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 

Aditya Chola I Pallipadai (Royal Sepulchre) Near Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

Arch and Stupi at The Road Junction: Tirupati - Sri Kalahasti - Puttur Roads

Information Plaque below Stupi

Three tier Rajagopuram. The compound wall enclose large rectangular sized land.

Rajagopuram, Bali Peetam, Nandhi Mantapam, and the Main Sanctum (Adityesvara) aligned in the same axis.

View of shrine in 2010 Source: ஆதித்த சோழனைத் தேடி....Bodhi.

Date: Thursday, October 7, 2010

Vimanam: Superstructure Damaged: Source: ஆதித்த சோழனைத் தேடி....Bodhi. Date: Thursday, October 7, 2010

Present Date: 08 06 2014 View of Aditya Chola I Sepulchre (Under Renovation) and Kamakshidevi Shrine

Shiva Lingam at the Sepulchre Sanctum: Sanctum and Ardha Mantapam Viewed

Vimana base comprise: upana, jagati, tripatta-kumuda, kantha and kampa molding. Tripatta Kumuda bears inscription. 

Central niche of the Southern wall housing Dakshinamurthy.  Source: ஆதித்த சோழனைத் தேடி....Bodhi.

Date: Thursday, October 7, 2010

Present View: Central Niche Projected.  Padma and Silambu Kumuda. arrangement of friezes of bas-relief lion above the base

Lion Bas relief and Gomukha

Inscriptions of 34th regnal year  from Parantaka  Chola I (94l)

Portions of Tri-patta Kumuda damaged: Portions of the inscriptions lost. See the paint mark to identify the stone block

Excess Cement Mortar used to join boulders. The inscriptions and other sculptural aspects lost

Consort shrine: Kamakshidevi

Visiting the Adityesvara temple (ஆதித்தியேஸ்வர ஆலயம்) aka. Kodandaramesvara temple (கோதண்டராமேஸ்வர ஆலயம்) is a must on any visit to Sri Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. Kodandaramesvara is the Pallipadai (பள்ளிப்படை) sepulchre temple of Chola king, Aditya Chola I (c. 871 – c. 907 CE) (முதலாம் ஆதித்த சோழன்), the son of Vijayalaya Chola. Sepulchre temples are wonderful places to explore since there is lesser information known about them. Those of you who are familiar with sepulchre temples will no doubt amplify more; so please feel free to comment.

Aditya Chola I died at Tondaimanarrur in 907 CE. An inscription describe this by the epithet  "Tondaimanarrur tunjina udaiyar (தொண்டைமானரூர் துஞ்சின உடையார்)- "the king who died at Tondaimanarrur". 'The Kanyakumari inscription supplies us with the information that Aditya was also known by the surname Kodandarama.  In later times, this same title was borne by his grandson, prince Rajaditya.' 'In this village there still exists a temple called Kodandaramesvara, also mentioned in its inscriptions by the name Adityesvara. In one of the Tondamanad inscriptions reference is made to a “pallippadai”  (i.e., a shrine built over or near a burial ground) apparently at the same village.  It is evident, therefore, that Aditya died at Tondaimanarrur near Kalahasti and that his son Parantaka I built a Siva temple over his ashes.'

Where is this village Tondaimanarrur? How to get there and visit Adityesvara temple aka. Kodandaramesvara? I was searching the Google on the whereabouts of this sepulchre shrine near Sri Kalahasti. One or two travelogues in Tamil informed about Tondamanad and the sepulchre shrine which is in close proximity to Sri Kalahasti, in Chitoor district, Andhra Pradesh, PIN - 517641.

I was very keen to visit this sepulchre to show his respects and pray. Started from Tirupati on 08th June 2014 at 7.30 am by by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation Bus (APSRTC). Distance between Tirupati to Sri Kalahasti is 37 km. Travel Time by road is 1 hr.  Sri Kalahasti is a holy town and a municipality near Tirupati. When enquired about Thondamanad Shiva temple,the name of this place is unheard for many. 

