Showing posts with label Hindu temple architecture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hindu temple architecture. Show all posts

Saturday, November 19, 2016

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



Mahadevar Koil, Edaiyarpakkam
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Varalaru.com

Apsidal shape back view
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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.

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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)

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Sivagiri Sri Mahadevar Cave-temple Alvarkoyil: Hindu Rock cut Cave near Nagerkoil, Tamil Nadu, India

Sivagiri (சிவகிரி) Sri Mahadevar (ஸ்ரீ மகாதேவர்) Rock cut cave temple is located in Alwarkovil (ஆழ்வார்கோவில்) village, Kalkulam (கல்குளம்) taluk, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India and the village is forming part of  Eraniel Town Panchayat.  The geographical coordinates of Eraniel (Eranyasinga nalloor) are 8.2°N latitude 77.3°E longitude. It has an average elevation of 10 meters (32 feet). There is a small palace located near Eraniel. It is nearer to Thuckalay. Alwarkovil is 30 km away from Nagerkoil.

Architecture

The east facing Sivagiri (சிவகிரி) Sri Mahadevar (ஸ்ரீ மகாதேவர்) rock cut cave temple is excavated on the eastern slope of Sivagiri hillock and therefore the cave lies in an east-west orientation. The prime deity Shivagirinathar appear in the form of Shivalingam and the Shivalingam image is sculpted out from the mother rock of the cave. The rock cut cave forms nucleus structure around which temple structures added in the subsequent period of time. The cave temple complex comprise a mukha-mandapam, cloister-mandapam (சுற்றுமாளிகை ) and another large mandapam (பெருமண்டபம்)..

Cloister Mandapam

The cloister mandapam is built around the three sides of single celled cave. The adhistana and the pillars of this mandapam are highly ornamented. On the east wing of the cloister mandapam is supported by composite pillars with amazing yali (யாளி) motif. Yali is a mythical creature seen in many  temples, often sculpted onto the pillars.  The pillars supporting the north and south wings of the cloister mandapam are sectioned as square, octagonal kattu, square, octagonal kattu and square. The facade of the cloister mandapam has a corridor (open court) and the access can be made through two entrances located on the east and north wings. The south entrance of the cloister mandapam leads to temple kitchen (மடப்பள்ளி) and large mandapam.

Nandi Mandapam

In the center of the mandapa there is a Nandi mandapam. The seated Nandi on a platform is facing Shivagirinathar, the presiding deity. Nandi mandapam is built on a plinth (adhishtana) with jagadi, khantam and peruvajana mouldings. The four pillars of the Nandi mandapam are sectioned as square, octagonal kattu, square, octagonal kattu and square. Above the pillars there are vettu potikas (corbel brackets) holding the prastara components such as uttira (beam), vajanam, valabhi and kapotha.

Mukha-mandapam

Mukha-mandapam is built to the west of Nandi-mandapam i.e., adjoining to the rock wall of the cave. It has a padabandha adhisthana with jagadi, octogonal kumudam, kantha with pada and flanked by kampa and pattika mouldings. Above the adhisthana is the vedika with vedikanda.  Mukkha-mandapam is supported by four square pilasters with capitals. The vettu potikas (corbel brackets) holding the prastara components such as uttira (beam), vajanam, valabhi and kapotha with kudus. The south and north walls are sectioned with square pilasters and shown as simple koshta-panjara. The entrance on the east wall is 0.61 cm in width and 1.36 m in height.

The sanctum can be approached either from flight of three steps with balustrade on the south or from similar flight of three steps with balustrade on the north. The two sets of flight of steps leads to the raised plinth with upana, thamarai, khanta and kapota mouldings.

Sanctum

The entrance from mukha-mandapam is supported by square pilasters on either side. The sanctum excavated from the rock. The sanctum measures 1.72 m in width in the north-south direction and 1.70 m in length in the east-west direction and 1.70 m in height. The sanctum entrance is 0.85 cm in width and 1.46 m in height. The sanctum houses Shivagirinathar (சிவகிரிநாதர்) in the form of Shivalingam.  Shivalingam sculpted out of the mother rock and the square 'avudai' measures 0.24 cm in height and 0.65 cm in length on all four sides. The cylindrical bana sits on the square avudai. The walls and roof of the sanctum are simple and plain.

How to get there?

One can easily get regular buses to Eraniel from other major cities of the country. All buses from Thingalnagar bus stand will pass through Eraniel. Many buses run from Nagercoil via Eraniel. For every 5 minutes you have buses to Nagercoil and for every 15 minutes you have buses to Thuckalay
Nearest railway station is Eraniel railway station. Nagerkoil railway station is the main junction
Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. - 72 km away

Reference
  1. சிவகிரிக் குடைவரை தென்மாவட்டக் குடைவரைகள். மு.நளினி மற்றும் இரா.கலைக்கோவன். (தென்தமிழ்நாட்டுக் குடைவரைகள்: தொகுதி 3). டாக்டர் மா.இராசமாணிக்கனார் வரலாற்றாய்வு மையம், திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி. 2009. பக். 148 - 150. 
  2. சிவகிரி (sivakiri) - ஸ்ரீ மகாதேவர் (ஆழ்வார்கோவில்) திருக்கோவில்; தக்கலை - ஆழ்வார்கோவில்.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Kurathiarai Cave Temple: Hindu Rock cut Cave near Nagerkoil, Tamil Nadu, India


Picture Courtesy: RK Lakshmi (Facebook)
Kurathiyarai (குறத்தியறை) Rock cut cave temple is located in Thovalai (தோவாளை) taluk of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India PIN 629851 and the village is forming part of  Azhagiapandiapuram (அழகியபாண்டியபுரம்), town panchayat. Kurathiyarai village is situated in the Nagerkoil - Kadukkarai road. Take diversion before Azhagiapadiapuram and and find out muddy road and travel one km to reach this village. The geographical coordinates of Azhagiapandiapuram are 8°18′35″N latitude 77°26′45″E longitude. As of 2001 India census, Azhagiapandiapuram had a population of 12,060 5966 male and 6074 female). Azhagiapandiapuram is 17 km away from Nagerkoil, 

Kanyakumari district well known for places of legendary, historical and artistic importance. You would be enthralled to see the lush green paddy fields, swaying palms, meandering dusty gravel  roads, bullock carts crawling with loads of straw bale, and criss-crossing water streams. Agriculture is the main occupation in this region. Thovalai and the surrounding area is involved in the fresh flower industry for sale to domestic and foreign markets. The Nagerkoil is the base destination to visit Kanyakumari, Udayagiri fort, Padmanabhpuram Palace, Muttam Beach, Tengapattinam Beach, and Krishnancoil temple.

Architecture

The south facing rock cut cave is excavated on the slope of the hillock at the outskirts of the village. The cave cell is excavated 0.95 cm in width and 1.77 m in height and east-west in orientation. The entrance is 80 cm in width and 1.30 m in height. Local people made provision for wooden door and walls coated with cement. 

The horse shoe shaped cave excavation remains incomplete and the floor, roof and walls of the cave appear coarse. The sanctum is 1.52 m in east-west in length and 1.13 m north- south in width and 2.04 m in height. The niche carved on the rear wall measures 40 cm in height. The niche, flanked by two square pilasters,  houses Lord Vishnu. The pilasters support the angular potika and uttira.  The prastara including vajanam, valabi and kapota are absent.  

Picture Courtesy: RK Lakshmi (Facebook)

Lord Vishnu image appears in samapatha sthanaka posture on the rear wall and image is dull and smudged with oil. The Lord wears kreeta makuta, kundala ear-ring, yagnopavita (sacred cord) runs across his chest, and drapes dhoti as a five fold tuck in wrap (panchkacha) and the waist cloth (idaikattu) is tucked with knot. He holds the chanka (conch) in his back right hand and his back left hand holds Chakra (disc wheel). His right forearm rests on the hip and the left forehand kept half folded. Scholars assign the date of Vishnu as eighth century A.D. 

Picture Courtesy: RK Lakshmi (Facebook)



Two niches carved are carved outside on the rock slope one on each side of the cave entrance. The niche on the west of the entrance is 89 cm in height and 63 cm in width and houses Vinayagar idol The Vinayagar is seated in posture described as ‘Lalitasana’ (posture of royal ease) with his right leg drawn up and folded and the left leg resting on the ground. The Lord in ‘Lalitasana’ represents a calm and relaxed deity and the idol appear with trunk to the right side is known as valampuri Vinayagar (வலம்புரி விநாயகர்). The Lord wears karanda-makutam (கரண்டமகுடம்), sarapali (சரப்பளி) in the neck, armlets (தோள்வளை), bracelets (கைவளை) and short robe around the waist. The right tusk is present while left tusk is absent. The back left hand is damaged and the back right hand shows kapitha mudra. The right fore-hand holds an object which is not unidentifiable and left forehand rests on the lap.

The image on eastern niche is left incomplete and sculpting do not show any shape. However the local people worship this image as Avvaiyar.  Although the presiding deity in this cave is Vishnu, the temple is locally known as Avvaiyaaramman koil. The image on the left side of Lord Vishnu is believed to be that of Avvai.

