Uthiramerur Inscriptions on Chola Kudavolai Election System

Facade of Vaikundaperumal Temple - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam

Plaque 1: Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I Explained

Plaque 2: Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I Explained

Plaque 3: Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I Explained

South plinth (Upa-peeta, Upana, Jagadi, kumuda) showing inscriptions

West plinth (Upa-peeta, Upana, Jagadi, kumuda) showing inscriptions

View from North-East corner: Vaikundaperumal Temple - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam

Vaikundaperumal Temple Vimanam of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam

Vaikundaperumal Temple Pillared Hall - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam

Jayagandan, Sasi Dharan and D Kannan @ Vaikundaperumal Temple - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam

• Uttaramerur Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I (முதலாம் பராந்தகன் )
• Location: Uttaramerur, Kanchipuram Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
• Chola Emperor: Parantaka Chola I (முதலாம் பராந்தகன்) (907 - 956 AD.)
• Regnal Years: 12th Regnal year (919 AD) inscription 12 lines and 14th Regnal Year (921 AD) inscription 18 lines
• Inscription Language: Tamil
• Inscription Script: Tamil Grantha of 10th century

Uttaramerur, an ancient Chola village once known as Chaturvedimangalam, is located about 85 km from Chennai.  This village, developed on the canons of the agama texts, has the village general assembly aka. mahasabha mandapa at the centre. The three temples well known for its architecture,  sculptures and epigraphy i.e, 1. Kailasanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, 2. Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and 3. the Balasubramanya temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya,  are oriented with reference to the mandapa. 

Background

The Chola administration was functioning on the principles of democracy and the Panchayat system flourished during their reign. The Chola self government was built up on 'general assemblies' or 'sabhas' or 'mahasabhas' of the villages. All aspects of village community life were administered by these general assemblies. The mahasabhas encouraged and accepted endowments from public towards temple functions and services and disposed services as per laid down procedure. In several occasions they exercised their authority in selling the land portions under their jurisdiction to individuals of various villages and towns. They also ascertained the purchase and accepted endowments offered by public. The mahasabha also to accept paddy grains or ghee as well as gold Kalanchu, accrued as interest of the principal, in certain stipulated measurements. The sabha also accepted gifts from royal king and his family members and the same was registered and documented with care.

During Chola Empire the Uttaramerur village was gifted to 1200 Vaishnava Brahmins and hence known as Chaturvedimangalam (சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்) or Brahmadeya or Devadana type of villages (Brahman settlements). The village gained more popularity as the temples became the centres of life and these villages were administrated by the mahasabha. The mahasabhas were apparently an exclusively Brahman assembly of the  villages. The inscriptions on the temple walls speak about prevalence of village general assemblies in  Manur (Tirunelveli), Tiruninravur (Thiruvallur), Manimangalam (Kanchipuram), Dadasamudram (Kanchipuram), Sithamalli and Thalaignayiru (Thanjavur), Jambai (Villupuram) and Ponnamaravathy (Pudukottai).

Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam

The village general assembly or mahasabha of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam,  also known as Vaikunta Perumal Temple, is the huge granite structure with sanctum sanctorum and the huge pillared hall with roof measuring about 2500 s.ft. The Dravidian kind of vimanam adorns on top of the sanctum. The village assembly appears to be the dynamic hub from 9th century A.D. to 11th century. Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of  Vaikunta Perumal Temple and the Lord of Just, would have presided over the transactions of the village assembly sessions. The present sanctum has no deity.

Two complete inscriptions were copied from the plinth of the sabha mandapa walls of the temple complex of Vaikundaperumal at Uttaramerur (Uthiramerur Taluk , Kanchipuram District) by ASI (now popularly known as 'Uttaramerur inscriptions.'.  Both inscriptions belong to the Chola King: Paranthaka I (907–955).

The inscription details the resolutions of the general assembly of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam relating to the Royal orders of Parantaka Chola I issued on the 11th and 14th regnal years on the constitution of the sabha or mahasabha and the 'Pot ticket election procedures' (Kudavolai (குடவோலை முறை) system) to be followed for the village general assembly or sabha of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam. The village general assembly met and resolved about the qualification for the members of the sabha, election procedures for the 30 wards of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam.

Chola Emperor

Paranthaka I (907–955) who conquered Madurai (மதிரை கொண்ட கோப்பரகேசரிவர்மர்)

Regnal Year

12th Regnal year of Paranthaka I  (யாண்டு பனிரெண்டாவது)  (12ஆம் ஆட்சியாண்டிலும் (Approximately 919 AD கி.பி919), and
14th Regnal Year sixteenth day of Paranthaka I ) (யாண்டு பதினாலாவது நாள் பதினாறு)   14ஆம் ஆட்சியாண்டிலும் (Approximately 921 AD கி.பி. 921) 

Royal (Letter) Order

The Chola emperors gave Royal (verbal) orders (tiruvakya-kelvi) which were drafted by the private secretary and confirmed by the Olainayakam (Chief Secretary) and a Perundaram (higher officials) before its despatch by the Vidaiyadhikari (despatch clerk).

The Royal (letter) Order of Devendhran, the Emperor, Sri Viranayana Sri Parantaka Deva (who also assumed the title as) Parakesari varman was in receipt and was shown to us (members of mahasabha) (தேவேந்திரன் சக்ரவர்த்தி ஸ்ரீ வீரநாராயண ஸ்ரீ பராந்தக தேவர் ஆகிய பரகேசரி வர்மர் ஸ்ரீ முகம் அருளிச் செய்து வரக்காட்ட) 

Village Under Reference

We the members of the Mahasabha of the village Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam of Dhana Kurru forming part of Kaliyur Kottam (காலியூர் கோட்டத்து தன கூற்று உத்திரமேரு சதுர்வேதி மங்கலத்து சபையோம்)

General Assembly met in the Presence of the Village Assembly Officer

We the members met this day as general assembly in the presence of Karanjai Kondaya - Kramavitha bhattan (Brahmin caste title) alias Somasiperumal of Srivanga nagar (name of town) in Purangarambainadu (name of district), of the Chola Nadu (country) (சோழ நாட்டுப்புறங் கரம்பை நாட்டு ஸ்ரீ வாங்க நகரக்கரஞ் செய்கை கெண்ட யக்ரமவித்த பட்டனாகிய சோமாசி பெருமாள்)

Resolution of the Assembly and the Settlement

The village general assembly of the Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam met in the general assembly hall of the village, where it deliberated the resolution:

The village general assembly of the Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam was convening the committee as directed in royal order and was resolved and settled as per the terms given in the royal letter. Accordingly it was resolved to choose the member  for the 'Annual Committee,' (ஸம்வத்ஸர வாரியம்) 'Garden Committee,' (தோட்ட வாரியம்) and the 'Water bodies Committee' (ஏரிவாரியம்) commencing from this year. (உத்திரமேருச்சதுர்வேதிமங்கலத்து சபையோம் இவ்வாண்டுமுதல் எங்களூர் ஸ்ரீமுகப்படி ஆஞையினால் தத்தனூர் மூவேந்த வேளான் இருந்து வாரியமாக ஆட்டொருக்காலும் ஸம்வத்ஸர வாரியமும் தோட்ட வாரியமும் ஏரிவாரியமும் இடுவதற்கு வ்யவஸ்தை செய்த பரிசாவது..)

Village ward or Kudumbu' (குடும்பு) 

According to the inscriptions, each village was divided into wards or Kudumbu' (குடும்பு), and each ward or Kudumbu' (குடும்பு) could send one representative to the general assembly.

There shall be thirty wards in Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam; (முப்பதா முப்பது குடும்பிலும் )

In all these thirty wards, all people who live in each ward shall fore gather and shall elect anyone possessing the following qualifications through "pot-tickets" (Kuda Olai - குடவோலை) election system: (குடும்பு முப்பதா முப்பது குடும்பிலும் அவ்வவ் குடும்பிலாரே கூடிக் )

 Specific qualifications were prescribed for those who wanted to contest: 1. age, 2. possession of immovable property and 3. education. Thus, those who wanted to be elected had to be above 35 years of age and below 70 years. Only those who owned land that attracted tax could contest. And such owners had to own a house built on a legally-owned site to qualify for the elections. A person serving in any of the committees could not contest again for the next three terms, each term lasting a year.

