai, 2 Thikkurichi, 3 Thirparappu, 4 Thirunandhikkarai, 5 Ponmanai, 6 Pannippagam, 7 Kallkkulam, 8 Melancode, 9 Thiruvidaicode, 10 Thiruvithamkode, 11 Thiruppanticode and 12 Thirunattalam). There will be a marathon run by saivite devotees from shrine Thirumalai, the first shivalayam, to the twelfth, Thirunattalam on the day of Shivratri.  The traditional Shiva temple also houses shrines for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

The south facing Thirunandhikkarai rock cut cave temple is excavated on the southern slope of the hillock and therefore the cave lies in an east-west orientation. The cave floor is formed 4 m above the ground level. A flight of ten steps (including the two steps provided later by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), leads to the cave. Eight steps sculpted on the (mother) rock slope. The facade is 4.97 m in the north-south and 0.51 cm in the east-west directions. The evenly leveled rock ground is 5.68 m in the east-west and 64 cm in the south-north directions. The finely leveled rock floor is formed 4 cm above the rock ground and measures about 52 cm in the south-north and 5.40 m in the east-west directions. The upana is sculpted 5 cm above the rock floor and runs from east to west.  

The facade is 4.97 m in the north-south and 0.51 cm in the east-west directions. It consists of two massive pillars in the middle and two pilasters on the corners. The pillars and the pilasters are square-kattu-square in shape. The plain angular potikas (corbels) support the slender uttira (beam). and there is no vajana above uttira. The rough rock brow forms the kapota (not designed well). The canopy of the kapota is flat. and do not incline downwards. Above the brow there are two rectangular sockets. There are also two sockets on the rock floor. These four sockets suggest the chances of forming temporary shed (பந்தல்). One meter above the kapota, bhumidesa is indicated with grooves and carvings. 

The mother rock excavated well from top to down to match slopes of the hillock. The western wall is 1.97 m in height and 1.04 m in width  and the eastern wall is 1.89 m in height and 1.19 m in width. There are two 1.54 m tall (shallow) niches on both the walls and Vettezhuthu inscriptions.(வட்டெழுத்து கல்வெட்டுக்கள்) are inscribed. The Vattezhuthu inscription on the 82 cm wide eastern wall is damaged and the other inscription on the western wall is intact. The upper square, kattu and part of lower square of the western facade pillar bear another Vettezhuthu inscription.

The facade leads to the rectangular mukha-mandapam which is 0.86 m in the north-south and 3.28  m in the east-west directions and 2.23 m in height. The inner-mandapam floor is raised to 0.6 cm in height. The mukha-mandapam floor is evenly sculpted. The plain eastern and western walls of mukha-mandapam show prastara components i.e., uttiram and vajanam between wall and the roof. The vajana is running through out the mandapam. The inner-mandapam on the rear is 5.40 m in east-west and 2.42 m in north-south directions and 2.18 m in height. Two square pilasters on either side of the cave walls of the inner-mandapam are supporting the uttira. The walls are plain.  The roof of the mandapa is well formed. 

The square sanctum is 2.16 m in all the four sides and 2.17 m height,. The walls and roof are plain. The Shiva Lingam is instituted in a socket pit which is 70 cm in east-west and 1 m in north-south directions. The square avudai is 82 cm in north-west and 78 cm in east-west directions and 0.53 cm in height. The external faces of avudai  is embellished with padhabandha adishtana with components such as jagadhi (ஜகதி), octogonal kumudam (குமுதம்), khantam with pada flanked by kampa and without patiikai.  The rudra bana is 44 cm in height. A small pit is shown towards north to receive the anointed water. A water chute is seen running up to the north wall and east wall of the sanctum and continued in the east wall of the mukha-mandapam. 

The northern wall of the inner-mandapam is washed with stucco coatings (sudhai) and painted with mural paintings. The mural paintings are considered as important since paintings belongs to earlier phase of Kerala mural art. The line paintings include the human figure with folded right hand on the chest and wears necklace with dollar. The right leg is folded and rested on the seat. The left leg could not be viewed.

The Ganapathy image is sculpted on the western wall of the mukha mandapam. The Lord wears Karandamakutam with head band, yagnopavitha, armlets and bracelets. The right rear-hand holds broken tusk, right fore-hand holds an unknown object, the rear left-hand holds sugar cane leaves and the fore-hand is damaged. The left tusk is visible and the right one could not be seen. The Vidyadharar is seen above right hand corner of Ganapathi. The flying figure holds a flower.

History:

Ay dynasty  ruled the land between Nagercoil and Thiruvalla and Vizhinjam, The Ay Kingdom located to the south of Chera kingdom "functioned for long as an effective buffer state between the declining Chera kingdom and an emerging Pandya Kingdom." Ay dynasty was later known as Venad (வேள்நாடு / வேணாடு) dynasty. This land was also the scene of many battles. In 788 A.D, Vikramaditya Varaguna (885–925), an illustrious Ay ruler ruled Venad. 

Jatilavarman Parantaka (Maranjadayan) the Pandya king waged a war over Ay kingdom and encircled Vizhinjam port. The Pandya conquered the Ays and made it a tributary state. Still the Ays refused to submit and fought against Pandyas for almost a century. Despite frequent defeats Cheras continued to exist as a fighting force. During ninth century Cheras rose again as a notable power. This region came under Cheras during the reign of Bhaskara Ravi Varman Tiruvadi (978 - 1036 A.D.). Rajaraja Chola I waged a war against the Venad ruler and captured the southern region and named it as Rajaraja Tennadu. Muttom is the fishing village in Kalkulam taluk. Rajaraj Chola I named it as Mummudi Chola Nallur. 