History

The worship of Avvaaiyar in Thovalai taluk in Kanyakumari district is locally as Avvai Nonbu or Avvai Vratham. The Tuesdays of Tamil month Adi is most auspicious for Avvaiyar worship. Womenfolk offer 'Kozhukkattai' (steam boiled rice ball with sweet stuffing) to Avvaiyaaramman.

From inscriptions from Chitharal mountain, there was a Jain cave temple at the top of Chitharal mountain and was known as Thiru Charanathu Malai.  The monks belonging to the Digambara sect established Thiru Charanathu Palli – the abode of Jain monks during 9th century A.D. Thiru Charanathu Palli was a dynamic center of Jain learning - a monastery and a school. The male teacher was called ‘kuravar’ and the female teacher ‘kurathi.’ The word Kurathi (குறத்தி) also denotes a Jain nun. Influence of Jainism in Kurathiyarai is evident from the first syllable 'Kurathi. The inscription also cites the Ay king Vikramaditya Varaguna (885-925 AD). The scholars assign the date of the cave to 8th century A.D.

How to get there?

Bus Route: Thovalai is well connected by bus from Nagerkoil and Kanyakumari.
Nearest Railway station: Nagercoil Junction is a major railway junction connecting the southern tip of India with all parts of India.
Nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram

Reference

  1. Kurathiarai Rock-cut Cave -Nagercoil -Kanyakumari DistrictRK Lakshmi. Facebook.
  2. Tales of Avvaiyaar March 6, 2009 (http://hmindia.blogspot.in/2009/03/ack-086-tales-of-avvaiyaar.html)
  3. குறத்தியறை.  மு. நளினி. வரலாறு.காம் இதழ்  47. மார்ச் 16 - ஏப்ரல் 17, 2008.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Vizhinjam Cave: Hindu Rock cut Cave in Vizhinjam near Tiruvananthapuram, Kerala










Vizhinjam (വിഴിഞ്ഞം) rock cut cave is located  in Vizhinjam village, Athiyanoor (അതിയന്നൂർ) taluk in Thiruvananthapuram  (തിരുവനന്തപുരം) district, Kerala State, India PIN 695521. The cave is located 14 km towards South from District head quarters Thiruvananthapuram. Vizhinjam is located 2 km from Athiyanoor; 3 km from Kottukal (കൊടുക്കൽ ); and 3 km from Kovalam beach (കോവളം ബീച്). The Latitude and Longitude coordinates in degrees, minutes, seconds decimal and degrees decimal of Vizhinjam is 8°22′45″N (8.3932)  and 76°59′29″E (77.0046) respectively. The elevation / altitude of Vizhinjam is 71 meters above Sea level. As per 2011 Population Census 2011, the village has population 20714 (males 10277 and females 10437) and 5040 families in total The village is also the natural port located close to international shipping routes and it is an international deep-water multi-purpose shipping hub.  Neyyattinkara (നെയ്യാറ്റിന്കര),  Kollankodu (കൊല്ലങ്കോട് ), Nedumangad (നെടുമങ്ങാട്) are the nearby Cities to Vizhinjam.

Architecture

The Vizhinjam rock cut cave temple premises, under the maintenance of ASI, is located near Vizhinjam bus-stand. Like the Kilmavilangai and Mahendravadi rock cut caves in Tamil Nadu, Vizhinjam cave is excavated on a small boulder measuring about 3 m (9 feet 10 inches) in height and 3.50 m (11 feet 5 inches) in width. On the eastern face of this outcrop, is carved in a single cell sanctum measuring about 1 m (3 feet 2 inches) east-west in length,  0.70 m (2 feet 3 inches) north-south in width and 1.50 m (4 feet 11 inches) in height. The roof slopes towards east. The rear, south and north walls left unfinished. The single cell sanctum houses a loose sculpture of (east facing) Vinadhara Dakshinamurthy (an aspect of Lord Shiva as a guru (teacher) of all types of knowledge and the great teacher of music) of later period.

There are two plain square pilasters (door frames) cut on either side of the sanctum entrance. The pilasters directly supports the prastara component uttira. Towards the south and north of the pilasters there are two rock cut niches housing bas relief images. The right side niche (formed without pilasters) houses the sthanaka Shiva accompanied by two dwarf images on either side. Shiva appear standing on his right foot planted on the even floor (Sthitha paadam) and the bent (folded) left foot firmly stamping upon the head of the demon "Muyalagan". The demon Muyalagan appear seated on two squatted legs. His left hand holds the bow. A roughly sculpted dwarf gana appears on the left side of Muyalagan. 

Lord Shiva drapes a piece of loin cloth (A loincloth is a long piece of cloth, passed between the thighs and wound around the waist) and knotted waist cloth. Shiva appears with two arms and the left forearm holds the tall bow; the upper left hand holds ‘mazhu’ (the axe); the right fore arm holds the arrow while the upper right  hand in ardhapathaka (mudra) gesture. The jatamakuta is the hair dress with head band (நெற்றிப்பட்டம்).  The lord wears sarapali around his neck.and the Yagnopavita is worn in niveda fashion. He also wears a palm-leaf coil as ear-ring at his left ear lobe and the right ear lobe locked with kundala.

The left side niche (formed without pilasters) houses the two bas relief images. The right side male image appears in dancing posture and his left leg is held in parsvatha posture while his right leg held in swastika posture. The face is tilted towards his right side. The lord wears conical jatamakuta. The left ear lobe is adorned with palm-leaf coil as ear-ring. The ankle is adorned with beaded chain.

The left side female image rests her left hand on her hip and the right hand rests on her chin. The waist cloth tied with knots. The left leg is damaged and the right leg plated on the floor. The identity of these two images could not be established clearly.  

History

In the words of Ptolemy the territory of Ay (ஆய்) flourished in the south of the Chera kingdom and extended from Nelcynda to Kumari and the Pandya kingdom lay only 'past Komaria.' According to Robert Sewell Ayes were the rulers of the hill country. Chera dynasty established themselves in major portions of Chera land (present northern Kerala) as the vital force only after Ay dynasty (ஆய் வம்சம்) established themselves around the Potiya hill (பொதியமலை), the southern most section of the Western Ghats. (presently the southern Kerala). So the Ay dynasty  ruled the land between Nagercoil and Thiruvalla and Vizhinjam, the port town, was once the capital of many dynasties including Ay dynasty.  Important Ay rulers are Ay Andiran (ஆய் அண்டிரன்), Titiyan I (முதலாம் திதியன்), Atiyan (அதியன்), Titiyan II (இரண்டாம்  திதியன்) and Nanchil Porunan (நாஞ்சில் பொருநன்). Purananuru (புறநானூறு) extols Ay Andiran as the philanthropic ruler who independent ruled the potiyi hills. He is praised for his patronage as Vel Ay (வேல் ஆய்) and Ma-Vel Ay (மாவேள் ஆய்) by the Sangam poets in Purananuru. Ay Andiran drove Pandyas from his territory and came to prominence around 96 - 140 A.D. Titiyan I was praised as 'Potiyir Selvan' (பொதியிற் செல்வன்). During the time of Atiyan Ay kingdom got disintegrated. It seems that Alakiyapandiyan waged war over Ay kingdom and defeated Atiyan and Ay kingdom was reduced as a tributary of Pandya kingdom. Later the battle between Talayalankanattu Ceru Venra Nedunceliyan Pandya king (தலையாலங்கானத்து செரு வென்ற பாண்டியன் நெடுஞ்செழியன்) and Titiyan II clashed at the historical battle  at Talayalankanam (தலையாலங்கானம்) and sealed the fate of the Ay kingdom. 

Ay dynasty was later known as Venad (வேள்நாடு / வேணாடு) dynasty and the kingdom located to the south of Chera kingdom. It was later on known as the Tiruvidankur dynasty (திருவிதாங்கூர் வம்சம்).  Karunandadakkan (857-885 AD) (கருணானந்தக்கண்) an illustrious Ay king ruled with his capital at Vizhinjam. His earliest inscription in South India found dated in the Kali era (கலி வருடம்). It throws light on the working of ancient highways (salais) or Vedic colleges. According to the Huzur Office (copper) plates Ay (Vrishni Kula) King Karunandadakkan built the Parthivapuram Parthasarathy Temple (பார்த்திவபுரம் பார்த்தசாரதி கோவில் ) and consecrated in 857 A.D. Vikramaditya Varaguna (885-925) succeeded Karunandadakkan. The Paliyam Copper plate of Vikramaditya Varaguna (885-925) (விக்கிரமாதித்ய வரகுணா) records the grant of an extensive landed property to the Buddhist of Srimulavasa Vihara (ஸ்ரீமூலவாச விஹாரை) by the ruler. The Copper Plates indicates the origin of Ay from Ayars. (Ayars also known as Yadavas). .Ayakkudi (ஆயக்குடி) near Aralvaymoli (ஆரல்வாய்மொழி) gives some idea about Aye kingdom of Sangam age.

The Chola Empire Parantaka I (907 - 955) Chola (முதலாம் பராந்தக சோழன்) defeated Maravarman Rajasimha (மாறவர்மன் இராஜசிம்ஹன்), the Pandya king and annexed the South Kerala and Nanchil Nadu (Tiruvidankur) during 10th century A.D. The inscriptions of Parantaka I are found in Suchindram.