Those who wanted to contest:

1. Must own more than a quarter veli (One Veļi = 6.17 acre 6.17 ஏக்கர் ஒரு வேலி Tamil Wikipedia) tax-paying land (காணிலத்துக்கு மேல் இறை நிலமுடையான் );

2. Must own a house built on a legally-owned site (தன் மனையிலே அகம் மெடுத்துக் கொண்டிருப்பானை );

3.  Must be above 35 years of age and below 70 years (எழுபது பிராயத்தின் கீழ் முப்பத்தைந்து பிராயத்தின் மேற்ப்பட்டார் );

4. Must have knowledge of 'Mantrabrahmana' (Mantra Text) as well as experience in teaching the same to others (மந்த்ர பிராமணம் வல்லான் ஒதுவித்தறிவானைக் );

5. Can own only one - eighth (1 / 8) veli of land and must have learned one Veda and one of the four Bhashyas and experienced in explaining them to others, then he shall be eligible  to contest i.e, voters write his name on the pot-ticket (ballot) to be cast into the pot (ballot pot) (அரக்கா நிலமே யுடையனாயிலும் ஒரு வேதம் வல்லனாய் நாலு பாஷ்யத்திலும்  ஒரு பாஷ்யம் வக காணித்தறிவான அவனையுங் குட வோலை எழுதிப் புக இடுவதாகவும்);

6. Must be among those possessing qualifications such as expertise in business and are known for their virtues (அவர்களிலும் கார்யத்தில் நிபுணராய் ஆகாரமு டையாரானாரை யேய் கொள்வதாகவும்);

7. Must be among those who possess honest earnings and pure mind; (அர்த்த சௌசமும் ஆன்ம சௌசமும் உடையாராய்);

 

Those Disqualified to contest

1. Are those who have served in any of the committees for the last three years and have not submitted their accounts and all their relatives mentioned in the following classes. (மூவாட்டினிப்புறம் வாரியஞ் செய்து கணக்குக் காட்டாதே இருந்தாரையும்);

The relatives of the defaulter

2. The sons of the younger and elder sisters of defaulter's mother (இவர்களுக்குத் தாயோடு உடப் பிறந்தானையும் = தாயின் சிறிய, பெரிய சகோதரிகளின் மக்கள்);

3. The sons of defaulter's paternal aunt and maternal uncle (அவர்களுக்கு அத்தை மாமன் மக்களையும்);

4. The uterine brother of defaulter's mother (மாமன்);

5. The uterine brother of defaulter's father (இவர்கள் தகப்பநோடுப் பிறந்தானையும்);

6. Defaulter's uterine brother (இவர்களுக்குச் சிற்றனவர்);

7.  Defaulter's father-in-law (மாமனார்);

8. The uterine brother of defaulter's wife (பேரவ்வைக்களையும்);

9. The husband of defaulter's uterine sister (தன்னோடுப் பிறந்தாளை வோட்டானையும் = உடன் பிறந்தாளை திருமணம் செய்தவர்);

10. The sons of defaulter's uterine sister (உடப் பிறந்தாள் மக்களையும்);

11. The son-in-law who has married defaulter's daughter (தன மகளை வேட்ட மருமகனையும் = தன் மகளை மணம் புரிந்த மருமகன்):

12. Defaulter's father (தன தமப்பனையும்);

13. Defaulter's son (தன மகனையும்);

14. One against whom incest (agamyagamana) or the first four of the five great sins are recorded (இடப்பெருதாராகவும், அகமியாகமனத்திலும் மகா பாதங்களில் முன் படைத்த நாலு மகா பாதகத்திலுமெழுத்துப் பட்டாரையும்);

15. All defaulter's relations above specified shall not have their names written on the pot-tickets and put into the pot (இவர்களுக்கும் முன் சுடப்பபட்ட இத்தனை பந்துக்களையும் குடவோலை எழுதிப்புக);

16. One who is foolhardy (சாகசிய ராயிரைப்பாரையும்);

17. One who has stolen the property of another (பரத்ரவியம் அபகரித் தானையும்);

18. One who has taken forbidden dishes (?) of any kind and who has become pure by performing expiation (கிராம கண்டகராய் ப்ராயஸ்சித்தஞ் செய்து சத்தரானாரையும்);

19. One who has committed sins and has become pure by performing expiatory ceremonies (பாதகஞ் செய்து பிராயச் சித்தர் செய்து சுத்தரானாரையும்);

20. One who is guilty of incest and has become pure by performing expiatory ceremonies (அகமியாங்கமஞ் செய்து ப்ராயஸ்சித்தஞ் செய்து சுத்தரானாரையும்);

21. All these thus specified shall not to the end of their lives have their names written on the pot-ticket to be put into the pot for any of the committees (ஆக இச்சுட்டப்பட்ட அனைவரையும் ப்ரானாந்திகம் வாரியத்துக்குக் குடவோலை எழுதி எழுதிப்புகவிடப் பெருதாக).

Mode of Election

1. Excluding all these, thus specified (ஆகா இச்சுட்டப்பட்ட இத்தனைவரையும் நீக்கி);

The names shall be written for pot-tickets in the thirty wards (இம்முப்பது குடும்பிலும் குடவோலைக்குப் பேர் தீட்டி);

2. Each of the wards in these twelve streets of Uttaramerur shall prepare a separate covering ticket for each of the thirty wards bundled separately. These packets shall be put into a pot.   (இபன்னிரண்டு சேரியிலுமாக இக்குடும்பும் வெவ்வேறே வாயோலை பூட்டி முப்பது குடும்பும் வெவ்வேறே கட்டிக்குடம் புக இடுவதாகவும்);

3. When the pot-tickets have to be drawn, a full meeting of the Great Assembly, including the young and old members, shall be convened (குடவோலை பறிக்கும் போது மகா சபைத் திருவடியாரை சபால விருத்தம் நிரம்பக் கூட்டிக் கொண்டு);

4. All the temple priests (Nambimar) who happen to be in the village on that day, shall, without any exception whatever, be caused to be seated in the inner hall, where the great assembly meets  (அன்றுள்ளீரில் இருந்த நம்பிமார் ஒருவரையும் ஒழியாமே மகா சபையிலேரும் மண்டகத்தி லேயிருத்திக் கொண்டு);

5. In the midst of the temple priests one of them, who happens to be the eldest, shall stand up and lift that pot looking upwards so as to be seen by all people (அந்நம்பிமார் நடுவே அக்குடத்தை நம்பிமாரில் வருத்தராய் இருப்பா ரொரு  நம்பி மேல் நோக்கி எல்லா ஜனமுங் காணுமாற்குலெடுத்துக் கொண்டு நிற்க);

6. One ward, i.e., the packet representing it, shall be taken out by any young boy standing close, who does not know what is inside, and shall be transferred to another empty pot and shaken. From this pot one ticket shall be drawn by the young boy and made over to the arbitrator (madhyastha) (பகலே யந்திர மறையாதானொரு பாலனைக் கொண்டு ஒரு குடும்பு வாங்கி மற்றொரு குடத்துகே புகவிட்டுக் குலைத்து அக்குடத்திலோரோலை வாங்கி மத்யஸ்தன் கையிலே குடுப்பதாகவும்);

7. While taking charge of the ticket thus given to him, the arbitrator shall receive it on the palm of his hand with the five fingers open. (அக்குடத்த வோலை மத்தியஸ் தன வாங்கும்போது அஞ்சு விரலும் அகல வைத்த உள்ளங்கையாலே ஏற்றுக் கொள்வானா கவும்);

8. He shall read out the name in the ticket thus received (அவ்வேற்று வாங்கின வோலை வாசிப்பானாகவும்); 

9. The ticket read by him shall also be read out by all the priests present in the inner hall (வாசித்த அவ்வோலை அங்குள் மண்டகத்திருந்த தம்பிமார் எல்லோரும் வாசிப்பாராகவும்); 

10. The name thus read out shall be put down (and accepted). Similarly one man shall be chosen for each of the thirty wards (வாசித்த அப்பர் திட்டமிடுவதாகவும் இப்பரிசே முப்பது குடும்பிலும் ஒரே பேர் கொள்வதாகவும்);

Constitution of the Committee

11. Of the thirty men thus chosen, those who had previously been on the Garden committee and on the Tank committee, those who are advanced in learning, and those who are advanced in age shall be chosen for the Annual Committee. ( இக்கொண்ட முப்பது பேரினுந்தோட்ட வாரியமும் ஏரி வாரியமும் செய்தாரையும் விச்சையா வருத்தரையும் வயோவ்ருத்தர்களையும் சம்வத்ஸர வாரியராக கொள்வதாகவும்);

12. Of the rest, twelve shall be taken for the Garden committee and the remaining six shall form the Tank committee. (மிக்கு நினாருட்பன்னிருவரைத் தொட்ட வாரியங் கொள்வதாகவும் );

13. These last two committees shall be chosen by showing the Karai (நின்ன அறுவரையும் ஏரி வாரியமாகக் கொள்வதாகவும்); 

Duration of the Committees

14. The great men of these three committees thus chosen for them shall hold office for full three hundred and sixty days and then retire ((இவ்வாரியம் செய்கின்ற மூன்று திறத்து வாரியப் பெருமக்களும் முன்னுற்றருபது நாளும் நிரம்பச் செய்து ஒழிவதாகவும்);

Removal of Persons Found Guilty

15. When one who is on the committee is found guilty of any offence, he shall be removed at once (வாரியஞ் செய்ய நின்றாரை அபராதங் கண்டபோது அவனை யொழித்துவதாகவும்);

16. For appointing the committees after these have retired, the members of the Committee “for Supervision of Justice” in the twelve streets of Uttaramerur shall convene an assembly kuri with the help of the Arbitrator (இவர்கள் ஒழித்த அனந்தரமிடும் வாரியங்களும் பன்னிரண்டு சேரியிலும் தன்மைக்ருதயங் கடை காணும் வாரியரே மத்யஸ்தரைக் கொண்டு குறிகூட்டிக் குடுப்பராகவும்);

17. The committees shall be appointed by drawing pot-tickets according to this order of settlement (இவ்வியவஸ்தை யோலைப்படியே...க்ருக்குடவோலை பரித்தக் கொண்டே வாரியம் இடுவதாகவும்).