The department of archaeology was started under the initiative of Professor Sundaram Pillai and the then Maharajah of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma sanctioned the monthly grant of Rs. 50.00 for its functioning. The renowned  epigraphist T. A. Gopinatha Rao was employed as first Superintendent in the year 1908. T.A. Gopinatha Rao edited and published The Travancore Archaeological Series (T.A.S.) from 1910. Thus T.A.S. inaugurated the systematic survey and collection of inscriptions in the erstwhile Travancore state. The scholar also visited Thirunandhikarai and Chitharal caves in 1920-21 and copied and recorded the inscriptions from the caves. .According to T.A.Gopinatha Rao, the cave temple was built during the reign of the king Vikramaditya Varaguna. Chitharal was erected at Tirucharanam at the behest of a Jain priestess called Muttavala Naranakuttiyar, who also presented the temple a metallic lamp stand and a golden flower. Rao also believed that Thirunandhikkarai rock cut cave was excavated by Vikramaditya Varaguna, the Ay ruler in 9th century A.D in simple Pandya style. The rock cut caves were the founding caves of Jainism.  Thirunandhikarai cave also served as dwelling place to Jain ascetic Veeranandi, who came from Thirunarunkondai Melappalli and preached Jainism during 8th century. One more cave temple Kurathiarai  was also excavated in the ninth century when this region was under the influence of Jainism. Thirunandhikarai rock cut cave is under the maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Inscriptions:

This cave has four Vattezhuthu (வட்டெழுத்து) inscriptions (Travancore Archaeological Series (T. A. S.) vol. I., p. 413.)  inscribed one on each side of the entrance and others on each side of the pillars. One of which bears the name of the ruler and his regnal year. The inscription, dated in the 18th regnal year of Rajaraja Chola I (முதலாம் இராஜராஜ சோழன்) found on the western cave wall, registers the gift of Muttom (முட்டம்), the village  (name changed as Mummudi-chola-nallur மும்முடிச்சோழநல்லூர்) in Valluva-nadu (வள்ளுவநாடு) under Rajaraja-thennadu (இராஜராஜ தென்னாடு). The gift was made for the celebration of a festival for Mahadeva of Tirunandikarai (திருநந்திக்கரை மகாதேவர்) and also for ablution of the deity in the river, on the Satabhisha, star (சதய நட்சத்திரம்) day in the Tamil month Aippasi, (ஐப்பசி) (October - November) in the year 1003 A.D, being the birthday of the king. Records a provision made by the king for supply of one nazhi (நாழி) measure ghee every day for lighting the perpetual lamp in the name of Rajaraja Chola I in the temple.

Inscription Travancore Archaeological Series (T. A. S.) Vol. III, p. 206 records gift of nine buffalo(s) for the provision of burning a perpetual lamp with one uri measure ghee each day for Tirunandikarai Lord by Ainurruva Mutharaiyan alias Sithakutti Ambi of Veikottumalai under Nanjilnadu and the buffalo(s) were handed-over to Idayarmangalavan Pavithiran, an official serving under the village elders (sabha).  The inscription commences with these words 'the year of annihilation weaponry in Karaikanda Eswaram (‘கறைக்கண்ட ஈசுவரத்துக் கலமறுத்த யாண்டு’) refering the date of inscription. According to Gopinatha Rao, the temple 'Karaikanda Eswaram'  is the saivite temple located near Katikaipattinam in Eranial taluk. The inscription was inscribed in an year when the Chera war-ships were destroyed in Karaikanda Eswaram.    

Inscription Travancore Archaeological Series (T. A. S.) Vol. III, pp. 200-203 inscribed on a pillar, whose date assignable to eight century A.D., records the gift of 'Ur' (ஊர்-a village). For this purpose one Dhaliyazhavan (தளியாழ்வான்), along with the 'elders' of Tirunandikarai (திருநந்திக்கரை பெருமக்கள்) assembled in Kurunthambakkam (குருந்தம்பாக்கம்). The assembly converted the Ur's name into Sri Nandimangalam and gifted to one Nambi Ganapathi (நம்பி கணபதி) for purposes of mid-night offerings (நள்ளிரவுத் திருவமுது) to the Lord of the temple. The four boundaries (எல்லைகள்) are cited for the village under gift and include a river (name not known) (ஒரு பெயரற்ற ஆறு), Nandhi river (நந்தியாறு), Mudukonur (முதுகோனூர்) and Pakkamangalam (பாக்கமங்கலம்). Gopinatha Rao, who copied and recorded the inscription, has pointed out the present existence of  Mudukonur and Pakkamangalam near Nandhimangalam.

Inscription Travancore Archaeological Series (T. A. S.) Vol. III, pp. 203-206 comprising 40 lines was inscribed on another pillar. This inscription records the gift of land by Mangalacheri Narayanan Sivakaran to Tiruvallavazh Mahadevar of Tirunandikarai  (திருநந்திக்கரையில் உறையும் திருவல்லவாழ் மகாதேவர்). The inscription lists out the land pieces. Resolved the wages to be issued from the land produce accrued from the above land: four measures (கலம் Kalam) to Santhipuram, five measures (கலம் Kalam) to Uvachar (category of temple staff), five measures (கலம் Kalam) to Udayar (category of temple staff) and cleaning staff as well as for puja rituals, The perpetual lamps were lit using 60 measures (uri - உரி) of ghee from the remaining land produce. 