This land was also the scene of many battles. In 788 A.D, 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. Also military campaigns between the Kulasekara rulers (rulers of Venadu) and the later Cholas took place in this region. Vizhinjam also seems to have served as the former Dutch and British factory.

Temple timings: 0900 - 1800 hrs. It remains closed on Mondays.
Best Season: October to March

The Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deep water Multipurpose Seaport is an ambitious project taken up by Government of Kerala. It is designed primarily to cater container transhipment besides multi-purpose and break bulk cargo.

How to get there?

Nearest Bus-station: K-S-R-T-C-Vizhinjam-Bus-Station. A good network of roads connect Vizhinjam with several tourist destinations. within Kerala and India. State buses and inter-state buses can be availed to reach Vizhinjam.
Nearest Railwaystation: Nemem Railway Station , Balabnramapuram Railway Station are the very nearby railway stations to Vizhinjam. How ever Trivandrum Central Railway Station is major railway station 13 KM near to Vizhinjam
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport- 14 KM

Reference 
  1. Archaeological Survey of India. Thrissur Circle. (http://www.asithrissurcircle.in/Monuments.html)
  2. Historical background of Travancore - Shodhganga (PDF)
  3. History of South India – Part 5: Kingdoms of the Sangam Period - The Chera Dynasty. Bharat: An Untold Story. 
  4. Rock cut cave temple, Vizhinjam. Travelogues of a Compulsive Roamer. Saturday, 9, 2014
  5. Vishnu temple of Ay Dynasty. Varnam. February 2, 2005
  6. Vizhinjam Cave Temple. Wikipedia
  7. Vizhinjam in historical perspective. The Hindu July 27. 2015
  8. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple. Indian Holiday.com
  9. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave, Thiruvananthapuram. Keralatourism.org
  10. விழிஞம் குடைவரைக்கோயில் இரா. கலைக்கோவன் Varalaru.com

YouTube
Vizhinjam's cave temple wows tourists by asianetcablevision


Saturday, September 12, 2015

Heritage Trail: Thiruvallam, Melpadi, Mahendravadi and Pullalur 2

Facade of Somanathesvara Temple, Melpadi

Melpadi (மேல்பாடி), a quaint village (Latitude 13.04538 and 79.25931 Longitude) with a salubrious climate and picturesque landscape of paddy field, is on the Tiruvalam – Poigai road and located in Sholinghur taluk, Vellore district (வேலூர் மாவட்டம்), Tamil Nadu Pin Code 632520. The hamlet is part of Melpadi Panchayat and as per census 2011 it has a population of 5767 (around 1374 families). It is a fascinating village with a quiet and calm ambiance, surrounded by the Ponnai river, vivid green paddy fields, thick shady trees with wonderful views. It means shade is never far from human. Since it is on the western bank of Ponnai near the Palar River, people including 2,666 workers in this village are engaged in agriculture and cultivation of paddy and peanut. 

During the 10th century this village was  a buffer region between the Chola and Chalukya dynasties. Melpadi alias Rajasrayapuram (இராஜஸ்ரையபுரம்), under Pallava reign, was forming part of  Tunadu town (தூய்நாடு என்ற துநாடு), of Perumbana-padi nadu (பெரும்பாணப்பாடி நாடு) (a subdivision) of Jayankonda Cholamandalam (ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலம்)  (a district). The Karhad plates (கர்கட் செப்பேடுகள்) of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna III (Ep. Ind. Vol. IV. P. 281.) marks the antiquity Melpadi and reports about the camping Rashtrakuta king Krishna III (இராஷ்டிரகூட அரசன் மூன்றாம் கிருஷ்ணன்) at Melpadi (மேல்பாடி) in 959 AD. The nearby Vallimalai (வள்ளிமலை) hill was known for Jain temple.
Melpadi, (Mel = West; Padi = Military Garrison) surrounded by Vallimalai mountains, served as the North West Garrison of Chola to guard the military attacks by Chalukyas (சாளுக்கியர்கள்), Rashtarkutas (இராஷ்டிரகூடர்கள்) and  other rulers. Similarly Tiruvorriyur (திருவொற்றியூர்) (near Chennai) also served as North East Garrison.

There are two temples in Melpadi 1. Somanathesvara Temple (சோமநாதேஸ்வரர் கோவில்) and 2. Cholesvara Temple (சோழேஸ்வரர் கோவில்). The ancient name of the Cholesvara temple was Arinjigai-Isvara (அரிஞ்சிகை ஈஸ்வரம்) (S.I.I. vol III, pt I  Nos. 15 - 16) or Arinjisvara (அரிஞ்சீஸ்வரம்) (S.I.I. vol III, pt I  Nos. 17 - 18).

Somanathesvara Temple 
Somanathesvara

Somanathesvara Temple (சோமநாதீஸ்வரர் கோவில்) is close to the bank of the Ponnai river (பொன்னை நதி). Inscriptions cite this temple as "Cholendrasinga Isvaramutaiya Mahadevar Temple" (சோழேந்திரசிங்க ஈஸ்வரமுடைய மகாதேவர் கோவில்).  The huge temple complex includes main sanctum of Soamanathesvara, mukha mandapa, maha mandapa, shobana  mandapa and the sanctum for consort Tapaskrudha Devi (தபஸ்கிருதா தேவி), and the cloister mandapa (திருச்சுற்று மாளிகை). The mukha mandapa,  maha mandapa, and the mandapa at the south could have added by Rajaraja Chola III. 

The mukha mandapa is supported vratta sthamba (round pillars) (உருளை வடிவத் தூண்கள்). The cloister mandapa (திருச்சுற்று மாளிகை) is one of the attractive ruins of this temple and structures on the south, west and east corridors have only dilapidated platforms and the northern structure has platform and pillars. The Chola style marriage hall aka Kalyana mandapa (கல்யாண மண்டபம்) is the ornate pillared pavilion with a raised central platform. The Vijayanagara style Unjal mandapa (ஊஞ்சல் மண்டபம்) is very attractive structure.  

Vimana: Shikara + Griva

The imposing 20 feet perimeter walls (சுற்று மதில்) built using granite boulders, brick and mortar enclose temple complex. The three tier main gopuram (மூன்றடுக்குக் கோபுரம்) at the entrance could have remained unfinished for a number of years and the present three tier turret could be the later addition. There is another three tier (மூன்றடுக்குக் கோபுரம்) temple tower at the entrance of the inner corridor.

Vesara Vimana (கற்றளி)
The present east facing main sanctum of the Somanathesvara is a Chola structure of the 10th century. The Vesara Vimana (வேசர விமானம்) of the prime deity is made up of granite structure (கற்றளி) from upa-peeta to stupi. It has a circular sikhara above the griva and four nandhi images are placed in cardinal directions (நாற்கர நந்தி). It stands on a molded pada-bandha adishtana (பாதபந்த அதிஷ்டானா) with upa-peeta (உப பீடம்), jagadi (ஜகதி), tripatta kumuda (முப்பட்டைக் குமுதம்), khanta (கண்டம்) and a vyala-vari (யாளி - வியாள வரி) at the kodungai (கொடுங்கை).

The external wall surface is divided by pilasters (அரைத்தூண்கள்) in to well shaped ornate niches (தேவகோட்டங்கள்) with incomplete 'makara torana' (மகர தோரணம்). The sculptures in the niches include Vinayaka, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga and these are later additions:

Vinayaka

Vinayaka: Edampuri Vinayagar (இடம்புரி விநாயகர்) (the trunk in the left side) appear standing in the niche on the south wall and the hind hands holding pasa (பாசம்) (noose) and mazhu (மழு) (a weapon) and fore-hands holding broken tusk and mothaka (sweet dish) மோதகம் (கொழுக்கட்டை) .
Dakshinamurti

On the southern wall is found the figure of Dakshinamurti (தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி). He is seated in utkutika posture on apasmarapurusha. This deity holds rosary (akshamala) (அக்மாலை) in the upper right hand, snake in the upper left, keeps the lower right in vyakhyana mudra (வியாக்யான முத்திரை) and the left hand broken. He wears jatamakuta (ஜடாமகுடம்). pendants on the ears, a graiveyaka of beads, yagnopavita and a girdle with naga buckle. Four sages attends on him.

Vishnu

On the back wall of the sanctum sanctorum in the Koshta is found the figure of sthanaka Vishnu (நின்றகோல விஷ்ணு). He has four arms carrying conch (sankha) and discus wheel (chakra) the other two in abhaya and varada mudras. He wears karanda makuta (கரண்ட மகுடம்), sarapali (சரப்பளி) in the neck and yagnopavita on his chest. The piece of cloth deftly wrapped around his waist in panchakacham (பஞ்சகச்சம்) fashion.

Brahma

The Koshta at the northern wall of the sanctum sanctorum houses the figure of Brahma (பிரம்மா (நான்முகன்). This deity holds rosary (akshamala) in the upper right hard, water-jug (kendi) (கெண்டி) in the upper left, keeps the lower right in abhaya mudra (அபய முத்திரை) and the left hand in kadiya mudra (கடிய முத்திரை). The four headed deity wears jatamakuta, sarapali in the neck, yagnopavita on the chest, udara bandha (உதர பந்தம்), kati bandha (கடி பந்தம்), tandai (தண்டை) in anklets. The piece of cloth deftly wrapped around his waist in panchakacham (பஞ்சகச்சம்) fashion.
 