Pancavara and Gold Committees

18. For the Pancavara committee and the Gold committee, names shall be written for pot-tickets in the thirty wards. Thirty packets with covering tickets shall be deposited in a pot and thirty pot-tickets shall be drawn as previously described. (பஞ்சவார வாரியத்துக்கும் பொன் வாரியத்துக்கு முப்பது குடும்பிலும் குடவோலைக்குப் பேர் தீட்டி முப்பது வாயோலை கட்டும் புக இட்டு முப்பது குடவோலை பறித்து முப்பதிலும் பன்னிரண்டு பேர் பறித்துக் கொள்வதாகவும்);

19. From these thirty tickets chosen, twenty-four shall be for the Gold committee and the remaining six for the Pancavara committee. (பறித்த பன்னிரண்டு பேர் அறுவர் பொன் வாரியம் அறுவர் பஞ்ச வாரியமும் ஆவனவாகவும்);

20. When drawing pot-tickets for these two committees next year, the wards which have been already represented during the year in question on these committees shall be excluded and the reduction made from the remaining wards by drawing the Karai. (பிற்றை ஆண்டும் இவ்வரியங்களை குடவோலை பறிக்கும் போது இவ்வரியங்களுக்கு முன்னம் செய்த குடும்பன்றிக்கே நின்ற குடும்பிலே கரை பறித்துக் கொள்வதாகவும்);

21. One who has ridden on an ass and one who has committed forgery shall not have his name written on the pot-ticket to be put into the pot (கழுதை ஏறினாரையும் கூடலேகை செய்தானையும் குடவோலை எழுதிப்புக் இடப் பெருததாகவும்).

Qualification of the Accountant

1. Any Arbitrator who possesses honest earnings shall write the accounts of the village (மத்தியஸ்தரும் அர்த்த சௌசமுடையானே கணக்கெழுது வானாகவும்); 

2. No accountant shall be appointed to that office again before he submits his accounts for the period during which he was in office to the great men of the big committee and is declared to have been honest (கணக்கெழுதினான் கணக்குப் பெருங்குறிப் பெருமக்களோடு கூடக் கணக்குக் காட்டி சுத்தன் ஆச்சி தன பின்னன்றி மாற்றுக் கணக்குப் புகழ் பெருதானாகவும்);

 3. The accounts which one has been writing, he shall submit himself and no other accountant shall he chosen to close his accounts (தான் எழுதின கணக்குத் தானே காட்டுவானாகவும் மாற்றுக் கணக்கர் புக்கு ஒடுக்கப் பெருதாராகவும்);

Implementation

1. The Royal Order shall implement Pot Ticket Procedure (Kudavolai System) from this year and shall  continue till the existence of Moon and Sun (இப்பரிசே இவ்வாண்டு முதல் சந்த்ராதித்யவத் என்றும்  குடவோலை வாரியமே இடுவதாக )

Received From

1. Royal Order received from Devendhran, the Emperor, Sri Viranayana Sri Parantaka Deva (who also assumed the title as) Parakesari varman (தேவேந்திரன் சக்ரவர்த்தி பட்டிதவச்சவன் குஞ்சர மல்லன் சூரா சூளாமணி கல்பகசரிதை ஸ்ரீ பரகேசரிபன்மர்கள் ஸ்ரீ முகம் அருளிச் செய்து);

Received and Submitted by Village Assembly Officer

1. Royal Order received and shown (submitted) to the Members of the general assembly of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam by Karanjai Kondaya - Kramavitha bhattan (Brahmin caste title) alias Somasiperumal of Srivanga nagar (name of town) in Purangarambainadu (name of district), of the Chola Nadu (country) (வரக் காட்ட ஸ்ரீ ஆளஞயால் சோழ நாட்டு புறங்கரம்பை நாட்டு ஸ்ரீ வங்க நகர்க் காஞ்சை கொண்ட யாக்ரமவித்த பாட்டனாகிய சேர்மாசி பெருமானுடன் இருந்து இப்பரிசு செய்விக்க);

Madhyasthan

1. Kadadippottan Sivakkuri Rajamallamangalapriyan functioned as the madhyasthan of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam sabha (நம் கிராமத்து அப்யுதயமாக துஷ்டர் கேட்டு விசிஷ்டர் வர்த்திப்பதாக வியவஸ்தை செய்தோம் மத்யஸ்தன் காடாடிப் போத்தன் சிவகுறி இராஜமல்ல மங்கலப்பிரியனேன்);

The Scribe

1. At the order of the great men, sitting in the assembly, the Arbitrator Kadadippottan Sivakkuri Rajamallamangalapriyan, thus wrote this settlement.  (உத்தரமேரு சதுர்வேதி மங்கலத்துச் சபையாம் இப்பரிசு குறியுள் இருந்து பெருமக்கள் பணிக்கு வியவஸ்தை மத்யஸ்தன் காடாடிப் போத்தன் சிவகுறி இராஜமல்ல மங்கலப்பிரியனேன்.)

Reference

1. An 1100 years-old Constitution http://satyameva-jayate.org/2008/07/12/1100-yrs-constitution/
2. Ancient Epigraphical Inscription on elections: Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur, Kancheepuram District http://tnsec.tn.nic.in/historical/Epigraphical%20Inscription.html
3. Constitution 1,000 years ago. The Hindu Chennai 11 July 2008
4. Status of Panchayati Raj in the States of India, 1994 http://books.google.co.in/books?isbn=8170225531
5. Temple of democracy Business Standard July 20, 2014 http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/temple-of-democracy-112070700027_1.html 
6. Temple inscriptions point to early Chola inroads into Pallava region by T.S. Subramanian The Hindu Chennai Nov 20, 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112057012200.htm
7. Uttaramerur http://reachhistory.blogspot.in/2006/12/uttaramerur.html
8. Uttaramerur model of democracy The Hindu Chennai March 13, 2010 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/uttaramerur-model-of-democracy/article243997.ece 
9. Village Administration in Ancient India by Shriram Yerankar http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/41855799?uid=3738256&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21104509300513 
10. வியக்க வைக்கும் சோழர்களின் தேர்தலும், ஆட்சி முறையும் http://www.mayyam.com/talk/showthread.php?10963-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%9F

Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple

Prime Deity Pazhaiya Seevaram Temple - Lord Lakshmi Narasimha with Mahalakshmi on His lap.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple on top of Padmagiri Hillock in Pazhaiya Seevaram

Pazhaiya Seeavaram Hillock viewed from Palar River: Hillock Padmagiri, Temple Gopuram, and Palar River Bridge

Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Rajagopuram (Front view)

Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Rajagopuram (Interior view)

Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Main Entrance and Vimanam

Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Vimanam (Rear side view)

Goddess Ahobilavalli Thayar Shrine

Gujarati Devotees' sculpture found on the pillar of the Mandapam

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple, seated on top of Padmagiri hillock in Pazhaiya Seevaram village, is located on the  Kanchipuram - Chengalpattu State Highway SH58 and it is about 16 km from Chengalpattu and about 20 km from Kanchipuram. In reality the temple is located on the midway to the hillock i.e, about 100 steps to be climbed up to reach the temple.

The nondescript village Pazhaiya Seevaram, aka. 'Sripuram' is also on the northern bank of the holy river Palar and the Thirumukkoodal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal temple on the southern bank.  The village is surrounded by lush green paddy fields, swaying coconut palm, huts and tiled houses and the winding streets.  There is 'Sudharasana Hill,' another hillock found opposite to Padmagiri.

The name Sripuram has a hoary past. After the annihilation of Hiranyakasibu, Lord appeared ferocious. From the legends it is learned that the Lord was pacified by goddess Mahalakshmi at this shrine. Since  goddess Mahalakshmi played the key role in appeasing the Lord and hence the village got the name 'Sripuram,'as a token of gratitude. Legends equate it as 'Sathya Varadha Kshetram.' The inscriptions of the Pallava King Vijaya Nripathunga found at Thirumukkoodal mention this village as 'Siyapuram' ('Siyam' means lion and 'puram' means place or shrine). It is difficult to make out the significance for the word 'Pazhaiya' or old.

Pazhaiya Seevaram village is also marked by the confluence of three rivers - Palar (Ksheera Nadhi), Seyar or Cheyyar (Bahu Nadhi) and Vegavathi (Saraswathi). The three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati unite together at the holy shrine Triveni Sangamam or Prayag, in Uttar Pradesh state, India. However the river Saraswati's presence is not visible to our eyes and hence marked as 'Antharvahini' meaning flowing below the earth. At the confluence point,  known as Thirumukkudal (aka. Dakshina Prayag), one can physically witness the confluence of three rivers with the naked eye. Therefore Thirumukkudal is yet more holier than Triveni Sangamam or Prayag.

The hill temple complex is considerably big and the east facing temple has five tier rajagopuram,  a tall dwajasthambam and balipeetam. The sanctum of the prime deity is facing west. The imposing six feet high (seated) prime deity,  Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy  appear with His consort Sri Mahalakshmi on His left lap and graces His devotees. Unlike many shrines where the Lord appears ferocious and with un-quenched anger, He appears with cool and composed emotions (as santhamoorthy)  at this shrine. The Lord is adorns with a five yards by three yards (pathaaru) dhoti and angavastra and the consort wears the traditional nine yards sari.  There is a separate sanctum for the consort Sri Ahobilavalli Thayar (Ahobilam). Also separate east facing  sanctum exists for Andal, consort of Lord Vishnu at the north western corner. At the south eastern side corridor there are shrines for Nammaazhvaar, Thirumangai Aazhwar and Vishnu Chithar (Vaishnavitie saints). The temple also include one ornate (granite) pillared hall at the northern side and yet another four pillared hall at the eastern side of the corridor. The temple's antiquity can be established with 11th century Chola inscriptions. They speak about grants offered by the kings and the public. Some consider that this shrine might be still older.