How to get there?

Road Transport : Thirunandhikarai and its nearest town Kulasekaram are well connected from Thirvananthapuram or Kovalam Beach or Kanyakumari. You can get busses from Nagercoil, Thuckalay, Marthandam, Kulasekaram. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) organizes local site seeing tours. 

Nearest Railway Station is Marthandam. Nagerkoil railway station is 15 km away. Kanyakumari railway station is connects with major cities in India.

Nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport.

Reference

1. A topographical list of the inscriptions of the Madras presidency (collected till 1915) with notes and references by Rangacharya, V. (Vijayaraghava); Archaeological Survey of India 1919
2. Kerala State Archaeology Department (Wikipedia)
3. On the southern tip of India, a village steeped in the past. The Hindu November 17, 2011
4. Thirunandikkara Cave Temple in Thirparappu in Kanyakumari. Yatra to Temples.com (http://www.yatrastotemples.com/thirunandikkara-cave-temple-in-thirparappu-in-kanyakumari/)
5. Thirunanthikarai (Wikipedia)
6. Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple. C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai. (http://www.cpreecenvis.nic.in/Database/ThirunanthikaraiCaveTemple_2939.aspx)
7. Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple. Tourmet.com (http://tourmet.com/thirunandhikarai-cave-temple/)
8. Thirunanthikarai inscription. Kerala Culture.org (http://www.keralaculture.org/thirunanthikara-inscriptions/366)
9. திருநந்திக்கரைக் குடைவரை இரா.கலைக்கோவன், மு.நளினி வரலாறு.காம் இதழ் 63 (செப்டம்பர் 15 - அக்டோபர் 15, 2009)

Heritage Trails Villupuram: Tirumundeeswaram and Jambai 1

Tirumundeesvaram Temple (Wikimapia)

Panuval Bookstore, Thiruvanmiyur is popular for books on environment and society and for its series of weekly, monthly lectures and discussions on literature, cinema, society, economics and politics at its premises. It has also organized three "One day Archaeological Educational Tour" to historical and archaeological monuments. The fourth one day tour heritage tour was organized on 04th October 2015 and planned cover four places in Thiruvennainallur and Tirukoyilur taluks, Villipuram district in Tamil Nadu: Gramam (Tirumundeesvaram) கிராமம் (திருமுண்டீஸ்வரம்), Tiruvennainallur (திருவெண்ணெய்நல்லூர்), Tirukoyilur (திருக்கோவிலூர்), Jambai Dasimadam hillock (ஜம்பை தாசிமடம் குன்று) and Jambunatheshwarar Temple (ஜம்புநாதேஸ்வரர் கோவில்). It was planned to hire a bus and accommodate around 30 participants.  Panuval also ensured the participation of Dr. Padmavathi Anaiappan,  retired Senior Epigraphist, Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, Mr. C.Veeraraghavan, ancient historian, freelance archaeologist and epigraphist and Mrs. Mangayarakarasi Veeraraghavan. I had the chance to participate in this one day tour. However we could spent our entire day in visiting two places only i.e, Gramam and Jambai Dasimadam hillock and Jambunatheshwarar Temple.

Dr. Padmavathi Anaiappan: Explaining the History

We have commenced our day from Panuval Bookstore, Thiruvanmiyur by 06.30 am. After number of pick-ups at several points, we proceeded straight on the NH45 towards Villupuram. We stopped on the Highway at the roadside and finished our packed breakfast (Hot-Chips Mini Breakfast) under the shady tree. The NH 45 was looking excellent highway for pleasant morning travel. Mr.C. Veerraghavan and Mrs.Veeraraghavan joined with us at Villupuram by-pass. After travelling about 5 km, we took the right turn at Arasur crossing and proceeded further on the road leading to Thiruvennainallur enroute to Tirukoilur. After passing through the railway level crossing, we reached our first destination, the village Gramam and parked our vehicle before Sri Sivaloganathar temple.

Gramam (கிராமம்) is a village in Thiruvennainallur taluk (திருவெண்ணைநல்லூர் வட்டம்), Villupuram district (விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டம்), Tamil Nadu, India. The village is located on the southern bank of the river Malattaar (மலட்டாறு). Malattar is said to be the old bed of Thenpennai river. The historical Tirumundeeswaram (Mouli Gramam) village is described to have been located on the southern bank of the Thenpennai river. The  Thenpennai River (aka Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada) covers 105 km in Villupuram district. It is the main source for irrigating over 25000 acres in Villupuram district. The Gramam village is at the geographic coordinates of 13.093 N latitude and 80.292 W longitude. The rural village is part of Gramam village panchayat and as per census 2011 it has a population of 3,048 people and 68.43 % literacy rate. The main occupation of the area is agriculture and allied activities. It is located 16 km towards South from District head quarters Viluppuram, 3 km from Arasur, 5 km from Thiruvennainallur, 21 km from Thirukovilur and 190 km from State capital Chennai. 