The next koshta houses the goddess Vishnu Durga (விஷ்ணு துர்க்கை). The goddess holds discuss in the upper right hard, Chanka (conch) in the upper left, keeps the lower right in abhaya mudra and the left hand in kadiya mudra. She wears karanda makuta, and appear standing on the bovine head. 


On both sides of the entrance to the main sanctum, there are two tall, robust Dwarapalakas (துவாரபாலகர்கள்) with bulky physique,  bulging eyes (முட்டைக் கண்கள்), bushy eyebrows (அடர்ந்த புருவம்), protruding curved sharp canine teeth (நீண்ட கூறிய கோரைப்பற்கள்), and appear in a standing position holding the club downward. The Dwarapalaka on your left side wears patra and makara kundalas in his ears; sarapali in his neck; broad belt or udara bandha wrapped around his  stomach and kati bandha wrapped around his waist; and  tandai worn in his ankles. His right hand shows darjani hasta mudra (தர்ஜனி ஹஸ்த முத்திரை) and the left hand rests on the club handle; the left leg rests on the ground and right leg laid on the club.

The Dwarapalaka on your right rests his right hand and left leg on the club while his left hand shows vismaya hasta mudra (விஸ்மய ஹஸ்த முத்திரை) and the right leg rests on the ground. He wears makara kundala, yagnopavita on the chest and tandai in his ankles. The jatamakuta bears lion motif. The yagnopavita,  worn by the two Dwarapalakas, is the plaited human hair pieces known as 'Panchavadi' (பஞ்சவடி).  According Lakulisa Pasupata iconography (லகுலிச பாசுபத சிற்ப சாஸ்திரம்), Lord Shiva wears Panchavadi in place of yagnopavita. 


Goddess Tapaskrutha Devi (தபஸ்கிருதா தேவி) appears in a separate east facing sanctum at the north-east corner of the temple. The presence Vijayanagara inscription (விஜயநகர் அரசர்கள் காலக் கல்வெட்டு) at the kumuda (குமுதம்) suggests that it could have been added at a later date and most probably during Vijayanagara rule.

Tapaskrutha Devi Sanctum
The Dravida  vimana (திராவிட விமானம்) is a combination of granite sub-structure and brick super-structure. The adishtana (அதிஷ்டானம்) include elements like upa-peeta (உப-பீடம்), jagadi (ஜகதி), tripatta kumuda (முப்பட்டைக் குமுதம்), khanta (கண்டம்) and pattika (பட்டிகை). The outer wall of the vimana is divided by pilasters (அரைத் தூண்கள்) in to simple niches (தேவகோட்டங்கள்) and remain without any deities.

The cloister mandapa (திருச்சுற்று மாளிகை) in the north is open and extends from goddess shrine and  leads to Navagriha shrine (நவகிரக சன்னதி ).
 
Mandapa
 
Sculptures: Kankalanatha, Gangadhar, Rishabanthika, Bhairava, Sapta Matrika

The hall at the south eastern corridor show cases the amazing sculptures of Kankalanatha (கங்களநாதர்) (the Conqueror of Time and Death), Gangadharamurti (கங்காதரமூர்த்தி), Rishabanthikamurti (ரிஷபாந்திகமுர்த்தி), Bhairava (பைரவர்), Surya (சூரியன்), Naga Ygnopavita Vinayaka (நாக யக்ஞோபவித  விநாயகர்), Ayyanar (அய்யனார்), Saptamatrikas (seven mothers) (சப்தமாத்ரிகைகள் (ஏழு கன்னிமார்) flanked by Virapathira (வீரபத்திரர்) (a ferocious form of Lord Shiva) on the left and the Vinayaka on the right.

Kankalanathar (one of the variants of Lord Bhairava - a form of Lord Shiva) deity is unique and appears with the skeleton. Kankalanatha is one of the aspects of Lord Bhairava, a for of Lord Shiva and the others being Brahmashiraschedaka-murti (பிரம்ம சிரச்சேதமூர்த்தி) and Bhikshatana-murti (பிக்ஷாடன மூர்த்தி) - known for seeking alms. The Kankala-murti  iconography  is quite similar to Bhikshatana-murti and the subtle difference is that Bhikshatana is nude but Kankala-murti is clothed. The 'followers of the Bhairava-tantra' are Kapalikas (கபாலிகர்கள் ) and they follow Soma Siddhanta (சோமசித்தாந்திகள்) (the philosophy of the Kapalika sect of Saivism).

Gangadharamurti: Sthanaka Gangadharamurti is the form of Shiva carrying Goddess Ganga (கங்கை) on his head. The upper right hand holds trihul, the upper left hand is broken, the lower left hand rests on the shoulders of consort  and the lower right hand shows akshaya varada mudra. The Lord wears the Jatamakuta, sarapali, yagnopavita on the chest, udara bandha on the upper stomach. A piece of clothe drapes his waist. The consort's right hand embraces the Lord, the left hand holds the flower, the hair is plaited and tied as a bun, sarapali in the neck, and the piece of clothe drapes around her waist.

Rishabanthikamurti:  Sthanaka Rishabanthikamurti is another form of Shiva.  The upper right hand holds trihul, the upper left hand holds the serpent, the lower left hand rests on the shoulders of consort  and the lower right hand holds the flower. The Lord wears the Jatamudi, sarapali, yagnopavita on the chest, udara bandha on the upper stomach. A piece of clothe drapes his waist. The consort's right hand embraces the Lord, the left hand holds the flower and the piece of clothe drapes around her waist.

Bhairava: Sthanaka Bhairava  (The Wrathful) is the "terrifying" or fearful aspect of Lord Shiva. He is often depicted with frowning, angry eyes and sharp, tiger's teeth and flaming hair. The upper right hand holds damaru (small drum), the upper left hand holds the pasa (noose), the lower left hand holds the skull (kapala)  and the lower right hand holds the trishul. The Lord wears the jatabaram, sarapali, yagnopavita runs up to thigh, wears serpent around the waist. Also wears tandai in the anklets.

Surya (Sun God): Sthanaka Surya holds lotus in both of his hands. He wears jatamakuta, makara kundala in the ears, sarapali in the neck, yagnopavita on the chest and tandai in the anklets.

Ygnopavita Vinayaka: Lord appear seated by folding the left leg. The upper right hand holds mazhu,, the upper left hand holds the angusa, the lower left hand holds the kapota  and the lower right hand holds the broken tusk.

Ayyanar: Ayyanar, the folk deity of Tamil Nadu, appear seated and wearing a meditation band. The right hand holds the flower bunch, the left knee raised and the left wrist or elbow of the left arm resting atop the knee. The right leg is resting on the peeta. The Lord wears Jatamuti, kundala in the ears, sarapali in the neck and yagnopavita in the chest.

Virabhadra: Sthanaka Virabhadra the powerful warrior created by the wrath of Rudra (Shiva) to spiflicate the velvi (fire rituals) of Daksha, a demon. The upper right hand holds mazhu,, the upper left hand holds the trishula, the lower left hand holds the water jug  and the lower right hand holds the rosary. The Lord wears pathra kundala in one ear and makara kundala in another ear. Also wears sarapali in the neck, yagnopavita in the chest, udara bandha in the stomach. A piece clothe is draped around his waist.

Saptamatrikas (seven mothers) were created from the energies of  Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesvara, Kumara, Varaha, Indra and Yama and hence they are always depicted as a heptad. They also represent  the seven  energies  or saktis of the important familiar deities such as Brahmani (Saraswati), Mahesvari (Raudani) Kaumari (Karttikeyani), Vaishnavi (Lakshmi) Varahi, Indrani and, Chamunda (Chamundi). The group of seven goddesses was derived from the gods that were considered important during the Gupta period. The Agama canons specify the way in which the goddesses should be sculpted. They appear seated on a peeta in Lalitasana posture and the legs are resting on the lotus peeta. Brahmani sculpted like Brahma; Mahesvari like Mahesvara; Vaishnavi like Vishnu; Varahi with angry face and holding the plough as weapon and appear like Varaha; Indrani like Indra;

The Agama literature gives a brief description of these goddesses : that Brahmani should be sclupted like Brahma; Mahesvari like Mahesvara; Vaishnavi like Vishnu; Varahi as a short woman with an angry face and bearing a plough as her weapon; Indrani like Indra; Kaumari like Kumara (Muruga) and Chamundi as a terrific goddess like Chamunda. Saptamatrikas are always flanked by Virabhadra on the left and the Vinayaka on the right. 


Next Part: Melpadi Arinjigai-Isvara (அரிஞ்சிகை ஈஸ்வரம்) and Inscriptions

Friday, September 4, 2015

Heritage Trail: Thiruvallam, Melpadi, Mahendravadi and Pullalur 1

Tiruvallam Vilvanaeeswarar Temple Facade
Aadi Perukku (18th Day of Tamil month Aadi - (mid-July to mid-August)) is an important day for Hindus as well as Ponniyin Selvan Group (Facebook Group). The group organized a meeting on 08th August 2015 from 03.00 - 6.00 pm at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, No. 18/20/22, East Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, India. An exceptional talk by artist Shri Maniam Selvan, on his father's immortal sketches and the talk by Dr. (Smt).A.Padmavathy, the scholar and epigraphy expert on Imperial Cholas delighted the chosen audience.