The holy temple tank (pond) is located at the feet of the hillock and can be viewed while climbing up through steps.

The temple legend, Padmagiri Mahatmiyam, in chapter 17 of Brahmaanda Puranam speaks about the pursuit of a saint by name Vishnu Chithar for the best shrine to have darshan (glimpse) of Lord Vishnu after severe penance. When approached to Mareecha Muni, the saint guided Vishnu Sithar to Padmagiri. The glimpse (darshan) of Lord Narasimha (the fifth manifestation of Vishnu) would fulfill the purpose of his penance. Mareecha Muni also quoted the pursuit of Athri Rishi in getting glimpse (darshan) of Vishnu in the manifestation of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar after observing penance. Saint Athiri made an appeal to the Lord Narasimha to stay at Padmagiri to bless His devotees and the Lord fulfilled the wish of Athiri rishi and blesses the mankind with His benign grace.

Few Gujarati Vaishnava philanthropists, residing at Chennai for many generations, undertake the administration of the temple and Sri Gokulnathji of Vallabha Sampradaya remained here for years together and attended temple duties. The charity trust under the presidentship of  Govinda Das Purushotham Das have extended various restoration work including rajagopuram and vimanam renovation, de-silting and deepening the holy tank of the temple.

Festival

Since the wooden idol of the prime deity Lord Varadaraja at Kanchipuram was worn out, the granite idol was  sculpted out of the boulder obtained from Padmagiri. As a token gratitude, the festival of Paari Vettai Festival is observed and the procession deity of Lord Varadaraja proceeds to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Pazaiya Seevaram on every 'Mattu Pongal day'  i.e, the day next to Sankranthi day every year, wherein thousands of ardent followers accumulate here for vana bhojanam (meal at the jungle) and aradhana.

Timings

Morning 6 am – 11 am and 5 pm – 8 pm

How to get there?

Pazhaiya Seevaram, Kanchipuram district PIN  631606, is a small village located about 20 km from Kanchipuram on the road going towards Chengalpattu. While going from Chengalpattu, one can reach Pazhaiya Seevaram 5 kms before Walajabad.

Reference

1. Narasimhar temples in and around http://rangacharirama.blogspot.in/2009/06/narasimhar-templse-in-and-around.html
   Pazhaiya seevaram http://mukurnarasimha.blogspot.in/2007_04_01_archive.html
2. Pazhaiya seevaram Narasimha Temple http://allaboutmadras.blogspot.com/2013/10/pazhaya-seevaram-narasimha-temple.html
3. Raju's Temple Visit http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2007/08/23/6/

Nisumba soodhini Temple, Thanjavur: War Deity of Imperial Chola

Ugra Kali Amman Temple (உக்ரகாளி அம்மன் கோவில்), Kuyavar street in Keezha Vaasal

Ugra kaliyamman Sanctum houses 19th Century (Maratta) image of Nisumba Soodhani

Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (வடபத்ரகாளி அம்மன் கோவில்), Poomal Rauther Koil street in Keezha Vaasal, Thanjavur (Photo Courtesy: Sasi Dharan, Facebook)

Goddess Nisumba soodhani at Vada Bhadra Kali Temple (Photo Courtesy: © Daily Thanthi )

Nisumba Soodhani Idol Now Damaged (Photo Courtesy: MyThanjavur)

Niuumba soodhani (Photo Courtesy: MyThanjavur)

Many travelers may come to Thanjavur (தஞ்சாவூர்) solely to visit the Big Temple (பெருவுடையார் கோயில்) (‘ராஜராஜுச்சுரம்’) (Rajarajeswaram temple), an outstanding example of Chola (சோழர்) architecture and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Over a total of 30,000 foreign tourists and 4.10 lakh domestic tourists passing through Thanjavur, making it the fastest growing tourist spot in Tamil Nadu, India. Thanjavur, an important pilgrim centre and a major tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, also includes many other interesting heritage temples.

Cult of Kali in Thanjavur

Thanjavur is also popular for the cult of 'Kali' (காளி) (the mother goddess - specific Sakthi cult). In Thanjavur there are eight Kali temples as guardian deities with different names:

1. Nandhi Makali; 2. Selliamman; 3. Ugra Kali (Nisumba soodhanai); 4. Kodiamman (Karanthai); 5. Vanchiamman; 6. Samavarthiniyamman; 7. Vada Bhadra Kali (Nisumba soodhani); and Kunthalamman. Kali is an incarnation of Parvati 'Kali' means black or kala (Hindi). Kali is a warrior goddess, who protects humanity and the gods from horrible demons, but she is also a deity of feminine energy, creativity, fertility, guardian, protector, ruler of eternal time, goddess of death and doomsday. 

Hindu iconography depicts Kali all the more gruesome and she appears in absolute rage, with lolling tongue and protruding fangs  as well as with her ornaments of necklace of snakes, skulls and heads of her sons and a belt from, which hangs demon's hands. The deity often appear with the number of arms being four (Kali, Ruthra Kali), eight (Chamundi), ten (Bhadra Kali), twelve, fourteen (Mahakali), eighteen (Bhadra Kali)  or even one hundred (Bhadra Kali) and each of hand holding weapon or other objects including a sword, dagger, trident dripping with blood, cup, drum, chakra, lotus bud, whip, noose, bell, and shield. She is the destroyer of demons such as Mahisasura, Chanda, Munda, Shumbha, Nishumbha as well as Madhu and Kaitabha.

History

It is also interesting to witness the cult of Nisumba soodhini (நிசும்பசூதினி), a form of Kali in mythology and the war deity of Imperial Cholas associated with war, combat or bloodshed. The cult of Korravai was present during Sangam period and the Tamil kings of Sangam period worshiped Korravai (கொற்றவை),  a local presiding deity of war and victory in the Tamil region. Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar II (c. 705 - 745 A.D.) (பெரும்பிடுகு முத்தரையன் சுவரன் மாறன்  II) ruled over Cauvery Delta Region  - Mutharaiyar Nadu (முத்தரையர் நாடு) before the Cholas. The cult of Pidari (பிடாரி) (a form of Kali and the protecting deity as well as war deity) probably evolved in the sixth and seventh centuries AD and is generally restricted to southern India. The feudatory king was a formidable Warrior and was engaged in 12 battles with Pandya and Chera and was victorious in all the battles i.e., Kodumbaalur, Manalur, Thingalur, Kaandhalur, Azhindhiur, Kaarai, Maangur, Annavoil, Semponmari, Thanjaisembulanattu Venkodal, Pugazhi and Kannanur. He built the temple devoted to Pidari at Niamam (நியமம் பிடாரி அம்மன் கோயில்). The four pillars erected by the king bears the inscriptions (27 stanzas) reciting the wars, victories and other accomplishments. Inscriptions found at mandapam of Sundareswarar temple, Senthalai states:

செந்தலை சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் கோயில் முன் மண்டபத்தில் காணப்பெறும் .செந்தலை கல்வெட்டுகளில் "சுவரன் மாறன்னானவன் எடுபித்த பிடாரிகோயில் அவநெரிந்த ஊர்களும் அவன் பேர்களும் அவனை பாடினர் பேர்களும் இத்தூண்கள் மேலுழுதின இவை "என அக்கல்வெட்டு கூற்கின்றது.

Goddess Pidari was also worshiped by Pandya king Maranchadaiyan  Paranthaka Veeranarayanan alias  Nedum Chadayan (பாண்டியன் மாறன் சடையன் பராந்தக வீரநாராயணன் என்ற நெடுஞ்சடையன் ( 866 - 911 A.D.), Nandivarman II (Pallavamalla) (இரண்டாம் நந்திவர்மன் (பல்லவமல்லன்) (720–796 CE) and Aditya Chola I (பரகேசரி முதலாம் ஆதித்த சோழன் (கி.பி 871 - 907 A.D.).

In the same tradition Vijayalaya Chola (848-891 A.D.) aka. Parakesarivarman (விசயாலய சோழன் என்ற பரகேசரிவர்மன்) built the temple for goddess Nisumba soodhani to commemorate his victory. The Chola king was once a feudatory of the Pallavas.  This Thirupurampiyam (திருப்புறம்பயம் போர்) (Near Kumbakonam) war hero captured Thanjavur in 848 A.D. from Elango Mutharayar (final ruler of Mutharaiyar dynasty) and established as a semi autonomous state.  He became the real founder of the Chola dynasty of Thanjavur and his dynasty rose to its prominence during the middle of the 9th century A.D. The Imperial Cholas believed that goddess Nisumba soodhini as the personification of valour and would bless them with victory in the battle. This faith made them to pray for goddess 'Nisumba soodhini' before leaving for the battle field. This information was recorded in Thiruvalangadu copper-plate inscriptions:

“தஞ்சாபுரீம் சௌத சுதாங்காராகாம
ஐக்ராஹ ரந்தும் ரவி வம்ச தீப:
தத:பிரதிஷ்டாப்ய நிசும்ப சூதனீம்
சுராசுரை:அர்ச்சித பாத பங்கஜாம்
சது : சமுத்ராம்பர மேகலாம் புவம்
ரஹாஜ தேவோ தத்பராசதந”

Meaning: The idol of Nisumba soodhani, who conquered and annihilated the demons Shumba and Nishumba, was consecrated in Thanjavur. With the grace of the worshipful feet of Nisumba soodhani, the king ruled the earth surrounded by ocean with the ease, as if wearing like a garland.  