Location: Gramam near Tiruvenneinallur . (Nadu Naadu (நடு நாடு)
Historical Name: Mundeeswaram (முண்டீஸ்வரம்)
Shiva: Sivalokanathar (சிவலோகநாதர்), Mundeeswarar (முண்டீஸ்வரர் ), Mudiswarar (முடீஸ்வரர்).
Ambal: Soundaryanayaki (சௌந்தர்யநாயகி), Kanarkuzhali (காணார்குழலி), Selvambikai (செல்வாம்பிகை).
Holy Tree (Vriksham): Vanni (வன்னி). Prosopis tree (in English). Botanical Name: Prosopis cineraria (Family: Fabaceae)
Holy Water (Theertham): Mundaka Theertham (முண்டக தீர்த்தம்)

Devaram Hymn (தேவார பதிகம்) : Devaram hymns of saint Tirunavukkarasar (திருநாவுக்கரசர்). This shrine is the 19th Lord Shiva Temple in Nadunadu region praised in Devaram hymns (19வது நடுநாட்டுத் தேவார தலம்). 

Hymns (Patikam) of Saint Tirunavukkarasar Devaram mentions this shrine as Tirumundeeswaram (திருமுண்டீச்சுரம்) 

'திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.'

Entrance

The inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I address this shrine as 'Tirumudiyur.'  The inscriptions of Rajendra Chola I record the name of this shrine brahmadeyam of Mudiyur-nadu (முடியூர் நாட்டுப் பிரமதேயம்)   and was forming part of the subdivision of Tirumunaipadi Nadu (திருமுனைப்பாடி நாடு) in Jayangonda-Solamandalam (ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலம் ) province. According to the inscriptions of Aditya Karikalan aka Aditya II, Kulotunga I and Kulotunga II, this shrine was known as Parantaka chaturvedhi-mangalam (பராந்தக சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்) of Mutiyur-nadu (a subdivision) of Tirumunaipadi Nadu (திருமுனைப்பாடி நாடு) in Jayangonda-Solamandalam. Rajaraja II called this shrine as Kulotunga Chola Chaturvedhi-mangalam (குலோத்துங்க சோழ சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்) of Mutiyur-nadu. The place according to R.P.Sethupillai (இரா.பி.சேதுப்பிள்ளை) was also called as Mouli Gramam (மௌலி கிராமம்) in Sanskrit. Later it was transformed to as just 'Gramam' after omitting prefix 'Mouli.' The current name of this shrine is Tirumundeeswaram.

The prime deity Sivalokanathar was addressed with different names in different inscriptions: Parantaka Chola I inscriptions called the Lord as 1. Sri-Arruttali (ஸ்ரீ ஆற்றுதளி), 2. Sri-Arruttali-Mahadeva (ஸ்ரீ ஆற்றுதளி மகாதேவா), 3. Sri-Arruttali-Perumanadigal (ஸ்ரீ ஆற்றுதளி பெருமானடிகள்), 4. Sri-Arruttali-mulasthanattu-Perumanadigal (ஸ்ரீ ஆற்றுதளி மூலஸ்தானத்துப் பெருமானடிகள்), 5. Sriyarruttali-Perumal (ஸ்ரீயாற்றுத்தளி பெருமாள்). Rajara Chola II preferred to call the Lord as Sri-Arruttali-Aludaiyar (ஸ்ரீ ஆற்றுதளி ஆளுடையார்). Jatavarma Sundarapandya I called the Lord as Bokkanankuduttaruliya-Nayanar (பொக்கிஷங்கொடுத்தருளிய நாயனார்) and Mulasthanam-Udaiyar Bokkanankuduttaruliya-Nayanar (மூலஸ்தானத்து உடையார் பொக்கிஷங்கொடுத்தருளிய நாயனார்).

View from North-east corner

The Chola prince Rajaditaya, when stationed to guard the Chola garrison in Gramam village, crowned himself as the Chola prince. Vellankumaran (வெள்ளன்குமரன்), a native of Nadikkaraputtur in Chera country (சேரநாட்டு நந்திக்கரைபுத்தூர்) was serving as the general of Chola army and was stationed here along with his force. Sri Sivalokanathaswamy temple was constructed by Vellankumaran during the 36th regnal year (943 A.D.) inscription of Parantaka Chola I records the consecration of the granite temple of Sri-Arruttali-Perumanadigal at Mudiyur in auspicious Revathi star, on Saturday in the Tamil month Thai in 4044th Kaliyuga year.

View from North-west corner

Legend has it that king Chokkalingam, attracted by the mystifying red lotus flower in the water tank, attempted to get hold of the flower. The flower kept moving in a circle around the tank. The king lost his patience and shot an arrow at the flower. King fainted on seeing the entire tank water turned red. After sometime when he gained conscious, he found a Shivalinga with the scar on the head. The Shivalinga was consecrated and this temple structure was built by him on the south bank of the Pennai river. The river course and changed over a period of time and now the river Malattar flows on its left. Since the Lord appeared with scar, he got the name Mudeeswarar (முடீஸ்வரர்) and the village during Parantaka I Chola rule was known as 'Mouli Gramam' (மௌலி கிராமம்). Over a period of time, the village is simply called as 'Gramam.'  The temple is popularly called as 'Tirumundeeswaram,' a transformation from 'Tirumudeeswaram' (திருமுண்டீஸ்வரம்).  Another interpretation is that Thindi and Mundi are the Dwarapalakas of the Lord Shiva and Mundi worshiped Him at Mundeeswaram and Thindi worshiped Him at Thindeeswaram (present Tindivanam).  The Lord is referred to as ‘Aattruthali Mahadeva’ (ஆற்றுத்தளி மகாதேவர்) in the inscriptions.

Rajagopuram, Main Sanctum, Murugan Sanctum (behind), Goddess at left

The five tier rajagopuram and the tall and huge perimeter wall encloses the vast temple complex.  The temple has wide and spacious corridor.   The temple architecture is identified  as "Somaskanda form" i.e., the sanctum of the Muruga shrine is flanked by the sanctum of the prime deity on the right and the goddess's sanctum on the left.  