On 9th August 2015 Ponniyin Selvan Group (Facebook Group) organized an "One day trip to Thakkolam, Mahendravadi, Melpadi and Thiruvalam! . It was well planned and accommodated a bunch of 25 people.   We couldn't cover on Thakkolam during our trip. We started around 6:30 am from Sri Balaji Temple, Venkatnarayana Road  and reached back Chennai by 7:30 pm. 

Transport: Two 12 seat Tempo Travellor
Total travel time : 13.00 Hours
Travel on road: 07.00 Hours
Distance Covered: 258 Km
Breakfast before Ranipettai: 0.30 Hours
Lunch at Mahendravadi: 0.30 Hours
Tea break @ NH4: 0.30 Hours
Maintenance: Tyre puncture before Ranipettai.

ooo ooo ooo

Thiruvalam or Tiruvallam (திருவலம் அல்லது  திருவல்லம்), a historical urban village (Latitude 13.001 and 79.245 Longitude) and the ancient Shiva temple here brings the Pallava, Bana and Chola history to life. It is located in Katpadi taluk (காட்பாடி வட்டம்), Vellore district (வேலூர் மாவட்டம்), Tamil Nadu Pin Code 632520. The urban village is part of Thiruvalam Town Panchayat and as per census 2011 it has a population of 9,153 and 84.50 % literacy rate. Since it is on the western bank of Ponnai River, people in this village make their living through agriculture and other small scale and cottage industries.

During the 10th century this village was a buffer region between the Chola and Chalukya dynasties. Tiruvallam alias Vanapuram alias Tikkali Vallam, under Bana kingdom, was forming part of part of   Perumbanappadi (a subdivision) of Jayankonda Cholamandalam  (a district). Tiruvallam is approximately 123 km from Chennai and 45 km from Kanchipuram, 8 km from Ranipettai. If you are coming by bus from Chennai, alight at Muthukadai bus stop and take another bus going to Chittoor. You will find the iron bridge built (by British Indian government) on the Niva river. After passing this bridge you will find the temple on your left.

Tiruvallam was the gateway to the north-west of the Chola imperium. The historical province was known as Tondaimandalam. which included the northernmost part of Tamil Nadu. Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan of Vanar clan was the chieftain of Vallavaraiyarnadu, the feudatory under Rajaraja Chola I and the chieftain was married to Kundavai, the elder sister of Rajaraja Chola I. The Lord of Tiruvallam is being linked with this chieftain without any valid evidence.

It has been written numerous times about Dhanurmadhyambigai Sametha Sri Vilvanadeeswarar Temple in several blogs. Therefore I don't wish to repeat certain information. But,let me quote some interesting facts here (that I have learned from various sources).

Prime Deity : Vilvanadeeswarar (வில்வநாதீஸ்வரர்), Vallanathar (வல்லநாதர்).
Goddess : Dhanur Madhyambal (வில்லிடை நாயகி !), Vallambikai (வல்லாம்பிகை).
Holy Tree: Vilva Tree (Aegle marmelos) (வில்வமரம்)
Holy water  : Gowri Tirth (கௌரி தீர்த்தம்), Niva River (நீவா நதி)
Glorified by : Tirugnanasambandar Devaram First Tirumurai Part 3 Pathikam 113.
Address : Sri Vilvanadeeswarar Temple, Tiruvalam Post, Via Ranipettai, Katpadi taluk, Vellore district - 632515
Temple Timings : 07.00 – 12.00 am ; 05.00 – 08.30 pm
Phone : 0416-2236491
Unique feature : Two Prime deity shrines, Two goddesses shrines, Two Flagstaff, three Nandhis placed in the same axis and facing away from Lord, Adhikara Nandhi Facing the Lord. The temple complex as seen today, like numerous others, is a product of many centuries of evolution, with different parts being added at different periods in history.

Ornate Stone Bowl with Danseuse
Lord Vilvanadeeswara (Shiva), the presiding deity of the temple is enshrined as Shivalingam in the east facing main sanctum of this temple. There is a small ardhamandapam in front of this sanctum which leads to pillared maha - mandapam in front. Opposite this sanctum there are three Nandhi images appear facing the entrance before the flag staff i.e, a granite Nandhi (appears to be the original), a huge stucco Nandhi image and another granite Nandhi image (latest addition) appear facing the circumambulation path. The flagstaff and balipeetam are also located before the Lord in the outer corridor. Adhikara Nandhi (bull-head human standing on two legs) facing the Lord is located in between stucco and granite nandhis.

PC Mohan Hariharan
Adishtanam
The vimana is made out of granite substructure (from adishtana to prastara) and brick super-structure (hara, griva and shikara) studded with with stucco images. The outer walls of the vimana has simple Padabandha adhishtana with the components of upana, jagadi, tri-patta kumuda moulding.  The pada portion of the vimana has slit-niches (koshtas) between elegantly carved pillars.  The outer wall of Vilvanadeesvara sanctum has the beautiful idols of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, and Chandikeswara. The upper tala (Storey) built with bricks carries a hara with octagonal sikhara. There is a metal stupi to crown the Sikhara of the Vimana. The main sanctum also houses few Chola bronze idols of Chandrasekhar, Bikshatana, and Nayanmars (inner corridor).
PC Velu Chamy
The fierce Dwarapalakas, on each side before the sanctum are looking with bulging eyes, protruding curved sharp canine teeth, bushy eyebrows. The yagnopavita (sacred cord) runs across their chest and ornamented with  sarapali; kati-bandha jeweled waist band; naga-bandha armlets and anklets.The Dwarapalaka on the right of the Lord Shiva shows visvaya mudra i.e, raising the right hand index finger meaning that ‘God is one' and the left hand holds the mace.  His upper right hands holds a club and the left hand raised above head. The Dwarapalaka on the left shows the darjani mudra i.e, the left hand index finger towards the Lord directing the devotee to have his mind set on the Lord. He stands erect and his right leg raised and kept on the mace as if resting. The two sculptures are breathtakingly real and artistic. There are many other sub-shrines for Brahma, Vishnu, Chandikeswarar and Nagar (Serpent) in the inner circumambulation path. The stone images as well as bronze images of 63 Nayanmars are arranged in a separate enclosure. 

There are stucco images for the 27 natal stars with their names written in Tamil are located on the vimanam of the sanctum. It is believed that appropriate prayer to the natal star image would relieve the individual from malefic effects of the planets on transit.

Goddess
Goddess  Dhanur madhyambal alias Dhanur Madhyambikai aka Theekali Ambal (தீக்காலி  அம்பாள்) appear in a separate east facing sanctum on the left side . It is learned that the goddess appeared with fierce (ugram) face and Adi Sankaracharya pacified her and from then onwards she appears peaceful and graceful. Dhanur means bow and the waist of the goddess is curved and resembles the bow (வில்லிடை நாயகி). The Dravidian style vimana of Dhanur madhyambal also has the granite sub - structure and brick super - structure. The niches in the outer walls of the vimana house the sub-shrine deities (பரிவார தேவதைகள்) of Vinayagar, Annapoorani and Durga.

Adi Vilvanadha
Pillared Mandapam
There are also sub-shrines for Shivalingams in the form of Kasi Viswanathar, Chandramouleeswarar, Annamalaiyar, Sadhasivam,  Anandha, Neelakhanta, Ambikeswara, and Vinayaka who obtained fruit (கனி வாங்கிய விநாயகர்) as well as main shrines for Adhi Vilvanathar and Sundareshwara and Meenakshi in the middle corridor (prakaram). The 100 pillared Natarajar mandapam (நடராஜர் மண்டபம்)  amply supported by ornate pillars. The legend of Nandhi protecting the village from demon Kanjan is depicted on the pillar faces as bas relief images.

Goddess Shrine
Nandhi (stucco)
The Gowri Tirth (with neerazhi madapam (நீராழி மண்டபம்) at the center), the holy water source and the Ambikeswar  shrine are situated in the outer corridor (prakaram) of the temple. The vilva tree (Aegle marmelos) (வில்வமரம்) is the holy tree (sthala vriksham) of this shrine.

The tall south facing five tier rajagopuram adorning the entrance to the temple, and visible from afar, has fine stucco sculptures of themes from Saivite mythology on it. Also there is a second level three tier gopuram. This temple complex extending up to five acres are is surrounded by high perimeter walls.

Thiruvallam is one the 274 Shiva temples praised in Devaram hymns and it is the 10th of the 32 Devara Stalams in the Thondai Nadu. Sambandar's patikam honors this shrine, while Appar has referred to this shrine in a patikam.

எரித்தவன் முப்புரம் எரியின் மூழ்கத் 
தரித்தவன் கங்கையைத் தாழ்சடைமேல்
விரித்தவன் வேதங்கள் வேறு வேறு
தெரித்தவன் உறைவிடம் திருவல்லமே.

கற்றவர் திருவல்லம் கண்டுசென்று
நற்றமிழ் ஞானசம் பந்தன்சொன்ன
குற்றமில் செந்தமிழ் கூறவல்லார்
பற்றுவர் ஈசன்பொற் பாதங்களே.
                                                                      -- திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

Saint Mounaswami stayed in this shrine and cured the illness of people with holy ashes and vilva leaves. The temple was consecrated by him from the donations received from public.