The original temple built by Vijayalaya Chola is not existing at present. Now there are two temples devoted goddess  Nisumba Soodhani located in the heritage town Thanjavur.

Present Temples

Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (வடபத்ரகாளி அம்மன் கோவில்), Poomal Rauther Koil street in Keezha Vaasal.

The 1160 years old deity (!) comes under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration and well maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

The temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola (848-891) aka. Parakesarivarman, once a feudatory of the Pallavas. The temple has the sanctum sanctorum, ardhamandapa and the mahamandapa (temporary tin sheet shed). The deity of goddess Nisumba soodhini

The temple is 2 km away from Old Bus stand of Thanjavur and there are number city buses and auto rickshaws available from here.

Temple Timings: 07.00 am - 11.00 pm and 05.00 pm - 08.00 pm. Temple popularly known among the local people as "Ragukaala Kali Temple".

Ugra Kali Amman Temple (உக்ரகாளி அம்மன் கோவில்), Kuyavar street in Keezha Vaasal.

The 1160 years old deity (!) comes under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration and well maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

The temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola (848-891) aka. Parakesarivarman, once a feudatory of the Pallavas. The temple has two sanctum sanctorums, ardhamandapa and the common spacious mahamandapa. In the main sanctum the 19th century idol of goddess Nisumba soodhini appears seated. The priest told that this deity belongs to Maratta period. All poojas are performed to this deity in the main sanctum. The other sanctum sanctorum on the left side of the main sanctum lies another sanctum housing the 9th century CE idol of Nisumba soodhini.

The iconography of seated Nisumba soodhani depicts annihilation of the  Nisumba with her right and left legs engaged pressing against demon. One of her right hand holds the Trident (Trishul) and pointing towards Nisumba.  The goddess also appears seated on the bodies of four demons (Chanda , Munda, Raktha Bheeja, and Shumba) with head slightly tilted.

The temple is 2 km away from Old Bus stand of Thanjavur and there are number city buses and auto rickshaws available from here.

Temple Timings: 06.00 am - 12.00 pm and 05.00 pm - 08.00 pm. Temple popularly known among the local people as "Ukkira Kali Temple".

Legend

According to Devi Mahathmyam (Chandi), Raktha Bheeja, the commander of Shumbha and Nishumba opposed to goddess Parvathi. Goddess Parvathi created 'Kaushiki.'  Kaushiki was spotted by Chanda and Munda, Shumbha Nishumba's two assistants and reported about Kaushiki. Shumba and Nishumba sent proposals of marrying Kaushiki through a messenger. Kaushiki invited both for a fight and the winner could marry her.  There was fierce fighting between the demons Chanda and Munda and the goddess Kaushiki and killed them. Hence the name (Chamundi (Chanda+Munda). On seeing the death of Chanda and Munda the demons attacked the goddesses Kaushiki. At that moment, from the bodies of the various devas, women forces began emerging and took the form of Kali.  Among the asuras there was one commander known as Raktha Bheeja. Every drop of blood oozing from the body of Raktha Bheeja turns another demonic form of Raktha Bheeja. Kali was instructed to drink all the blood that oozes from the body of Raktha Bjeeja. On hearing death of Raktha Beeja, Nishumba assaulted Kaushiki and the goddess retaliated with a weapon known as 'Khura' and made him unconscious. Shumba came to the rescue of Nishumba and fell unconscious. At the end of the fight both Shumba and Nishumba were annihilated and the goddess Kaushiki became victorious.

Reference

1. Seminar on the eve of the 1337th Birthday Celebrations of Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II: The King Who ruled Mutharaiyar Nadu with Tanjore as Capital. Held at Valasaravakkam, Chennai on 27th May 2012 from 10 am to 6 pm. http://www.mutharaiyar.in/
2. Thiruvalangadu copper plates discovered in 1905 C.E. is one of the largest so far recovered and contains 31 copper sheets. The copper plates, issued by emperor Rajendra Chola (1012-1044 A.D., regnal years), contain text written in Sanskrit and Tamil.
3. Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple at Tanjore. July 27, 2013 http://indiancolumbus.blogspot.com/2013/07/NisumbaSoodhani.html
4. அசுரனை அழித்த அன்னை Dina Thanthi http://202.191.144.181/2014-03-10-The-monster-Deleted-Mother-Spiritual-News
5. சசிதரன் (Sasi Dharan) https://en-gb.facebook.com/SasidharanGS/posts/581917588538232
6. சோழர்களின் குல தெய்வம் - நிசும்பசூதனி https://www.facebook.com/arivarsangam/posts/604887932890161
7. நிசும்பசூதினி – சோழர்களின் குல தெய்வம் தஞ்சையின் காவல் தெய்வம் – Nisumbasoothini By lokesh.  April 22nd, 2014 http://www.mythanjavur.com/2014/04/nisumbasoothini/

Thirumukkudal Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple Inscriptions on Vedic College, Hospital and Village Sabha II

Thirumukkudal Village Sign board.

Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. View 1

Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. View 2

Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. Information on Archaeology and Architecture

Veera Cholesvara Aadhular Salai (medical center) . Information on the Drugs Stored in the dispensary

ARE 248/1923 Inscriptions on Vedic College, Hospital and Village Sabha (Vira Rajendra Chola) Explained by Sasi Dharan

Rajendra Chola I Meikeerthi (Prologue of an inscription recording great accomplishments of the emperor) found in tripatta-kumuda of the east prakaram wall

Team members visited Thirumukkudal Temple with Temple and ASI staff

Thirumukkudal Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple Inscriptions on Vedic College, Hospital and Village Sabha (Vira Rajendra Chola)

Location: Thirumukkudal, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India Pin code 631606. Located about 58 km southwest of TN's capital city of Chennai.

Chola Emperor: Vira Rajendra Chola (1063-1068 A.D.)

Titles earned: From an inscription of his from Tirunamanallur dated in the fourth year of his reign, we understand that Virarajendra Chola held the titles Sakalabhuvanasraya, Srimedinivallabha, Maharajadhiraja Cholakula-Sundara, Pandyakulantaka, Ahavamallakula-Kala, Ahavamallanai-mummadi-ven-kanda Rajasraya, Vira-Chola, The Glory of the Solar race, Karikala-Chola, Sri-Virarajendradeva, Rajakesarivarma Perumanadigal (similar to the Nolamba Pallava titles of Permanadi from Kannada country) and Konerinmaikondan. (Wikipedia)

Regnal Year: 5th regnal year (1067 A.D.)

Inscription: ARE 248/1923

Language: Tamil

Script: 10th century Tamil Grantham

Length: 55 lines located on the east wall of the first prakaram

Identified by: K V Subramanya Iyer, epigraphist

Village Sabha of Thirumukudal:  Village Sabha of Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam, Madhurantaka-Chaturvedimangalam (nadu), Kalatur-kottam or valanadu (district), Jayamkondasola-mandalam (Province).

1. The Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. The king was the head of the administration. The king  and the council of ministers formed the central government; the Chola Empire was divided into nine provinces or mandalams and was administered by the 'viceroys.' Each mandalam was divided into several kottams or valanadu (districts); Each kottam or valanadu was sub-divided into 'nadus.' Each nadu was further sub-divided into villages or 'ur.' 
2. The autonomous local government and the systematic local adminsitration was well developed and enjoyed more  powers. 
3. The land revenue was the main source of income of the Chola Government. Customs and tolls were other income sources. Taxation  (mines, ports, forests, salt pans, domestic house taxes and on professional taxes) was heavy and over burdened the society. 
4. The semi-autonomous provinces and districts of the Chola administration were successfully administered by  the administrative officials and staff.  
5. The local residents of village or ‘Ur’ maintained the executive body known as “Abunganam” or “ganam” or “Miyalunganam” and this body gathered together to discuss matters on their villages, but not empowered to make any formal rule or procedure. 
6. Sabha or Mahasabha was the assembly of the Brahmin Settlement (Agrahara) and this complex machinery of local administration empowered to form policies or procedures, redressed disputes, implemented penalty and punishments.  
7. The sabhas or mahasabhas were empowered to administer public finance linked to the temple and the temples under Chola rule enjoyed huge annual income from land (lease) revenue,  taxes, interests acrued from deposits and the offerings of devotees. 
8. The sabhas also acted as moneylenders to the cultivators and even financed commercial endeavors across the ocean. 
9. The Saivite and Vaishnavite Hindu temples also acted as the center for social and economic life in Chola Empire and the sabha or mahasabha assembly sessions were held at temple premises. 
10.  The Chola temples employed number skilled staff (both male and female) and administered by the villagers  as autonomous multipurpose institutions. 
11. The temples under sabhas offered Vedic education through schools, ran choultries and nurtured arts and crafts including dance, drama and music.

This post attempts to bring out one such 1200 years old Vaishnavite temple which offered Vedic education and cared the disciples with an hostel and the charitable dispensary.

Throughout the Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple walls and pillars, we have come across inscriptions, some of which date back to the Pallava ruler, Vijaya Nripatungavarman of the (854-860 A.D.), Raja Raja Chola I (முதலாம் இராசராச சோழன்) (985-1014 A.D.), Rajendra Chola I (முதலாம் இராஜேந்திர சோழன்) (1012-1044 A.D.),  Vira-Rajendra Chola (1063-1070 A.D.) and Kulottunga Chola I (முதலாம் குலோத்துங்க சோழன்) (1070-1120 A.D.). All these inscriptions stand as a source of interesting information about endowments and gifts made to this temple and the Chola kings attached much importance to this temple.