I  am told to watch for an Arch on the right side of the road and I continued down the road for about 34 km. The arch was visible from the road and I got down from APSRTC. No one came to help me and the villagers neither know about Adityesvara temple nor Kodandarameswara temple. Now all left to me. However they guided me to proceed straight into the village and I walked about two - three km to reach Tondamanadu and finally I landed in Thondamanadu Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple built by Thondaman Chakravarthy brother оf Sri Padmavathi ammavaru (brother-in-law tо Sri Venkateswaraswamy).  This is only temple where one can see Venkateswaraswamy will be sitting along with Sri Devi (Lakshmi)  and Padmavathi Ammavaru. After darshan there, I was guided properly by the priest to go Bokkasampalem village and proceed further from the village arch into the village to get into the temple. Bokkasampalem is the historical village situated between Subbanaidukandriga and Eguva veedhi in the Sri Kalahasti Mandal.  ."Bokkasam" means Treasury, Thondaman chakravarthy ruled Thondamanadu. His treasury was placed in that village, so that the name came to Bokkasampalem village. Finally I have walked into Kodandarameswara sepulchre temple, in Bokkasampalem village. The little dilapidated Shiva temple was standing with amazing vibe. I have regained my confidence. One would simply love to sit around there and relax in peace.

The temple is maintained by the Executive Officer, Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Devastanam, Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, India. This historical monument is not protected by the Department of Archaeology and  hence continue to lie in utter neglect. After being neglected for decades, the historical Kodandarameswara sepulchre temple of Parantaka Chola I era in Sri Kalahasti mandal are set to undergo renovation. The Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Devastanam authorities have taken up renovation works in the main shrine. The vimana with beautiful stucco work was built using brick and lime mortar and was converted later into stone. Now it is completely demolished and the reconstruction have not commenced yet. They have strengthened the foundations and relaid the granite blocks from upana (the base) to prastara (entablature) including adhishtanam and wall structures of the shrine. However the rare inscriptions are smeared with cement mortar and the stone blocks bear painted identification markings. It appears that the renovation is taking place in a snail’s pace. Thanks to the patronage of Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Devastanam, devotees and heritage conscious persons, the daily rituals are being held without any interruption at the Ambal shrine.

Pallipadai  (Sepulchre temple)

Pallipadai means a (Sepulchre temple) Shiva temple constructed the mortal remains of Chola royalty.  Pallipadai is the Tamil name for sepulchral shrine. Normally funerary temples were erected over the places of burial of the mortal remains of ascetics, saints and sages. However raising sepulchral shrine on the burial / cremation ground was followed by the Lakulisa Pashupata sect during later Cholas period (10th and 11th century). No sepulchre temple traceable from the Pallava, or Chera kings,  but there are sepulchres from the Cholas. Such kind of worship protocol is not practiced today. Though there are about 16 Chola sepulchres pointed out, the scholars are in agreement with three sepulchre temples since they have specific inscriptions in their wall or plinth stating that they are Pallipadai koil (funeral temples). The remaining Chola sepulchres could not be traceable or there is a difference of opinion among the scholars about the identity of the location mentioned in the sources. The inscriptions from these Chola sepulchres deify the king or queen and commemorate the death. The direct male descendant of the king or queen and legitimate successor for the throne has only built the Chola sepulchre. The cult raising sepulchres for the dead king or queen and the cult of exalting or worshiping them was not prevalent after Chola dynasty. No Hindu Agamic text prescribes cannons for Pallipadai Temple construction.

The  spacious east facing Kodandarameswara Kamakshidevi temple complex is situated in the middle of the village Bokkasampalem and surrounded by the residences. The temple does not show any complex plan and the temple never enlarged by royal successors.  The architectural elements ‘reflect Chola convention.’ This whole temple complex stands within a spacious rectangular compound defined by prakara walls. The temple faces west towards the east gopuram of the Kodandarameswara complex, with which it is perfectly aligned.  The simple and interesting Stucco images (Sudhai) decorate the stone gopuram. Typical Chola dwarapalakas (door guardians) are not traceable. Main entrance showing Bali Peeta, and Nandhi Mantapa. An intricately sculpted Nandhi aka the celestial Bull, the divine mount of Lord Shiva, sits facing the main deity.

The vimana of the main shrine is small and typically square and includes sanctum (garbhagriha)  and ardhamandapa. From upana to prastara, the vimana is built with granite stone and the superstructure including shikara seems to have built out of brick and re-converted to stone.   At present the sanctum is bereft of its superstructure. Shiva Lingam (5 - 6 feet tall) is present in a two meter square sanctum sanctorum. There is an Ardhamantapa before the sanctum.