Festivals: Full moon nights are considered to be special here. The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi. Shivaratri, The Float Festival, Navartri, Thai Poosam are the festivals of significance here.

HISTORY

The inscriptions of Tiruvallam relate to Pallava, Bana, Vaidumba, Ganga and Chola dynasties. The Banas claimed as descent of Mahabali - the demon and his son Bana. The Banas humbly state that they were appointed as the door keepers by god Paramesvara. The geneology of Banas of the Perumbanappadi is furnished by the Gudimallam and Udayendiram plates.   Parigipura aka Parivi, the traditional capital of these Banas in the Hindupur Taluk of the Anantapur district, may be said to be the nucleus of their kingdom, from which they spread towards each  from north and south, the country they thus occupied. Bana emblem was black buck represented in their banner, and the crest was the bull.

The earliest mention of the Banas in authentic historical records is in the middle of the fourth century AD, and as the feudatories of the Satavahana and early Pallavas. The Banas were opposed by their neighboring dynasties and they served some major dynasties such as the Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas as feudatories, after sometimes they were subjugated by them. Tondai Nadu was one such neighboring country.  The inscriptions refer this region as one of the kurrams (divisions) of Tondai Nadu i.e, part of Paduvur kurram.

Perumbanappadi (Bana kingdom) was large piece of land located to the west of extended Vadugavali Merku.  The Perumbanappadi was bound by Srisailam and Kolar in the west, Kalahasti in the east, and the Palar river in the south.  Perumbanappadi included the modern regions such as Kolar, Anantapur, Chittur districts as well as Taluks of  Gudiyattam, Vaniyambadi, Arakkonam, in Vellore district of Tamilnadu. The inscriptions and copper plates of Chalukyas, Telugu Cholas, Gangas and Kadamba mention Perumbanappadi in different names. Tiruvallam aka Vanapuram, a town was located in the southern territory of Perumbanappadi, was its capital.  Perumbanappadi was forming part of Tondai Mandalam (north - west portions) during Pallavas and Jayakonda Chola Mandalam during Cholas.

The Bana Dynasty also ruled Andhramandala bound by Kalahasti in the west and Palar in the south and included the North Arcot district (an old name to the district in Tamilnadu) as well as Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. The Bana king, Vadhuvallaba Malladeva Nandivarman in 338 AD.

The Bana Dynasty also ruled Baikula Nadu during early 7th century forming part of  modern Chittor, Ananthapur and Cuddapah districts. They had affiliation with Imperial Cholas. Nellore was added later to this region. Gudimallam alias Vanapuram  near  Kalahasti and Nandagiri also served as their capitals. 

Bana Kings

  • Jayanandivarman (770 - 795 AD.)Nandivarman or Jayanandivarman should have received this name as being a feudatory of Nandivarman Pallavamalla. From an inscription dated in the 62nd regnal year of Nandivikra mavarman we learn that the Pallava king of that name had an unnamed Mavali-Vanaraya as his feudatory. The Bana king Jayanandivarman  assisted his Pallava Suzerain Nandivarman II Pallavamalla against Gangas and was rewarded for his loyalty by the assignment of some territory of the Gangas.  
  • Vijayaditya I, (796 - 835 AD.) Son of Jayanandivarman:  We have little information. He was a feudatory of Pallava Dantivarman. In the Gudimallam inscriptions 3 dated in the 49th regnal year of Dantivarman (778 - 829 A.D.) a Bana chief, Vijayaditya Mahavali Vanaraya is said to be a feudatory of Dantivarman.
  • Malladeva, (835 - 850 AD.), Son of Vijayaditya I: Malladeva was conferred with the title Jagadekamalla, Vadhiivallabha and Nandivarman, expanded the Bana power at the expense of the Telugu Cholas in the north.
  • Bana Vidhyadhara, son of Malladeva (Married a grand-daughter of the Ganga King Siva maharaja, who reigned between 1000 and 1016AD)
  • Prabhumerudeva, son of Banavidhyadhara
  • Vikramaditya I, Son of Prabhumerudeva: He was also a Pallava feudatory, entered into a matrimonial alliance with the Gangas. He married Kundavai, the daughter of Ganga king Prtivipati I, who was a contemporary of the Rastrakuta king Amoghavarsa I and of the Pandya king Varagunas.
  • Vikramaditya II or Pugalvippavar-Ganda, Son of Vikramaditya I
  • Vijayabahu Vikramaditya II, Son of Vikramaditya II
  • Aragalur udaiya Ponparappinan Rajaraja devan alias Magadesan (Magadai Mandalam chief) of Aragalur

There was big trial of strength between Banas, Vaidumbas and Ganga Pritivipati I on one side, and the Nolambas, Telugu Cholas and Rajamalla I on the other. The Banas were the prime movers and who entered into matrimonial alliance with Pritivipati I whose daughter Kundavai was married to prince Vikramaditya I. Vaidumbas captured parts of Renadu and Banas captured the capital of Telugu Chola. They wanted to dislodge Ganga Rajamalla I and bequeath it to Pritivipati I and they could not succeed in their attempt. Instead Rajamalla I invaded with Bana country and advanced up to Vallimalai near Tiruvallam.

In the beginning of 10th century AD. between 909 and 916 AD. the Banas were conquered by Parantaka Chola I and were thus deprived of their kingdom. The Ganga king, Pritivipati II was conferred the title "Lord of the Banas" by Parantaka Chola I after he defeated the Banas.

After this the Banas were subsequently found ruling various parts, such as Nellore, Guntur and Anantapur, as Chieftains in medieval Andhra.

INSCRIPTIONS 

Some very rare and interesting inscriptions dating from Pallava, Ganga Pallava, Bana kings to Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulotunga Chola I, Kulotunga Chola III, Rajaraja Chola III,  as well as Pandya king Virapandya and Vijayakanta Gopala have been found in the Vilvanadeeswara temple at Tiruvallam. (ARE 300, 301, 302, 303, 304 of 1897).  

The inscriptions call the Vilvanathesvara temple : 1. Vanapuran (வாணபுரம்) (S.I.I.,Vol III, No. 42, Pages 91) during the period of Nandivarma Pallava II (793 AD.); 2. Paramesvara at Tikkali Vallam (தீக்காலி வல்லமுடைய பரமேஸ்வரர்) (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 43, Pages 93) during the reign of Nandivarma Pallava III (863 AD.); 3. Tiruttikkali-Perumanadigal of Tikkali-Vallam (திருத்தீக்காலிப் பெருமானடிகள்) (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 44, Pages 95) during  the reign of Mahavali Vanaraja (Vikramaditya I) (888 AD.); 4.  Tiruttikkali-Alvar (திருத்தீக்காலி ஆழ்வார்) (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 49, Pages 102) during the reign of Rajaraja I (991 AD.); 5. Tikkali-Vallam (தீக்காலி வல்லம்) (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 49, Pages 102) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I (991 AD.); 6. Tiruvallam-Udaiyar (திருவல்லமுடையார்) (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 53, Pages 108) during the reign of Rajendra Chola II (1015 AD.); 7. Mahadeva of Tiruvallam  (திருவல்லமுடைய மகாதேவர்) (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 55, Pages 175.) during the reign of Vikrama Chola (1123 AD.); 8. Nayanar of Tiruvallam (திருவல்லமுடைய நாயனார்) (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 62, Pages 122 & 123) during the reign of Kulotunga Chola III (1212 AD.).  It contained shrines of Kalyanasundara and Karumanikka, and of their goddesses (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 57).

Many of the inscriptions of this temple indicate that Tiruvallam seems to be the capital of Bana country and Bana dynasty. (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 46, 51, 52, 55, 56, 58 to 60). The alternative name indicated as Vanapuram (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 42, 51 and 53).  Some other inscriptions pronounce "Tikkali-Vallam" (S.I.I. Vol III, Nos. 43to 45, 47 to 49, 54 and 61) as an ancient name of Tiruvallam.

Perumbanappadi was the nadu (district) of Banas i.e, 'the great Bana country.' There is a tiny village by name Vanasamudram exists in the neighbourhood Tiruvallam. Also there is a village Banavaram found near Sholingur in Arakonam Taluk of Vellore district in Tamil Nadu.

The early inscriptions accommodate Tiruvallam within Miyaru-nadu (S.I.I. Vol III, Nos. 43 to 45, 49 and 54) or Miyarainadu (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 52) and some other inscriptions accommodate it under
Karaivali (sub-division) of Perumbanappadi  (S.I.I. Vol III, Nos. 53, 55, 56, 58 and 59).

Tiruvallam was forming part of  Jayankonda-Chola-mandalam (province) (S.I.I. Vol III, Nos. 53 to 56, 58 and 59) and Tyagabharana-valanadu (division) (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 55) Paduvur-kottam (district)  (S.I.I. Vol III, Nos.43, 44, 49, 51 to 54).