An inscription (ARE 248/1923) of Vira Rajendra Chola dated in his 5th regnal year (1067 A.D.) was found by epigraphist K V Subramanya Iyer. The 55 line inscription in Chola Tamil script was viewed on the east wall of the first prakaram. The record mentions about the Vedic College conducted in the ‘Jananatha Mandapam’ of the Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal temple. The Vedic education included Vedic and Vedanta subjects like Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Vyakaranam (வியாகரணம்), Roopavatharam (ரூபாவதாரம்), Siavagamam (சிவாகமம்), Maha Pancharathram (மகா பாஞ்சராத்ரம்), Vaikanasam (வைகானசம்); grammar, agamas and Hindu logic.

The inscription also provide information about the strength of the enrolled student disciples in the college, the number of Vedic teachers engaged for the prescribed subjects and remuneration in measures of rice-wages / paddy-wages and kasu (Chola coins). The hostel was attached to the college to enable the students to stay and learn Vedic education. The epigraph also details the servants and cooks engaged to take care of the inmates.

The unique and distinctive inscription also documents about the organization and administration of Veera Cholesvara Aadhular Salai (charitable dispensary or medical center), to treat students and temple staff, comprising fifteen beds.

The sabha of Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam made an endowment of 45 veli cultivable land (‘வைத்தியக் காணி' ) to receive land revenue to meet the annual expenses  of the Vedic college and dispensary. The endowments of cultivable land was accepted from devotees and treated as deposit in this temple.

The grant of rice ration for each patient (‘வியாதிப்பட்டுக் கிடப்பார்' ) for each day was one measure or nazhi (நாழி ). (வியாதிப்பட்டு கிடப்பார் பதினைவர்க்கு பேரால் அரிசி நாழியாக அரிசி குறுணி எழுநாழிக்கு நெல் தூணி ஐந்நாழி உரியும் ).

The epigraph details dispensary, its functional staff and the grants given to included the following:

1. One local physician of hereditary nature by name ‘Savarnan Kodhandaraman Aswathaaman Bhattan’ of Alapakkam (‘ஆலப்பாக்கத்து சவர்ணன் கோதண்டராமன் அசுவத்தாம பட்டன்'). Physician attended the medical needs of students and temple staff without expecting any return. Diagnosis was based on traditional pulse reading and prescription of ayurvedic drugs. The physician received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 90 kalam) Payment in coins (to be paid 80 kasu (coins).

2. One surgeon (Calliyakkiriyai Pannuvan) (சல்லியக் கிரியைப் பண்ணுவான்' ) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 30 kalam) and Payment in coins (to be paid 2 kasu (coins) .

3. Two male nurses to collect herbs and firewood, and prepare drugs (ஆதுலர்க்கு மருந்துகளுக்கு வேண்டும் மருந்து பறித்து விறகிட்டு பரியாரம் பண்ணுவரிருவருக்கு )  received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 30 kalam) and Payment in coins (to be paid 1 kasu (coins).

4. Two female nurses to administered doses of medicines, feed the patients, and to look after cooking (ஆதுலர்க்கு வேண்டும் பரியாரம் பண்ணி மருந்திடும் பெண்டுகளிருவருக்கு) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 30 kalam) and Payment in coins (to be paid 1 kasu (coins).

5. Barber (ஆதுலர்க்கும் கிடைகளுக்கும் பாத்திரருக்கும் வேண்டும் பணிசெய்யும் நாவிசன் ), for discharging duties to patients, students and temple staff, received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 15 kalam).

6. One Waterman (தண்ணீர் கொடுவந்து வைத்துச் சாய்ப்பான் ஒருவனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியாக நாள் நூற்றெண்பதுக்கு நெல் பதினெண்கலமும்) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 15 kalam).

Grant of azhakku oil was also made (fluid measurement) for each lamp to be kept burning in the hospital during the nights and computed to 45 nazhi oil (fluid measurement) for 360 days costs 2.30  kasu (coins) (ஆதுலசாலையில் இரா எரியும் விளக்கு ஒன்றுக்கு எண்ணெயாழாக்காக நாள் முன்னூற்றறுபதுக்கு எண்ணெய் நாற்பத்தைந்து நாழிக்கு காசிரண்டேகாலும்).

The names of different medicines that were kept in the store of the hospital were also mentioned in that inscription:

Haritaki - Ayurvedic haritaki herbal formulation in powder form; Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil; Ghrita – Ayurvedic medicated herbal ghee; Ayurvedic medicated water with cardamom and lemon as ingredients. Medicated herbal oils were prescribed for head / body massage to neutralize excess heat in human body. Ayurvedic oils also prescribed for 'tuvalai' or external applications. The ayurvedic drugs were administered through fumigation (vatu pitita), oral administration (consumed through mouth); nasal administration (naisyam); and ocular administration (kallikam). 

1. Haritaki (ஹரிதகி) (Terminalia chebula (Botanical) Chebulic Myrobalan (English) Haritaki in Sanskrit, Kadukkai (கடுக்காய்)in Tamil) 2 padi
2. Gomutra haritaki (கோமூத்திர ஹரிதகி) 2 padi (Ayurvedic herbal formulation in powder form);
3. Dasamula haritaki (தசமூலஹரிதகி) (Drug for treatment of mental illness) 1 padi (Ayurvedic herbal formulation in powder form to improve digestion);
4. Piplathaka haritaki (பிப்லாதக ஹரிதகி) 1 padi
5. Gandiram (கண்டீரம்) 1 padi
6. Balakoranda thailam (பலாகோரண்டதைலம்) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal  oil);
7. Pancharka thailam (பஞ்சார்கதைலம்) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal  oil);
8. Srilasratthakoranda thailam (ஸ்ரீலஸ்ரத்தா கோரண்டதைலம் ) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal  oil);
9. Kanyathi thailam (கண்யாதிதைலம் ) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal  oil);
10. Sakrutham (சாக்ருதம்) 1 pathakku;
11. Bilvadi ghritam (வில்வாதி க்ருதம் ) 1 pathakku (Ghrita – Ayurvedic medicated herbal ghee);
12. Mandukara vatakam (மண்டூரவாகம்) 2000;
13. Mahasumanathri (மஹாசுமனத்ரி) 2000;
14. Thanrathi (தந்த்ராதி) 2000;
15. Panchakalpam (பஞ்சகல்பம்) 1 thooni/pathakku
16. Kalyana lavanam (கல்யாணலவணம்) ( Lavan means salt. Kalyana lavanam used for treatment of insanity in general, epilepsy and stammering)

The Original Text:

ஆதுரசாலை வீரசோழனில் வியாதிப்பட்டு கிடப்பார் பதினைவர்க்கு பேரால் அரிசி நாழியாக அரிசி குறுணி எழுநாழிக்கு நெல் தூணி ஐந்நாழி உரியும் வியாதிப்பட்டு கிடப்பார்க்கு பலபடி நிபந்தக்காரர்க்கும் கிடைகளுக்கும் பாத்திரர்க்கும் சிவஸ்யஞ்சொல்லியாணியாக தனக்கும் தன் வர்க்கத்தாருக்கும் பெற்றுடைய ஆலப்பாக்கத்து சவணன் கோதண்டராமன் அசுவத்தம்பட்டனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் முக்குறுணியும் காசெட்டும் சல்லியக்கிரியை பண்ணுவானுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியும் ஆதுலர்க்கு மருந்துகளுக்கு வேண்டும் மருந்து பறித்து விறகிட்டு பரியாரம் பண்ணுவரிருவருக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியாக நெல்பதக்கும் காசொன்றாக காசிரண்டும் ஆதுலர்க்கு வேண்டும் பரியாரம் பண்ணி மருந்திடும் பெண்டுகளிருவருக்கு பேரால் நாநாழியாக நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியும் பேரால் காசரையாக காசொன்றும் ஆதுலர்க்கும் கிடைகளுக்கும் பாத்திரருக்கும் வேண்டும் பணிசெய்யும் நாவிசன் ஒருவனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நாநாழி ஆதுரசாலை வீரசோழனில் ஆண்டொன்றிலருமருந்து ஸ்ரீப்ராஹ்ம்ய மகருக்கு இப்படியொன்றும் … இப்படி ஹரிதகி படி இரண்டும் கோமூத்திர ஹரிதகி படியிரண்டும் தசமூலஹரிதகி படியொன்றும் பிப்லாதக ஹரிதகி படியொன்றும் கண்டீரம் படியொன்றும் பலாகோரண்டதைலம் தூணியும் பஞ்சார்கதைலம் தூணியும் ஸ்ரீலஸ்ரத்தா கோரண்டதைலம் தூணியும் கண்யாதிதைலம் தூணியும் ….. பதக்கும் சாக்ருதம் பதக்கும் வில்வாதி க்ருதம் பதக்கும் மண்டூரவாகம் இரண்டாயிரமும் மஹாசுமனத்ரி இரண்டாயிரமும் தந்த்ராதி இரண்டாயிரமும் பஞ்சகல்பம் தூணிபதக்கும் கல்யாணலவணம் தூணி பதக்கும் இவையடுகைக்கு வேண்டும் மருந்துகளுக்கும் நெய்யும் … வும் உள்ளிட்ட …. ஆண்டுதோரும் புராண.. சர்வ பசுவிநெய் பதக்கும் கொள்ள காசுநாற்பதும் ஆதுலசாலையில் இரா எரியும் விளக்கு ஒன்றுக்கு எண்ணெயாழாக்காக நாள் முன்னூற்றறுபதுக்கு எண்ணெய் நாற்பத்தைந்து நாழிக்கு காசிரண்டேகாலும்.. ஜனநாதன்… ல தன்யனுக்கு பங்குனி உத்திரம் தொடங்கி புரட்டாசி திருவோணத்தளவும் பரம்பாலூர… தண்ணீர் கொடுவந்து வைத்துச் சாய்ப்பான் ஒருவனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியாக நாள் நூற்றெண்பதுக்கு நெல் பதினெண்கலமும் ஏலத்துக்கும் இலாமிச்சத்துக்கும் நெல் இரு… ண்ணியாஹம் பண்ணின பிராமணர்க்கு தக்ஷிணாகம் வெற்றிலை வெருங்காய்க்கும் நெல் கலனே தூணி இருநாழி முழக்கே முச்செவிடும் வயலைக்காவூர் காணியுடைய மாதவன் தாயன் வர்க்கத்தார்க்கு புரட்டாதி திருவோணத்து நாள் உடுக்கும் பரிசட்டம் இரண்டுக்கு காசொன்றே எழுமாவும் மூவாயிரத்து இருநூற்று நாற்பத்து முக்கலனே இருதூணி பதக்கு அறுநாழி உழக்கே முச்செவிடுக்கும் காசு இருனூற்றொருபத்து ஆறறையே இரண்டு மாவுக்கும் இக்காசு பத்ராவிடில் காசொன்றுக்கு தண்டவாணி ஒன்றோடொக்கும் பொன்காசு நிறைகால் இடுவதாகவும் இப்படியாண்டு ஆறாவது நிபந்தம் செய்தபடி இந்நிபந்தம் தழுவக்குழைந்தானான அபிமானபேரு பிரம்ம மாராயன். (Source: Sri LV Krshnan REACH Foundation http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2010/03/field-trip-of-second-batch-of-epigraphy.html)