Sivalokanathar aka Mundeeswarar or Mudiswarar

The prime deity is Lord Sivalokanathar aka Mundeeswarar or Mudiswarar (Lord of the crown) appear as Shivalinga in the main sanctum. Rajagopuram, Bali Peetam, Nandhi, and the Main Sanctum (Sivalokanathar) aligned in the same axis. There is no flagpost at the entrance. The niches, at the entrance, the positions of the shrines of Vinayaka and Muruga are interchanged. Lord Nataraja appears in a separate shrine. The prime sanctum is connected to the ardhamandapa and ornate four pillared mukhamanadapa. 

 

Mundi

Thindi

The entrance between the mukhamandapa and mahamandapa is flanked by two free standing heavily ornamented Dwarapalakas with peaceful appearances: Thinda on your left and Munda on your right. The pushpa palakai is loacted at the rear end of mahamandpa wall is meant for flower garland making. The mahamandapa also houses the Chola style idols of Saints: Tirugnanasambandhar, Appar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. The mahamandapa is attached with 18 pillared open mandapa.  

The east facing vimana of the prime deity is  made out of granite substructure (from adishtana to prastara) and brick super-structure (hara, griva and shikara) studded with with stucco images. The external walls of the vimana has upana, jagadi, tri-patta kumuda mouldings and can be termed as simple  Padabandha adhishtana. The pada of the vimana and ardhamandapa have five deeply cut niches flanked by ornate pilasters. The niches on the south and north ardhamandapa walls houses the Chola style idols of Vinayaka and Durga respectively.

The southern vimana wall houses the sanctum of the unique Chola period Lord Rishaba Dakshinamurthy appear seated on His Rishaba Bull vahana (mount) on a hill instead of under the Kallala tree (Banyan tree). Sthanaka Vishnu appear in the niche of the western vimana wall. Brahma appear in the niche of the northern vimana wall.

The east facing shrine of Goddess Soundaryanayaki aka Kanarkuzhali, the consort of the presiding deity, is located on the left side of the prime sanctum. Like the main sanctum this also  built with granite and the super structure (hikara, griva and stupi) with brick and mortar. Goddess Soundaryanayaki appear in a standing posture. The niches are bereft of any deities / sculptures.

The shrine of Lord Muruga appears behind the prime sanctum. The Lord's left hand shows Narasa mudra and right had abhaya mudra. Navagriha shine is located just before the Durga.  There is a separate shrine for Aiyanar. The seven Sapta Matrika idols and the Yoga Guru (Virabhadra) are arranged in a row at the north corridor. Also there is the unique Pallava Durga idol.

Tirumundeeswaram is the 51st shrine  glorified by Devaram hymn (தேவார பாடல் பெற்ற தலம்) and the 19th among the 22 Shiva shrines of nadu nadu canonized by Devaram.  The Lord is revered by the Devaram hymns of Thirunavukkarasar aka Appar. 

Saptamatrika & Yoga Guru

Durgai (Pallava)

Bairavar

Dakshinamurthi (Parantaka I)

History

Parantaka Chola I (முதலாம் பராந்தக சோழன்) (907 - 955 A.D.) further extended  the Chola territory founded by Vijayalaya Chola (விஜயாலய சோழன்) and Aditya Chola I (முதலாம் ஆதித்த சோழன்). He earned the title 'Mathirai konda Koparakesari' (மதிரைகொண்ட கோப்பரகேசரி) at the third year of his rule (910 A.D.) after invading Maravarman Rajsimha II 's (இரண்டாம் மாறவர்மன் இராஜசிம்மன்) Pandya kingdom and capturing its capital city 'Madurai.'  After loosing the first battle, Maravarman Rajsimha II sought the help of Ilam (ஈழம்) (Sri Lanka) king and an Ilam army under the command of Chakka Senapati (சக்க சேனாபதி) came to Tamilakam to support Pandya. Parantaka I at the eighth year of his rule (915 A.D) defeated the combined army of Pandya and Ilam in Vellore (வேலூர்) by Parantaka's generals Pazhuvettaraiyar (பழுவேட்டரையர்) and Kandan Amudanaar (கந்தன் அமுதனார்). This victory earned Parantaka the title Parantaka got a title - 'Maduraiyum Eezhamum Konda Kopparakesari' ( "மதிரையும் ஈழமும் கொண்ட கோப்பரகேசரி") as well as usurping more Pandya regions to Chola territory.

The Chola dynasty received support from many local kings and feudatories. During the reign of Parantaka Chola I Pazhuvettaraiyar (பழுவேட்டரையர்) and Kodumbalur Velir (கொடும்பாளூர் வேளிர்) extended their support to the Chola king.  Pazhyvettaraiyars have their origin from kerala. They also made their presence in the heartland of Chola i.e, Kila-Paluvur (கீழப்பழுவூர்) and Mela-Paluvur (மேலப்பழுவூர்), in the Udaiyarpalayam taluk of the Tiruchirapalli district and managed to survive in very high ranks in the Chola kingdom.