The whole Chola Imperium was bifurcated into provinces or mandalams and the Chola princes were nominated to govern the provinces. Further the provinces were sub-divided into valanadus or kottams (divisions) (வளநாடு), nadus (districts) (நாடு) or Taniyur (தனியூர்) and kurrams (villages). The towns and villages mentioned in the inscriptions include: 1. Alinganapakkam in (the district of) Urrukkattu-kottam in the province Tondaimandalam; 2. Vannipedu belonged to Karai-nadu, a subdivision of the district of Paduvur-kottam (Vannipedu, alias Ranavikrama-chaturvedimangalam, in Karai-nadu, (a subdivision) of Paduvur-kottam,);  3.  Ettukkur, a hamlet on the north-east of Kavirippakkam, alias Kavdippakkam Avaninarayana-chaturvedimangalam situated in Paduvur-kottam; 4. Ponpadukuttam, a tax-paying village (near) Kachchippedu, i.e., Kanchipuram; 5. Naratunga-chaturvedimangalam in Karai-nadu, (a subdivision) of Paduvur-kottam. 

Village was the basic unit of administration. The villages were mainly of three types. 1. Ur was the general assembly of the village where local residents discussed their matters without any formal rule or procedure; The Ur constituted of an intercaste population where the land was held by all classes of people and paid taxes to the king in the form of land revenue. It was the most frequent type. 2.  Brahmadeya or agrahara villages were granted to the Brahmins and was entirely inhabited by them. 3. Devadana was the village granted to god. They were exempted from tax and were prosperous. The revenues from these villages were donated to a temple. During Cholas the Devadana type of villages gained more popularity as the temples became the centres of life.

The Chola pattern of government was based more or less on democratic principles and most of the business was carried on by the village assemblies.  Chola officers participated in village affairs more as advisers and observers than as administrators. The assembly of Tikkali-Vallam in Miyaru-nadu, (a subdivision) of Paduvur-kottam, (a district) of Jayankonda-Sola-mandalam was held responsible for the entire responsibility of the village administration. This body participated by the selected few and elders of the village possessed absolute authority over the affairs of villages and the temple. They maintained law and order in the village. It wielded a great authority in the administration of the village and the temple.

The names of Chola government officers mentioned in Tiruvallam inscription include: 1. Kaduptti - Tamila-Perarayan (official),  copyist for Videlvidugu Kadupati-Tamila-Perarayan; 2. Irayiravan Pallavarayan, alias Uttama-Sola-Pallavaraiyan, 3. Perundaram (higher official of Chola HQ) of the Lord Sri-Rajendra-Chola deva (and) the lord of Araisur in Pambuni-kurram, (a district) of Nittavinoda-valanadu, 4. Samkaran Kandaradittanar, alias the Senapati Rajaraja-Soliyavaraiyar, the Lord of Inganur in Inganadu, (a district) of Arumolideva-valanadu, (a military officer).

Siva-Brahmanas were in charge of the shrine (sthana) of the temple while Devakanmis were the administrator in the temple. Shiva Brahmanas are priests who performed pooja rituals in Tiruvallam temple during Chola period: 1. Kausiha-Nagama-Bhattan, a Siva-Brahmana was in charge of the shrine (sthana) of the temple of Tiruvallam-udaiyar at Tiruvallam, a brahmadeya in Karaivali, (a subdivision) of Perumbanappadi, (a division) of Tyagabharana-valanadu, (a district) of Jayankonda-Sola-mandalam; 2. Gangadhara-Bhattan, Akkaa-Bhattan, Sivakkolundu-Bhattan, Sikkali-Bhattan, Rudra-Bhattan, Vikkiramadittan, Tirumapperan and the other (persons) in charge of the store-room of the temple, 3. Chandesvaradeva, the first servant of (the god) Mahadeva (of the temple) of Tiruvallam.

All the charities mentioned in the inscriptions were placed under the protection of Mahesvaras, the Chola government official took part in the sabha proceedings. 

Weights and Measurements

Inscriptions also mention about weights and measures that deal with gifts of land and produce to temples. The Chola system used to measure land was in Kuzhi (11 cents ?) and the area decided by one standard rod length and rod width (Adavallan Kol). Maa (33 cents ?) comprise three Kuzhi. Veli (660 cents or 6.6 acres) includes 20 Maa. One Kani = 8.25 cents.

Rice was measured in Nazhi (Padi) (1. 344 lit. (2 Uri / 4 Uzhakku / 8 aazhakku).

Paddy was measured in Marakkal (Kuruni) (10. 752 lit. (8 nazhi / 16 uri / 32 uzhakku / 64 aazhakku), two marakkal made one Pathakku ( 21.504 lit. (2 kuruni / 16 nazhi / 32 uri / 64 uzhakku /128 aazhakku); six marakkal one Kalam (86.016 lit (3 kalam / 6 pathakku / 12 kuruni / 96 nazhi / 192 uri / 384 uzhakku / 768 aazhakku); 12 marakkal one Podhi; 21 marakkal one Kottai. Kadi was used another measurement unit.


Oil and ghee were measured in Azhakku (0168 ml); Uzhakku (336 ml); Uri (672 ml - 2 Uzhakku / 4 aazhakku).