Chola Units and measurements: Measure of Grain Volume

360 nel          - 1 soadu (33.6 ml)
5 soadu         - 1 aazhaakku
1 aazhaakku            - 168 ml
1 uzhakku               - 336 ml (2 aazhaakku)
1 Uri            - 672 ml (2 Uzhakku / 4 aazhakku)
1 Nazhi    (Padi)        - 1. 344 lit. (2 Uri / 4 Uzhakku / 8 aazhakku)   
1 Kuruni (Marakkal)    - 10. 752 lit. (8 nazhi / 16 uri / 32 uzhakku / 64 aazhakku)
1 Pathakku         - 21.504 lit. (2 kuruni / 16 nazhi / 32 uri / 64 uzhakku /128 aazhakku)
1 Thooni        - 43.008 lit (2 pathakku / 4 kuruni / 32 nazhi / 64 uri / 128 uzhakku / 256 aazhakku)
1 Kalam        - 86.016 lit (3 kalam / 6 pathakku / 12 kuruni / 96 nazhi / 192 uri / 384 uzhakku / 768 aazhakku)

Chola Units and measurements: Measure of  Fluid volume

5 sevidu= 1 aazhaakku
2 mahani = 1 aazhakku (arai kal padi)
2 aazhaakku= 1 uzhakku (Kal padi)
2 uzhakku= 1 uri (Arai padi)
2 uri= 1 padi
8 padi= 1 marakkaal
2 marakkaal(kuRuNi)= 1 padhakku
2 padhakku= 1 thooNi
21 Marakkal = 1 Kottai

Chola Units and measurements: Measure of Gold weights

1 Nel edai        - 0.0625 gram
1 Kundrimani         - 0.25 gram or (4 Nel edai)
1 Manjadi (Panavedai)    - 0.50 gram (or 8 Nel edai / 2 Kundrimani)
1 Kalanju        - 2.5 gram (5 Manjadi (Panavedai)
1 Varaganedai        - 4 gram (8 Manjadi (Panavedai) / 1.6 Kalanju)
1 Sovereign (Poun)    - 8 gram (16 Manjadi (Panavedai) / 1.5 Kalanju

Reference

1. Field trip of second batch of epigraphy students to Thirumukoodal. Reach Foundation. March 12, 2010. http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2010/03/field-trip-of-second-batch-of-epigraphy.html
2. In typical Pallava style  by Chitra Madhavan. The Hindu Feb 04, 2005.
3. Treatment of the mentally ill in the Chola Empire in 11th -12th centuries AD: A study of epigraphs by Vijaya Raghavan. D, Tejus Murthy. A. G, and Somasundaram,  O. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2014 Apr-Jun; 56(2): 202–204.
4. Medicinal plants to grow again at ancient temple Julie Mariappan http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/TOINEW/ArtWin.asp
5. Reminiscing the Chola legacy Chitra Madhavan Indian Express Jan 29, 2014
6. South Indian Inscriptions. Volume 12. Stones No.75 (A. R. No. 179 of 1915). Tirumukkudal, Conjeeveram Taluk, Chingleput District. On a slab supporting a beam set up in the inner enclosure of the Venkatesa-Perumal temple. http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_51_to_75.html
7. Thirumukkoodal Sri Appan Prasanna Venkatesa Perumaal. In Dhivya Dharsanam. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 http://www.dharsanam.com/2011/05/thirumukkoodal-sri-appan-prasanna.html
8. Worship of Lord Brahma, Part 61 
9. ஆயிரம் வருட பழமையான கல்லூரி by Sasi Dharan March 4, 2013 https://www.facebook.com/SasidharanGS?hc_location=timeline 
10. வரலாற்று வரைவுகள் இரா. கலைக்கோவன்    http://www.varalaaru.com/design/article.aspx?ArticleID=359

Thirumukkudal Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple Inscriptions on Vedic College, Hospital and Village Sabha I

Thirumukkudal Sign-board

Venkatesa Perumal Thirumukkudal. Historical Information. Displayed by ASI

Thirumukkudal Temple Hospital Stored 20 different drugs (List of Drugs and the relevant data) to treat students, staff and others

Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. Front View 1

Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. Front View2

16 Pillar Mandapam: Staircase Parapet showing Yazhi (bas-relief)

Inscription (ARE 248/1923) of Vira Rajendra Chola (1063-1068 A.D.) dated in his 5th regnal year (1067 A.D.). About Vedic College (Jananatha Mandapam), Inmates Hostel and Veera Cholesvara Aadhular Salai (charitable dispensary / medical center),

Rajendra Chola I Meikeerthi (an inscription recording great accomplishments of Emperor Rajendra Chola I)

Pallava style Architecture: Seated Lion base pillar / corbels ('potika') and architrave ('valabhi')

Visiting Team with Temple (ASI) Staff: Temple staff, Sasi Dharan, ASI Staff, Devenathan Kannan and Raja

Thirumukkudal Temple Prakaram - Parivara Deities - Azhwars

Thirumukkudal Temple: Pillared Hall and Parvara Deities - Garuda and Karna-Kundala Anjaneya

On 29th June 2014, a group of temple enthusiasts went on a field trip to  Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal temple, Thirumukkudal near Chengalpattu, an hour's drive from Chennai. We were guided by Sri Sasi Dharan, who used to go to temples and monuments with friends as often as possible   to explore the history of art, hidden archaeology and architecture. Two more heritage and culture enthusiasts, Sri.Devanathan Kannan,  Sri. Raja joined with Sasi Dharan. It was a great experience to travel with this team and Sasi Dharan surprised us with his Chola epigraphy knowledge and skills.

Sri Sasi Dharan was explaining about four temples which patronized the study of Veda and Vedanta and conducted Vedic schools during ancient times: 1. Alagiya Narasingaperumal temple, Ennayiram, Villupuram (18 km from Villupuram) (1030 AD), 2. Varadaraja-perumal temple,  Tribhuvani (Tribhuvanamadevi Chaturvedimangalam) near Pondichery (1048 AD), 3. Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal temple, Thirumukkudal near Kanchipuram (1067 AD) and 4. Vedanarayana- perumal temple (Chittirameli Vinnakar) at Anur near Chengalpattu  during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I,  Rajadhiraja Chola I, Vira Rajendra Chola and Rajarajakesarivarma Pallava. He also briefed about his previous visit to Thirumukkudal temple.

Thirumukkudal (Thirumukkoodal) is quite an interesting and sequestered location and a visit to the Thirumukkudal Temple will catapult you back to the age of the Cholas. En route to Chengalpattu from Kanchipuram Thirumukkudal temple lies on the banks of Palar river. The temple's entrance is from east even though it faces north.

The main attraction of the temple is the imposing six-feet tall stucco image of Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal, the presiding deity. The Lord faces the north and is in a standing posture. The vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is of Sayana Vimana. The idol is an amalgamation of the Trimurti forms i.e,  a manifestation of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The idol appears with crown looking like matted locks of Shiva; the idol also has a third eye on the forehead. The left and right hands of the idol holds Chanka (conch) and Chakra (discus), the weapons of Vishnu. The idol stands on the lotus flower, the symbol of Brahma. Lord is wearing a Salagrama stone garland made of 108 beads. As the deity is the stucco image there is no Thirumanjanam (holy bath) performed but only Thaila Kaapu.

From epigraphs it is learned that the Lord was also invoked with different names such as Vishnu Bhatara (Pallava period);  Tirumukkudal-Azhwar and Mahavishnu (Chola period) and Venkateswara swami (later period).