The vimana walls are divided into three segments and named as pathis and these pathis usually extends towards the upper tiers of the vimana. The segmenting is marked by pilasters. The corner pathis are called Karnapathis or Karnabhadra. The centrally located and little projected pathis from the walls is known as Salapathi or Salabhadra. Salapathis have one or more niches (koshta) or Sala-koshta. The plain outer walls of this particular vimana have brahmakanta pilasters (four sided) and plain Karnapathis. Although there is a slight projection of the sala-koshtas, there is almost no depth to house the deities. It appears that the sala-koshta deities might be later additions. Now niches are bereft of sculptures.

The vimana has the very austere basement (adhishtana) of padabandha type with the components of upa-peeta, upana, jagadi, tri-patta kumuda moulding. Prativari with Padma and Silambu Kumuda appear beneath the centrally projected niches. There is the arrangement of friezes of bas-relief lion above the base.

The consort (Ambal) shrine (added at later date) is in a separate sanctorum on the left. Also there are Navagriha figures (nine planets) on platform appears to have been added at later date.

Inscription

During the Raja Raja Chola rule, Sri Kalahasti fell under the revenue division of Attrur Nadu of Perumbanaipadi, which was a sub-division of Tiruvenkata Kottam (Tiruvenkata Circle) under the larger division of Jayamkonda Cholamandalam.

The detailed lithic records (stone inscriptions) of the 34th regnal year  from Parantaka  Chola I (94l)  written all around the tripatta kumuda of the central shrine (vimanam) recording a gift of 105 Kazhanchu gold (one Kazhanchu is approximately equivalent to 5 grams) and agreement to measure every year 4000 kadi of paddy as deposit by Vageeswara Panditha Bhattarar.  The inscription records further about the utilization of interest accrued from gift (deposits) i.e, agreed to measure 1000 kadi of paddy every year as interest as well as to provide curd, ghee, salt, vegetables and other requirements for observing the seven day celebrations that concluded on Sadhayam star constellation in the Tamil month Purattasi (September - October). Sadhayam was the natal star constellation of Aditya Chola I. The inscription also instructs further to dedicate the seven day festival to Lord Indra,  the god of thunder and rain. (Indra Vizha (Festival for Lord Indra) was celebrated in the ancient Chola capital Kaveripumpattinam and it is believed that the discontinuation of the Indra Vizha celebrations led to the destruction of this Chola capital.)

During the Indra Vizha celebrations one thousand devotees of different sects and classes were to be fed. Of the one thousand devotees, 500  devotees must be from different religious sects and classes "பக்தர்களான பல சமயத்து அந்நூற்றவர்." From the remaining 500, there must be 300 brahmins and 200 devotees must be saints, ascetics (தபஸ்விகள்), including hermits of  Mahavratam sect (மகாவிரதிகள்), from six different Saivite sects (Saivam, Pasupatham, Kalamukham, Mahavratam, Vamam and Bhairavam) of the Hindu religion "தபஸ்விகளில் மகாவிரதிகள் உட்பட ஆறுசமயத்து தபஸ்விகள் இருநூற்றவர்" 

The charity of feeding the devotees was to be maintained by the Vageeswara Panditha Bhattarar of the Pallipadai temple and by the Sabha (assembly prominent Brahmin landholders in Chola local administration system) and devotees of Thondaimaan Peraarur village. The inscription specifies that the interest was to be measured in 1000 kadi of paddy.

The village sabha paid in measures of paddy-wages to servants for spreading banana leaves, fetching drinking water of paddy-wages; to pot maker for providing mud pots; to vendors for providing flower garland and firewood. There was a Chola sponsored vedic school and measures of paddy-wages were provided for its maintenance purposes. The Pallipadai temple was also attached with the  theatrical hall for dramatic dance and music and the carpenter (who attended the maintenance work) was also provided with measures of paddy-wages. During the celebrations, folk dance dramas (koothus) were organized. The drama artists and singers were also given measures of paddy-wages.  

Vijayalaya Cholas

The Sangam literature fame early Chola kingdom (Uraiyur as Chola capital city) faded into darkness after 3rd century A.D. After the 'dark' age there was an ascendancy of the Pallava and Pandya dynasties.