Gold gifts expressed in weighing units such as Kalanju. Kundrimani (Abrus precatorius) and  Manjadi (Adenanthera pavonina) are very consistent in weight. Ancient Tamils  used both the seeds as units of weight to weigh gold using a measure called kunrimani seed (0.133 gm) and manjadi seed (approximately 0.266 gm). Twenty manjadis or  forty kundrimanis made one Kalanju (5.320 gm or approximately 1.5 sovereign). Thirty manjadis or sixty kundrimanis made one sovereign or poun weighing 7.98 gm. 
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  1. An inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 42, Pages 91) records the gift of land by a goldsmith to the temple at Vanapuram (‘the town of the Banas,’ seems to have been the residence of the Bana chief and have been situated closed to Tiruvallam) with the approval of the king Mahavalivanaraya mentions: "Om. Obeisance to Siva! Hail! Prosperity! In the sixty-second year (of the reign) of king Vijaya-Nandivikramavarman, while the glorious Mavalivanaraya, - born from the family of Mahabali, who had been made door-keeper by the lord of gods and demons, Paramesvara (Siva), who is worshipped in all the three worlds,- was ruling the Vadugavali twelve-thousand.  I, Aridhiran, the son of Madan, a goldsmith (and resident) of a house in the east of Alinganapakkam in (the district of) Urrukkattu-kottam, caused to be renewed the Vada-sigara-koyil at Vanapuram and gave to it the patti  (called) Alinjirkalam, (which I had) bought from Manradi, the son of Ilangilavar."
  2. Another Inscription (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 43, Pages 93) 17th year of the reign of Vijaya-Nandivikramavarman records the grant of three villages to the temple at the request of the Bana king Vikramaditya.  
  3. The Devaram hymns, are cited in the inscriptions as Tiruppadiyam. The much old lithic reference to the singing of Tiruppadiyam, fall out during the reign of Nandivarman III, the Pallava ruler  845 A.D. found in Tiruvallam. Inscription records that three villagers were granted to the temple at the request of the Bana king Vikramaditya Mavali Vanarayan. The three villages were clubbed together into one village, which received the new name Videlvidugu-Vikkiramaditta-chaturvedimangalam. Videlvidugu, i.e., ‘the crashing thunderbolt,’ may have been a surname of Vijaya-Nandivikramavarman. Main interest is the quoting of individual who had to sing the Tiruppadiyam i.e., the Devaram, in the temple.  Tlkkalivallam in Miyarunadu|, a subdivision of the Paduvurkottam. The members of the assembly of this Videlvidugu-Vikkiramaditta-chaturvedimangalam stipulate that the Assembly should pay 2000 kadi of paddy and twenty Kalanju of gold to the temple for the feeding of Siva Brahmans, the drum-beaters (Sribali) and other temple servants including the singers of Tirupadiyam  i.e., the Devaram as well as for perpetual lamps, anointment of idols, temple repairs, etc„ The singers of Devaram hymns were referred as Tirupadiyam Vinnapam seyvar or Pidarar from the inscriptions of Nandivarman III in the Tiruvallam Bilavaneswara temple records. Saptarishisvara temple at Lalgudi (99/1928-29) records provide particulars about the gifts provided to the singers of Devaram from Parantaka Chola I in 944 AD. Thiruverumbur temple (129/1914) records during reign of Sundara Chola (Parantaka II) also provide particulars about the Tirupppadiyam reciters. The records speak about the singers of Tiruppadiyam in Shiva temples much before the reign of Rajaraja Chola I.  The discovery of the Devaram hymns, probably under Rajaraja I, led to the Tiruppadiyam being institutionalised. It is learned that he deputed 48 pidarars and made liberal provisions for their maintenance and successors.  (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 43, Pages 93) 
  4. The inscription (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 44, Pages 95) of Mahavalivanaraya records that a Brahmana of Ettukkur near Kavirippakkam (now a City in Kaveripakkam Taluk in Vellore District) (S.I.I., Vol II. Nos. 10 to 12) paid 25 kalanju of gold to the villagers of Vannipedu (S.I.I., Vol II. Nos. 5 and 19), (now Vannivedu, a Village in Walajapet Taluk in Vellore district) who, in return, pledged themselves to supply oil to a lamp in the temple.  At the time of the inscription Vannipedu belonged to Karai-nadu, a subdivision of the district of Paduvur-kottam.  Karai-nadu owes its name to Karai, a village on the north of Ranipet. (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 44, Pages 95)
  5. The inscription (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 45) of Mahavalivanaraya records that an inhabitant of Ponpadukuttam near Kachchippedu, i.e., Kanchipuram, purchased some land from the inhabitants of Tiruvallam.  The produce of the land had to be used for providing offerings and for feeding a lamp in the temple. (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 45)
  6. The inscription (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 46) records a gift of gold for maintaining a lamp by the queen of Vanavidyadhara-Vanaraya ( this king may be identified with Vikramaditya I., the sixth of the Bana chiefs). Vanamahadevi,  the daughter of Pratipati-Araiyar and the great queen of Vanavidyadhararaya, alias Vanaraya, born from the family of Mahabali, gave to the members of the assembly of this Tikkali-Vallam twenty kalanju of pure gold for (maintaining) one perpetual lamp before (the god) Tikkali-Perumanadigal. The assembly members have agreed to supply (one) uri of ghee per day for one lamp from the  interest on this gold.  (S.I.I., Vol III, No. 46)
  7. Thiruvallam inscription records (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 49, Pages 102) that certain Madhrantakan Kandaratittan (Kandaratittan son of Madhrantaka) "while he stood in the temple observed that the offering presented to the Alvar (prime deity) were reduced to two nali of rice: the offerings of vegetables, ghee and curds had ceased and the perpetual lamps had been neglected." He summoned the 'Siva Brahmanas' of the temple and the assembly of Takkalivallam and said: 'state the revenue and expenditure of the temple in accordance with the royal order and the royal letter.' (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 49, Pages 102)  
  8. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 50) is dated in the  seventh year of the reign of king Rajaraja-Kesarivarman.  It records that a Brahmana set up an image of the goddess Uma-Bhattaraki and granted a lamp to the temple.  He also purchased 1,700 kuli of land from the inhabitants of the village of Mandiram in Tunadu and made it over to the temple authorities, who had to feed the lamp and to supply offerings from the produce of the land. Tunadu, to which Mandiram belonged, was the name of the country round Melpadi.  Mandiram had the surname Jayameru-Srikaranamangalam (11. 2 and 15 f.), which seems to be derived from Jayameru, one of the surnames of the Bana king Vikramaditya I. (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 50)
  9. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 51) is dated in the 16th year of the reign of the Chola king Rajaraja I. and records that the citizens of Vanapuram, i.e., Tiruvallam, sold 700 kuli of land by a deed of sale to Samkaradeva, the son of Tiruvaiyan, who granted it to the temple of Tiruvaiya-Isvara and for (providing) the expenses of the worship.  Tiruvaiya-Isvara temple was situated on the south of the Bilvanathesvara temple and was evidently named after Tiruvaiyan, the father of the donor. The inscription marks the four boundaries of the land  as well as the estimated measurement as seven hundred kuli  by the rod of sixteen spans. (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 51)
  10. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 52) is dated in the 20th year of the reign of the Chola king Rajaraja I. and records the gift of a lamp by Nannamaraiyar or Nannaman, the son of Tukkarai.  The donor belonged to the Vaidumba family and ruled over Ingallur-nadu, a district of Maharajapadi. For (maintaining this lamp he) gave 90 full-grown cows, which must neither die nor grow old. (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 52)
  11. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 53) is dated in the 3rd year of the reign of Parakesarivarman, alias Rajendra-Choladeva I.  It records that the inhabitants of Vanapuram, i.e. Tiruvallam, sold 1,000 kuli of land to Vaidumba Somanatha, (the son of ) Samkaradeva (Ref: S.I.I. Vol III, No. 51).  The inscription marks the four boundaries of the land as well as the estimated measurement as one thousand kuli by the rod of sixteen spans. He also granted 96 sheep for the maintenance of a lamp in the same temple.   (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 53)
  12. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 54) is dated in the 4th year of the reign of Rajendra-Chola I.  Irayiravan Pallavaraiyan, alias Uttama-Sola-Pallavaraiyan, a Perundaram of the lord Sri-Rajendra-Choladeva (and) the lord of Araisur in Pambuni-kurram, (a district) of Nittavinoda-valanadu, had built a shrine to (the god) Chandesvaradeva (of the shrine) which he called Rajarajesvara. It is apparently identical with the shrine on which the inscription is engraved.  For maintaining two lamps in this shrine, he purchased for 50 kasu from the inhabitants of Tiruvallam a piece of land (shown the four boundaries of the land) which measured 2, 000 kuli, and which received the name Araisur-Vadagai with an allusion to his native village of Araisur (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 54)
  13. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 55) is dated in the 3rd year of the reign of the Chola king Rajendra I and records that the temple authorities received 25 kalanju of gold from  Kattukkuri Madhava-Kramavittan, (one) among the commissioners who rule Aimbuni in Karaivali, (a subdivision) of Perumbanappadi, (a division) of Tyagabharana-valanadu, (a district) of Jayankonda-Sola-mandalam, under the condition that the interest should be applied for the feeding of a learned Brahmana (a Dikshita who knows the Veda and the sacred Agama) and other purposes.   The interest on 20 kalanju gold being (one) padakku of paddy per day, (measured) by the marakkal (called after) Arumolidevan, viz., three ulakku and two sevidu of paddy per day from every kalanju. The end of the inscription is lost.  (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 55)
  14. This inscription (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 56) is incomplete (of the five lines which are preserved only the two first lines are published).  It is dated in the 2nd year of the reign of Rajakesarivarman, alias Rajamahendradeva, and records a deed of sale of land. Samkaran Kandaradittanar, alias the Senapati Rajaraja-Soliyavaraiyar, the lord of Inganur in Inganadu, (a district) of Arumolideva-valanadu, (a military officer) purchased 800 kuli of land from the inhabitants of Tiruvallam and granted them to the temple. (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 56)
  15. This inscription is dated on the 200th day of the 3rd year of the reign of Parakesarivarman, alias Adhirajendradeva. Before the time of this inscription, the income of the temple had been regulated in the 8th year of the reign of “the emperor Virarajendradeva.”   
  16. Two Chola royal  officers i.e,  the magistrate (adhikarin) 1. Puran Adittadevanar, alias Rajarajendra-Muvendavelar, of Pulangudai in Purakkiliyur-nadu, (a subdivision) of Pandikulasani-valanadu, (a district) of Sola-mandalam, and the 2. Senapati Rajarajan Paranriparakshasan, alias Virasola-Ilango (probably a prince of the blood) the headman of Naarin Tiraimur-nadu, (a subdivision) of Uyyakkondar-valanadu, having met in the Gangaikonda-Solan, a mandapa on the east (of the temple) of Tirumayanam-udaiyar at Kanchipuram in Eyil-nadu, (a subdivision) of  Eyir-kottam, called for the accounts of the villages which are devadanas (of the temple) of Tiruvallam-udaiyar (Tiruvallam Temple). The magistrate Rajarajendra-Muvendavelar ordered that the revenue from the villages of Kukkanur in Tuy-nadu  and Mandiramin Tuy-nadu  should be assigned to the temple for expenses not previously provided for.  A larger committee then assembled and made allotments from this revenue for various heads of the temple expenditure. (S.I.I. Vol III, No. 57)
  17. இடம் : வடஆர்க்காடு மாவட்டம், குடியாத்தம் தாலுகா, திருவல்லம். இவ்வூர் பில்வநாதேசுவரர் கோவிலின் மகாமண்டபத்துத் தென்புறச் சுவரில் உள்ள செய்யுள் சாசனம். Place: Tiruvallam Bilvanathesvara temple south wall of maha-mandapa  South Indian Inscriptions. Volume IV  (S.I.I. Vol. IV. No. 325. )

சாசனச் செய்யுள்

ஆலத்தூ ராளி திவாகரன்தான் செய்வித்தான்
பாலொத்த வெள்ளி நாற்பதின் கழஞ்சால் - சோலைத்
திருவலத்தே யாழ்வார் திருப்பல்லிக்குச் செல்வம்
வருநலத்தான் கொள்கைதான் மற்று.

Meaning: Bilvanathesvara temple of Tiruvallam was known as Alvar Temple of Tiruvallam. One Divakaran of Alattur gifted 40 silver kazhanchu for the pooja rituals (Tirupali) of Alvar of Tiruvallam (வல்லத்துப் பில்வநாதேசுவரர் கோவில், முற்காலத்தில் திருவல்லத்து ஆழ்வார் கோயில் என்று பெயர் பெற்றிருந்தது. இக்கோவில் பூசைக்காக ஆலத்தூர் திவாகரன் என்பவர் தானம் செய்ததை இச்செய்யுள் கூறுகிறது.)  

Reference:
  1. Mahalingam, T.V.  Pages 122 – 140. A.S.I Library, George Fort Complex, Chennai.
  2. Miscellaneous Inscriptions From the Tamil Country http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/tiruvallam.html
  3. The Banas by T. N. Ramachandran, M.A., Archaeological Assistant, Madras Museum.http://aragalur.blogspot.in/2013/12/the-banas.html
  4. The History of Andhra Country, 1000 A.D.-1500 A.D.  By Yashoda Devi
  5. Thiruvalam Sri Vilvanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvalam, Tamilnadu  திருவலம் அருள்மிகு திரு வில்வநாதீஸ்வரர் கோயில், திருவலம், தமிழ் நாடு  Haindava Thiruvalam ஹைந்தவ திருவலம். 
  6. Topographical List of Inscriptions in Tamilnadu and Kerala States, Volume – 1, North Arcot District.
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