The Lord is accompanied by His consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi seen meditating at His feet. Markandeya Rishi (Karumanickar) appear seated at the feet and took shelter of the Lord. Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala offered His Conch and Chakra to Raja Tondaiman Chakravarti and saved the king and his kingdom from foreign invasion. Later Tondaiman Chakravarti erected the same Conch and Chakra in the sanctum to glorify the Lord.

There is a separate east facing sanctum for goddess Alamelumanga to the right of the main sanctum. Also there are shrines for Garudazhavar and Anjaneya. The Azhwars, the Vaishnavite saints also appear in the circumambulatory path.

This unusual Pallava style temple built during 9th century A.D. is quite large and appears to have included  original plinth (padabandha adhistana) a sanctum (garbhagriha) and eka tala (single tier) vimana and the small pillared porch (ardha mandapa). The vimana is built above a moulded plinth (adhistana) comprising 'upa-peeta,' 'upana', 'Jagati' , tripatta-kumuda' 'kantha' (with 'kampa'). The pada or external walls of the vimana surface have plain 'pathis' or 'bhadras' and there are two central projections and 'koshtas' (niches) at east and west walls, flanked by pilasters. Pilasters support the corbels ('potika') and architrave ('valabhi') above. The prastara or the roof-structure of the sanctum is the very simple form. The oblong shaped  single storeyed vimana built with brick.

The  pillared hall serving as a portico for one or more small shrines. Six of the  pillars found at the pillared hall reminiscent of the distinctive Pallava type with the shafts of the columns supported by the bodies of seated lions.  The pillared halls have Mahendra style, cubical top and bottom with intermediate octagonal shaft. The cubical parts of the pillars are adorned with bas-relief images as well as various designs. The pillars and shallow pilasters carry on top massive corbels with beams.

Immense contribution was made by the Chola and Vijayanagara rulers to the architectural expansion of this temple complex. The entire temple complex - several mantapas or pillared halls, bali-peetam and dwajasthambam (flag mast) - are enclosed by the boundary walls. The unfinished east facing main entrance has only the base of gopuram or tower which stands  with two huge granite walls (to bear the load distribution) but no towering roof present and therefore known as mottai gopuram. We have noted Vijayanagara style 16 pillared hall with pillars adorned with exquisite bas-relief sculptures depicting the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Rama, Garuda, Hanuman and saint Ramanuja. 

Festival

The temple festivals: Tamil months Aippasi, Krittigai Deepam, Masi, Janmashtami.

Varadaraja Perumal's Parivettai: Five Perumals - Lord Varadarajaswami of Kanchipuram, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, Pazhaya Seevaram, Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal, Thirumukkudal and two other Perumals of near by temples meet together at Thirumukkudal temple courtyard and stay in different mandapas  on Mattu Pongal Day - Tamil month 'Thai' (16th January).

Archaeological Survey of India

The temple monument -  India’s ancient cultural heritage, is well preserved by the  Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI authorities have preserved the inscriptions without much damage. The maintenance and upkeep of this temple structure are in accordance with the ancient methods of construction technology.

The unique and distinctive inscription (ARE 248/1923) of Vira Rajendra Chola (1063-1068 A.D.), through which this temple became popular. The 55 line inscription documents about the organization and administartion of Veera Cholesvara Aadhular Salai (charitable dispensaries or medical center), to treat students and temple staff, comprising fifteen beds under the charge of a physician. Ancient physicians stacked away 14 other medicines to cure various ailments, including fever, urinary disorders, hemorrhage, lung diseases, fatigue, mental disorders, jaundice and eye and skin diseases.  With the help of experts from the National Institute of Siddha and Central Siddha Research Institute, the ASI maintains the herbal garden and grow medicinal plants on the temple grounds.  NISCSRI and ASI are together plan for an expansion programme is likely to cover nearly an acre in the coming months.

Inscriptions

The plinth (jagadi, tripatta-kumuda, walls, pillars, pilasters of the main sanctum as well as those of second cicumambulatory path (prakara), the north facing wall at the pillared hall and the east facing outer wall are dotted with 17 inscriptions in Chola Tamil script and most of them speaks about the land endowments for burning perpetual lamp in the temple and for offering to the deity and for flower garden in the name of Rajendra Cholan I, devotees offered sheep, paddy in specific grain measurement and gold. The inscriptions also details the offerings made to the deity three times a day, like kumkum, camphor, sandal paste and lamp as well as for specific offers for festivals / celebrations during Tamil months Aippasi, Krittigai, Masi and Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday) and King's birthday. Provision was made for the recitation of Nammazhwar's `Tiruvoimozhi.' 

The earliest inscription in the temple was recorded in the 24th year of Vijaya Nripatungavarman, the Pallava ruler. According to the Pallava inscriptions, Thirumukkudal was located in the assembly of Siyapuram in Urrukkattuk-kottam in Jayangondasola-mandalam.

South Indian Inscriptions. Volume 12. Stones No.75 (A. R. No. 179 of 1915). Tirumukkudal, Conjeeveram Taluk, Chingleput District. On a slab supporting a beam set up in the inner enclosure of the Venkatesa-Perumal temple.

This record states that, in the 24th year of Vijaya-Nripatungavikramavarman, the assembly of Siyapuram in Urrukkattuk-kottam agreed to maintain a perpetual lamp in the temple of Vishnu-Bhatara at Tirumukkudal for the interest on 30 kalanju of gold received by them from Ariganda-Perumanar, son of Kadupatti-Muttaraiyar.  The interest on 30 kalanju came to 4½ kalanju, calculating at the rate of 3 manjadi per kalanju.  For this 4½ kalanju, the assembly of Siyapuram agreed to supply oil at a uniform rate of 40 nali per kalanju for maintaining the lamp.  Palaiyasivaram near Tirumukkudal is called Siyapuram in inscriptions.

கோவிசய நிருபதுங்க பல்லவ விக்கிரம வருமக்கு யாண்டு இருபத்து நாலாவது காடுபட்டிமுத்தரையர் மகனார் அரிகண்டப்பெருமானாருக்கு ஊற்றுக்காட்டுக்கோட்டத்து சீயபுரத்து சபையோமொட்டிக்கொடுத்த பரிசாவது திருமுக்குடல் விஷ்ணுபடாரர்க்கு நுந்தாவிளக்கெரிப்பதற்க்கு தந்த எங்கள் கையிற்றந்த முப்பதின் களஞ்சு நாலுப் பொலியூட்டு ஆண்டுவரை களஞ்சின் வாய் மூன்று மஞ்சாடிபொன் ஆயனப்படியால் நாற்களஞ்சரையாலும் ஏறிலும் கறுங்காலும் நாற்பது நாழி எண்ணை நூற்றின்பதி .... 

The Chola inscriptions included Tirumukkudal in the ancient territorial sub-division known as Madhurantaka-Chaturvedimangalam, which was a part of Kalatur-kottam, a district of Jayamkonda-sola-mandalam.

Timings

The temple is open between 08.30 am to 11.30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays the temple is open from 08.30 am till 1 pm and from 3 pm till 7 pm.

Contacts: The temple priest Sri Raghunaadhan (Tel: 94437 78352)  

How to Get There
Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple,  Thirumukkudal    Kanchipuram     District. Tamil Nadu, India. Pin code is 603106 ( Orakattupettai ).

Geographical Location: at latitude 12 ° 45′0'' and longitude 12 ° 45′0''
Nearest Railway station:  Palayasivaram and Palur stations, on the Chennai - Chengalpattu - Kanchipuram line. Can be reached via Chengalpattu.
Nearest Airport Meenambakkam Airport in Chennai.
Temple lies on the south bank of the river Palar. It is 16 Km away from Chengalpattu City and well connected by a good network of roads. There are frequent bus services from Chennai to Chengalpattu,Kanchipuram and other places.

Reference

1. Field trip of second batch of epigraphy students to Thirumukoodal. Reach Foundation. March 12, 2010. http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2010/03/field-trip-of-second-batch-of-epigraphy.html
2. In typical Pallava style  by Chitra Madhavan. The Hindu Feb 04, 2005.
3. Treatment of the mentally ill in the Chola Empire in 11th -12th centuries AD: A study of epigraphs by Vijaya Raghavan. D, Tejus Murthy. A. G, and Somasundaram,  O. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2014 Apr-Jun; 56(2): 202–204.
4. Medicinal plants to grow again at ancient temple Julie Mariappan http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/TOINEW/ArtWin.asp
5. Reminiscing the Chola legacy Chitra Madhavan Indian Express Jan 29, 2014
6. South Indian Inscriptions. Volume 12. Stones No.75 (A. R. No. 179 of 1915). Tirumukkudal, Conjeeveram Taluk, Chingleput District. On a slab supporting a beam set up in the inner enclosure of the Venkatesa-Perumal temple. http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_51_to_75.html
7. Thirumukkoodal Sri Appan Prasanna Venkatesa Perumaal. In Dhivya Dharsanam. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 http://www.dharsanam.com/2011/05/thirumukkoodal-sri-appan-prasanna.html
8. Worship of Lord Brahma, Part 61 
9. ஆயிரம் வருட பழமையான கல்லூரி by Sasi Dharan March 4, 2013 https://www.facebook.com/SasidharanGS?hc_location=timeline 
10. வரலாற்று வரைவுகள் இரா. கலைக்கோவன்    http://www.varalaaru.com/design/article.aspx?ArticleID=359

Youtube 

Thirumukkudal.mp4 by Saravanan Iyer 

Appan Venkatesa Perumal Thirumukkudal 16.1.13