Parantaka Chola I had numerous wives, among whom no fewer than eleven come out in the inscriptions: three of them were from Paluvettaraiyars' daughters -  Udaiya Pirattiyar Kokkilan Adigal (உடைய பிராட்டியார் கோகிலன் அடிகள்) daughter of the Chera king Rama Varma of Kulasekara dynasty; Arumoli Nangai (அருள்மொழி நங்கை), the daughter of another Chera king Paluvettaraiyar Kandan Amuthan, who ruled from west Paluvur of the present Tirutchirappalli in Tamil Nadu bordering Kerala; Villavan Mathevi (வில்லவன் மாதேவி) probably the daughter of the Venad King (வேநாட்டு அரசர்) of the Chera country. Parantaka I had four sons i.e., Rajaditya Chola (இராஜாதித்ய சோழன்), Kandaraditya Chola (கண்டராதித்ய சோழன்), Arikulakesari aka Arinjaya Chola (அரிகுலகேசரி என்ற அரிஞ்சயன்) and Uttamasseeli Chola (உத்தமசீலி சோழன் ). The Parantaka had Rajaditya, elder son and Kandaraditya second son by Udaiya Pirattiyar Kokkilan Adigal and Arikulakesari aka Arinjayan, the third son by Arulmoli Nangai.

Vijayaraghavadeva (A.R. No. 169 of 1912), believed as the Chera contemporary of Parantaka Chola I, is considered as the successor of Sthanu-Ravi the friend and ally of Aditya I (S.I.I., Vol. III, No. 89).

The Krishna II (இரண்டாம் கிருஷ்ணன்) (878–914 A.D.) Rashtrakuta king married his daughter to Adiya Chola I (870–907 A.D.). Aditya Chola I had his son Kannaradeva (கன்னரதேவா) aka Krishna III (மூன்றாம் கிருஷ்ணன்) by Rashtrakuta princess. After the demise of Aditya Chola I, Parantaka Chola I ascended the Chola throne in 907 A.D. instead of Kannaradeva, the grandson of Krishna II, the half-brother of Parantaka I. Rashtrakuta king Krishna II decided to force the issue of his grandson and therefore waged a war against Parantaka Chola I with the support of his feudatory allies i.e., Banas and Vaidumbas. However Parantaka I thwarted Krishna II and his allies in a pitched battle at Vallala aka Tiruvallam (presently located at Vellore district) some time between 911 - 912 A.D. The invaders fled back to Rashtrakuta court and influenced Kannaradeva aka Krishna III to wage a war against Parantaka Chola I.

The situation increased responsibility of increasing the defence at the north-west gateway (வடமேற்கு எல்லை). The demise of Parantaka Chola I 's loyal vassal Ganga Pritvipati II (கங்க அரசன் இரண்டாம் ப்ரிதிவி) in 940 A.D. has also weakened the defence in the north-west gateway. The Rashtrakuta army under the command of Krishna III mounted attacks into the north-west gateway and its contiguous territories between 940 and 949 A.D. However Parantaka Chola I was very much conscious about the repercussions and made his defence preparedness against emergency situations.  At Mudiyur (முடியூர்) aka Mouli Gramam in Tirumunaipadi Nadu he maintained a strong army garrison (படைவீடு) under the command of his elder son Rajaditaya Chola. The army was stationed in the forms of local garrisons and in cantonments called Kadagams (கடகம்). He was ably supported by his brother Arikulakesari aka Arinjaya Chola. The arrangements served its purposes for a quite a number of years.

Vallabhan Kumaran (வல்லபன் குமரன்) aka Vellan Kumaran (வெள்ளான் குமரன்) or Vellankumaran (வெள்ளாங்குமரன்) was the son of Rajasekharan, the first king (feudator) of Valluvanadu as well as the Governor of Vallabha Rashtra under Chera king. There are inscriptions on king Rajasekharan. From incriptions it is learned that Vellan Kumaran was the native of Nandikkaraiputtur in Chera country (present Kerala). He also served as the general of the Chola Prince Rajaditya.

It was in 949 A.D. Krishna III invaded and received the support of his brother-in-law and his Western Ganga feudatory Butuga II (இரண்டாம் பூதுகன்) in this battle. Rajaditya faced the Rashtrakuta army and the decisive battle was fought at Takkolam (தக்கோலம்), small town located 14 km south-west of present Arakkonam town. It was well contested battle and the Chola cause suffered mainly on account of a chance arrow shot by Butuga having fatally wounded Rajaditya.  Atagur (a place near Mandya taluk, Mysore ditrict, Karnataka) inscriptions of Krishna III and Butuga II (இரண்டாம் பூதுகன்) serve a an important source telling how the Chola prince was treacherously murdered. Krishna III asumed the title of the conqueror of  'Kanchi and Tanjore.'

The inscriptions of Tiruvorriyur provides the narration about Vallabhan Kumaran, who was feeling guilty for his failure in saving the life of the Chola prince in Takkolam war. As a result he decided to renounce his worldly life and assumed the ascetic order. This Vallabhan Kumaran was known as Chaturana Pandithar (சதுரான பண்டிதர்)

Inscriptions:

E-stamping (2)

E-stamping (1)

From the 9th to 16th century CE, the temple was under the patronage of successive prominent South Indian dynasties such as the Rashtrakutas, the Gangas, the Cholas, the Hoysalas and the  Vijayanagara rulers.

Plenty of  Parantaka Chola I inscriptions are found in  Sivalokanatha Temple complex. 