The real founder of the Chola dynasty of Thanjavur was Vijayalaya Chola (848-891) aka. Parakesarivarman, a feudatory of the Pallavas. His dynasty rose to its prominence during the middle of the 9th century A.D. He captured Thanjavur in 848 A.D. from some local chieftains (Mutharaiyar) and established as a semi autonomous state.

The successors of Vijayalaya  managed to become independent from the control of the Pallavas. They fought with Pallavas and Pandiyas of Madurai and defeated them and extended they sway to most parts of modern day Southern Tamil Nadu. Thus greatest Chola empire came into existence in South India during the second quarter of the 9th century A.D. and lasted for more than

Aditya Chola I (முதலாம் ஆதித்த சோழன்) (c. 871 – c. 907 CE) was the son of Vijayalaya Chola. Aditya Chola I had a long and victorious reign during which he laid the foundation of the future greatness of the Chola empire. He had "Rajakesari" title. He was also called as Kodanda Raman.

Aditya Chola I is regarded as Thirupurambiyam battle hero. The village Thirupurambiyam is located on the Thanjavur - Kumbakonam route in Tamil Nadu. The battle was mainly engaged between the Pallava king Aparajit and Pandia king Varaguna Pandian aka Varagunavarman II  in the year  885 CE. The two sons of  the Pallava king Nandivarman III - his eldest son Nripatunga and another son Aparajit - developed enmity after the demise of their father in 869 AD. The Pandias supported Nripatunga and Pallavas supported Aparajit. Aparajit also received support from Ganga king Prithvipathi I and Aditya Chola I.

The Pandias got defeated and this battle ensured the end of Pandya power in the south. The Ganga king Prithvipathi was also killed in this battle. The king Varaguna Pandian renounced his throne and turned as an ascetic. Cholas reaped maximum benefit out of Thirupurambiyam victory and the grateful Aparajita not only agreed to retain the territories won by Vijayalaya Chola, but also assigned the new regions around Thanjavur held by Mutharaiyars to Cholas as  the token of appreciation.

Later, in the year 903 CE, the 32nd year of his reign, Aditya Chola I became very powerful and don't want to continue as a subordinate to Pallavas. In a battle he defeated the Pallava king Aparajit and captured Pallava kingdom. It is believed that he himself killed Aparajit who was mounted on an elephant in the battle. The conquest of the Tondaimandalam earned for Aditya I the epithet "Tondainadu pavina Rajakesarivarman" (தொண்டைநாடு பாவின இராசகேசரிவர்மன்) - "Rajakesarivarman who overran Tondainadu". The name Tondaimandalam region was later converted as Jeyangonda. Cholamandalam. Aditya Chola I also conquered the Kongu country located in the south west of Tamil Nadu and captured region from the Pandya king Viranarayana.

Aditya Chola I is claimed to have built a number of temples for Lord Shiva along the banks of the Cauvery. The Kanyakumari inscription gives us the information that Aditya I was also known by the surname Kodandarama.

Aditya Chola I was survived by his queens Ilangon Pichchi and Vayiri Akkan alias Tribhuvana Madeviyar. Besides these two queens Aditya I also had a mistress named Nangai Sattaperumanar as evidenced from an inscription.