1. A 23rd regnal year inscription on the southern wall of the vimana of Sivalokanatha records the gift of 90 sheeps for a perpetual lamp by Tirumunaipadi Nattar. (S.I.I No. 180 of 1906).
2. Another 24th year regnal year inscription of the same Chola ruler on the western wall of the vimana registers a sale of land to the temple of Sivalokanatha (S.I.I No. 181 of 1906).
3. Paranthaka Chola I 29th regnal year  inscription (S.I.I No. 182 of 1906) on the southern wall of of the vimana of Sivalokanatha  records about the provision made for burning perpetual lamp in the temple of  mulasthanattu-Mahadeva of Sri-Arruttali at Tirumudiyur by Kari Piraman (காரி பிரமன்), a servant of prince Rajadittadevar.
4. Some other 29th regnal year inscription of Paranthaka Chola I (S.I.I No. 183 of 1906) on the southern wall of the vimana enters a gift  of gold for burning a perpetual lamp in the temple of mulasthanattu-Mahadeva of Sri-Arruttali from the interest by a person and his name is not comprehensible from the inscription.
5. Yet another 29th regnal year inscription of  Mathiraikonda kopparakesari (Paranthaka Chola I) (S.I.I No. 183 of 1906) on the western wall of the vimana registers the gift of gold coin made by one Somadi (சோமாடி) and to light a perpetual lamp in the temple of  mulasthanattu-Mahadeva of Sri-Arruttali at Tirumudiyur from the 'Polisai' (பொலிசை) aka interest periodically accumulated over time. The bhttars of Adhanur (ஆதனூர் பட்டர் ) were made responsible for supplying one 'uzhakku' ghee (உழக்கு நெய்) to the temple.
6. One Vellan Kumaran, a native of Nandikkaraiputtur, Chera country, gifted sheeps for lighting a perpetual lamp in the temple when he was staying in this temple as the general of the Chola Prince Rajaditya.
7. Another 31st regnal year (938 A.D.)  inscription of Parantaka I records the gift of copper bell stand to the temple of Sri-Arruttali-Perumanadigal  by some army men of Prince Rajaditya.
8. The 32nd regnal year (939 A.D.)  inscription of Parantaka I records the gifts of gold and paddy made by Prince Rajadityadeva to Sri-Arruttali-Mahadeva at Tirumudiyur through the bhattars of Tiruvennainallur and Adhanur (திருவெண்ணைநல்லூர் மற்றும் ஆதனூர் பட்டர்கள்). 
9. One 35th regnal year (942 A.D.) incomplete  inscription (S.I.I No. 185 of 1906) of Parantaka I records the gift of utensils to be used during worship in the temple of Sri-Arruttali-Perumanadigal Probably by some army men of Prince Rajaditya.
10. Another 35th regnal year (942 A.D.) incomplete inscription (S.I.I No. 187 of 1906)  of Parantaka I records the gift of utensils used during worship in the temple of Sri-Arruttali-Perumanadigal probably by some army men of prince Rajaditya. 
11. Yet another 35th regnal year (942 A.D. ) damaged inscription (S.I.I No. 186 of 1906)  of Parantaka I registers the gift of a village tax-free made by the prince Rajadityadeva (probably with the specified income fixed as paddy and gold) for the disbursals of worship in the main shrine of the temple of Sri -Arruttali at Mudiyur.
12. One more 35th regnal year (942 A.D. )  inscription of Parantaka I  registers the land endowment made made by one Kovadi Udayar from Brahmapuri Nallurkandam in Mazhanadu for light two perpetual lamps to Sri-Arruttali-mulasthanattu-Perumanadigal at Tirumudiyur.
13. The 36th regnal year (943 A.D.) bilingual inscription of Parantaka I on the northern wall of the vimana includes 15 lines in Sanskrit grantha language and 23 lines in Tamil language. This inscription informs about Vellan Kumaran, a native of Nandikkaraiputtur, Chera country,  who built the granite temple of Sri-Arruttali-Perumanadigal at Mudiyur. Vellan Kumaran occupied an important position (மூலப்பிரித்தியர்) in Chola government and general of the Chola army.
14. The 39th regnal year (946 A.D.) unfinished inscription (S.I.I No. 192 of 1906)   of Parantaka I  mentions of  prince Rajadittadevar and the temple of Sriyarruttali-Perumal. 
15. One more 41st regnal year (948 A.D.) inscription of Parakesarivarman who took Madurai and Ilam (Parantaka Chola I)  (S.I.I No. 184 of 1906) records the gift of sheep for burning a lamp in the temple of Sri-Arruttali Mahadeva at Tirumudiyur by Madevan Visameli, a resident of Kurramangalam in Mangala-nadu. 

E-stamping (3)

Krishna III aka Kannara (r.939 – 967 A.D.) was the last powerful and efficient king of the Rashtrakutas.  He held titles such as Akalavarsha, Maharajadhiraja, Parameshvara, Paramamaheshvara, Shri Prithvivallabha etc. This dexterous military campaigner  played a vital role in rebuilding the Rashtrakuta Empire. He defeated  Parantaka Chola I at Takkolam.

Three inscriptions of Krishna III were copied from this temple. The 20th regnal year (959 A.D.) inscription of Krishna III (Kannaradeva) registers the gift of sheeps for lighting perpetual lamp. Another 22nd regnal year (961 A.D.) incomplete inscription of Kannaradeva is not clear. Yet another 25th regnal year (964 A.D.) inscription of Kannaradeva registers the gift made by Sri Sundar Tiruvoyan, the king of Vaidumba.