Medieval Cholas aka. Vijayalaya Chola Dynasty
Reign Period (A.D.)	Name of the Chola	Relationship	Historical Facts - Reign
848 - 871	Vijayalaya Chola (848 - 871)	Founder of Medieval Chola Dynasty Successor: Aditya Chola I	Vijayalaya rose out of obscurity and captured Thanjavur in 848A.D. from Mutharaiya, the local chieftain.
871 - 907	Aditya Chola I (871 - 907)	Son of Vijayalaya Chola Predecessor: Vijayalaya Chola Successor: Parantaka Chola I	extended the Chola dominions by the conquest of the Pallavas. Tondaimanarrur tunjina udaiyar
907 - 950	Parantaka Chola I (907 - 950)	Son of Aditya Chola I Predecessor: Aditya Chola I Successor: His second son Gandaraditya	Long reign (48 years). Increased success and prosperity. Died in 950 A.D.,
	Rajaditya (died.949) ("aanai mael thunjiya devar")	Son of Parantaka Chola I	(the prince and the first in line to the throne - killed in one of the bloodiest battles in Thakkolam (949 A.D.)
950 - 957	Gandaraditya (950 - 957)	Son of Parantaka Chola I Predecessor: Parantaka Chola I Successor: Arinjaya Chola	More suited to the realm of religion than politics. His reign was marked for the stagnation in the progress of the Chola power.
956 - 957	Arinjaya (956 - 957)	Son of Parantaka Chola I Predecessor: Gandaraditya Chola Successor: Sundara Chola	Ruled for a brief period
957 - 970	Sundara Chola (957 - 970) Title: Parantaka Chola II	Son of Arinjaya Chola Predecessor: Arinjaya Chola Successor: Uththama Chola	Aditya II (Aditya Karikala) Rajaraja Chola I Kundavai (Daughter) Chola power recovered during Sundara Chola’s reign. Died in 973 A.D.
	Aditya Karikala (died. 965) Aditya II	Son of Sundara Chola and the prince and the first in line to the throne -	Defeated the Pandyas. Invaded in the north up to Tondaimandalam. Killed in a political intrigue in 965 A.D. Uththama Chola’s   involvement in this plot has been suspected.
970 - 985	Uththama Chola (970 - 985)	Minor son of Gandaraditya Chola and Sembiyan Mahadevi and the cousin of Sundara Chola. Predecessor     Sundara Chola Successor     Rajaraja Chola I	Due to his immaturity, his rights to the Chola throne were probably set aside and Gandaraditya’s younger brother Arinjaya Chola was crowned king.
985 - 1014	Rajaraja Chola I (985 - 1014)	Son of Sundara Chola and the prince and the second in line to the throne Predecessor: Sundara Chola Successor: Rajendra Chola	Consolidated and established  the Chola Empire. Brought political unity to the whole of Southern India and establish- ed the Chola Empire as a       respected sea power. Rajaraja eliminated the last remnants of the Rashtrakuta power.
985 - 1014	Rajaraja Chola I (985 - 1014)  Titles: Parakesari, Rajakesari, Mummudi Cholan	Son of Sundara Chola and the prince and the second in line to the throne Predecessor: Sundara Chola Successor: Rajendra Chola I	Consolidated and established  the Chola Empire. Brought political unity to the whole of Southern India and establish- ed the Chola Empire as a       respected sea power. Rajaraja eliminated the last remnants of the Rashtrakuta power.
1012 - 1044	Rajendra Chola I (1012 - 1044) Titles: Parakesari, Yuddhamalla, Mummudi, Gangaikonda Chola	Son of Rajaraja Chola I Predecessor: Rajaraja Chola I Successor: Rajathiraja Chola	Issues: Rajadhiraja Chola I Rajendra Chola II Virarajendra Chola (daughters) Arulmolinangayar Ammangadevi Extended his father’s            successes by completing the  conquest of Lanka          (1018 A.D.), invade Western Chalukyas (1021 A.D.) and  invade Vengi (1031 A.D.).
1018 - 1054	Rajadhiraja Chola (1018 - 1054) -	Son of Rajendra Chola I Predecessor    Rajendra Chola I Successor     Rajendra Chola II	lost his life on the battlefield
1051 - 1063	Rajendra Chola II (1051 - 1063) -	Son of Rajendra Chola I Predecessor    Rajadhiraja Chola Successor     Virarajendra Chola	crowned in the battlefield
1063 - 1070	Virarajendra Chola (1063 - 1070)	Son of Rajendra Chola I Predecessor    Rajendra Chola II Successor     Athirajendra Chola
1067 - 1070	Athirajendra Chola (1067 - 1070)	Son of Virarajendra Chola Predecessor    Virarajendra Chola Successor     Kulothunga Chola I

How to Get There:

Bokkasampalem village is located on the Puttur -  Sri Kalahasti road - in between  Subbanaidukandriga and Eguva veedhi. It is 7 km from Sri Kalahasti. The temple located 0.5 km away from Thondamanadu Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple. Good transport facility (frequent share autos and occasional buses) is available from Sri Kalahasti to Bokkasampalem village.