E-stamping (4): C.Veeraraghavan sir

The 4th regnal year inscription of Chola prince Aditya Karikalan aka Aditya II, the eldest son of Sundara Chola and the brother of Rajaraja Chola I, registers the gift made for burning the perpetual lamp. The 16th regnal year inscription of Rajendra Chola I informs this village as brahmadeyam of Mudiyur-nadu  (a subdivision) of Tirumunaipadi Nadu in Jayangonda-Solamandalam. The fourth regnal year inscription of Rajendra Chola II records the tax-free land grant made by the citizens of Kosapadi village made to the temple of Sri-Arruttali-Mahadeva in Parantaka chaturvedhi-mangalam of Mutiyur-nadu (a subdivision) of Tirumunaipadi Nadu in Jayangonda-Solamandalam. The 10th regnal year inscription of Rajendra Chola II records the perpetual lamp gift made to Sri-Arruttali-Mahadeva in Parantaka chaturvedhi-mangalam by Sathi Periyan.

The fourth regnal year inscription of Kulotunga Chola I registers the decision of the sabha of Parantaka chaturvedhi-mangalam, of Mutiyur-nadu (a subdivision) of Tirumunaipadi Nadu in Jayangonda-Solamandalam, to allow one Bhattanpuvan (பட்டன்பூவன்), after rechristening him as Parantaka Peraraiyan (பராந்தகப் பேரரையன்) to live in Ur Nattam (ஊர் நத்தம்) after receiving 20 kasu (coins) from him.

This is incised immediately below No. 190 and gives no introduction to the king. The 10th regnal year inscription (S.I.I. no. 190A of 1906) of Kulotunga Chola II records a gift of 72 sheep for burning “three fourth” of a perpetual lamp in the temple of Sri Arruttali-Mahadeva by Selvan Pallikondan alias Rajaraja-Periyaraiyan a kudippalli (farmer) of Sevalaimedu in Kaliyur-kottam a division of Jayagondasola mandalam to atone for the death of Madani Kulatturan of the village, caused by him [unconsciously?]. 

The 16th regnal year inscription (S.I.I. no. 188 of 1906) of Kulotunga Chola II records a gift of “there fourth” of a perpetual lamp to the to the temple of Sri Arruttali-Mahadeva at Parantaka-chaturvedimangalam (Gramam) by one periyan Kanavadi of salur in Mangala-nadu of Vanagappadi a division of Rajendrasola-valanadu in expiation of his having shot by mistake (while hunting) a resident of Enadimangalam (name not clear). 

The third regnal year inscription of Rajaraja II registers that the lands belonging to temple Sri Arruttali-Aludaiyar in Kulotunga Chola Chaturvedhi-mangalam of Mutiyur-nadu were exempted from tax by one Anabhaya Kadavarayan aka Mohan Alapiranthan from Padikaval.

Three inscriptions of Jatavarma Sundarapandya I were copied from this temple:

The 15th regnal Year (1265-66 A.D.) inscription (S.I.I. no. 197 of 1906) of Jatavarma Sundarapandya I  on the west and south wall of the Selvambika Shrine begins with the prasasti Samasta-jagad-adhara etc. The inscription, damaged in places, registers another endowment by the king of 9 ½ veli of land, free of all taxes, for the expenses of the service instituted in the temple of Bokkanankuduttaruliya-Nayanar (பொக்கனங் கொடுத்தருளின நாயனார்) in the name of the ruling king by Vira-Pandya. Also refers about land grants made during the time of Kopperunjingadeva.  

The 18th regnal Year (A.D. 1268-69) inscription (S.I.I. no. 196 of 1906) of Jatavarma Sundarapandya I on the south wall of the Selvambika Shrine begins with the Sanskrit prasasti of the king, Samastajagad-adhara etc. The record is damaged. It appears to register an endowment of land made by the king expenses of worship and offerings to the deity of the day of a special festival instituted in his name, and for the formation of a garden where the god was to be taken in procession on such occasions. Provision is also made for the daily supply of 200 lotus flowers to the temple and of 2000 lilies on festival days by the grant of 2-¼ veli of land to one Vikrama-pandyan alias Sri Mulasthana-Velan for the purpose. The god is called Sriyarruttali Mulasthanam-Udaiyar Bokkanankuduttaruliya-Nayanar (பொக்கனங் கொடுத்தருளின நாயனார்).

The 19th regnal Year (A.D. 1269-70) inscription (S.I.I. no. 198 of 1906) of Jatavarma Sundarapandya I on the north and west walls of the Selvambika Shrine begins with the Sanskrit prasasti of the king,  Samastajagad-adhara etc. It is damaged in the middle portion. It registers another endowment of land tax-exemption by the king. However, the extent of the land and the purpose of the gift are missing. Out of this land one veli was to be set apart as jivita for Vikrama-Pandyan alias Sri Mulasthana-velan (mentioned in No. 196 above) for a (further) daily supply of 1200 lotus flowers to the temple.  

Reference

1. Ancient Indian History and Civilization ed.2. By Sailendra Nath Sen. New Delhi, New Age International Publishers, 1988. pp. 479 - 480.
2. Chronological history of Malabar: Ancient political history of Malappuram, Valluvanad. ( http://c-radhakrishnan.info/malabar.htm )
3. Treasures of Chola Empire in Cauvery Delta: Veera Narayana 'Veeranam' Lake. Prasannasankar. Jul 19th, 2015 in Indiamike.com (http://www.indiamike.com/india/tamil-nadu-f40/treasures-of-chola-empire-in-cauvery-delta-t161671/5/)
4. Lecture on the temple by Dr. Padmavathi Anaiappan,  retired Senior Epigraphist, Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, Chennai.