• Address :     Near Rachabanda , Sivalayam Street , Ramalayam temple, 517640
• Nearest Bus Stop     Eguva veedhi Bus Stop 1 KM. from temple
• Nearest Railway Station     Sri Kalahasti Railway Station distance 7 KM. from the temple
• Nearest Airport     Renigunta Airport distance 17 KM. from the Temple

References 

1. ஆதித்த சோழனைத் தேடி....Bodhi. http://bodhiparthi.blogspot.in/2010/10/blog-post_07.html 
2. XI.- Inscriptions of Parakesarivarman Parantaka I No. 103. – ON A SLAB BUILT INTO THE VERANDAH ROUND THE CENTRAL SHRINE OF THE ADHIPURISVARA TEMPLE AT TIRUVORRIYUR) http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_3/introduction1.html#_ftnref10
3. Aditya Chola I Wikipedia
4. Balsubrahmanyam, S. R. Early Chola Art, part I, Asia Publishing house, 1966
5. Choubey, M.C. Lakulisa in Indian Art and Culture, New Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan, 1997.
6. Living beyond death: Chola sepulchres. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Living-beyond-death-Chola-sepulchres.-a0271884983
7. Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. The Colas, Madras: The University of Madras, 1984. 
8. The Cholas. Humanities 360. http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/the-cholas-46118/

Chola Temples

 

Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, Narthamalai, Pudukkottai District Rebuilt by Vijayalaya Chola

Muvar Koil, Pudukkottai District, Paranthaka II

Srinivasanallur, Koraganathar Temple, Trichy District Paranthaka I

Darasuram Airavatesvara (Raja Rajeswaram) Temple , Kumbakonam - Rajaraja Chola II

Pullamangai Brahmapurirswarar, Thanjavur District, Paranthaga Chola I

Cholas built many temples all over Tamil Nadu.I am trying to map these temples with the Chola kings who built or rebuilt these temples based on the available inscriptions.

EARLY CHOLA PERIOD

Aditya Chola

1. Thirupparaithurai Tharugavaneswarar, Trichy – Aditya Chola
2. Kumaravayalur Tirukattrali Parameswarar, Trichy – Aditya Chola
3. Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalingar, Kumbakonam – Aditya Chola
4. Nemam Airavateswarar, Thanjavur – Aditya Chola
5. Thillaisthanam Neyyadiappar, Thanjavur – Aditya Chola
6. Thiruchottruthurai Othavaneswarar, Thanjavur – Aditya Chola
7. Thirupponthuruthi Pasbavaneswarar, Thanjavur – Aditya Chola
8. Thiruvedikudi Vedapureeswarar, Thanjavur – Aditya Chola
9. Thirupazhanam Abathsahayeeswarar, Thanjavur – Aditya Chola
10. Kudanthai Nageeswarar, Kumbakonam – Aditya Chola
11. Thiruvayaru Panchnadeeswarar, Thiruvaiyaru – Aditya Chola
12. Thirukattalai Sundreeshwarar, Pudukottai – Aditya Chola
13. Thirukattupalli Agneeshwarar, Thiruvaiyaru – Aditya Chola
14. Keelayur Thenvayil Sreekoil, Nagapattinam – Aditya Chola
15. Lalgudi Sapthareeshwarar, Lalgudi, Trichy – Aditya Chola
16. Thirupurambiyam Satchinathar, Kumbakonam – Aditya Chola
17. Thiruerumbiyur Erumbeeswarar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy – Aditya Chola
18. Thiruchendurai Chandrasekarar, Trichy – Aditya Chola
19. The Ranganatha Temple at Srirangapatnam, Mandya district, Karnataka - Aditya Chola I
20. Nageswaran Temple, Kumbakonam - Aditya Chola I
21. Thirukadambatturai Udaiya Mahadevar (Matsyapurisvarar temple), Tudaiyar, Trichy - Aditya Chola I
    
     Paranthaka Chola I 

1. Uyyakondan Thirumalai Ujjivaneeswarar, Trichy - Paranthaga Chola I
2. Nangavaram Sundareeswarar, Trichy - Paranthaga Chola I
3. Andanallur Thiru Alanthurai Mahadevar or Vada Tirthanathar, Trichy - Paranthaga Chola I
4. Sithalingamadam Viyakrabatheeswarar, Villupuram - Paranthaga Chola I
5. Thiruvettriyur Adheepureeswarar, Chennai - Paranthaga Chola I
6. Madhuranthagam Sivan and Visnu koil, Kanchipuram - Paranthaga Chola I
7. Thiruvamathur Abirameswarar or Nandieswarar, Villupuram - Paranthaga Chola I
8. Kattumannarkudi Viranarayana Vinnagar, Chidambaram - Paranthaga Chola I
9. Erumbur Kadamabavaneeswarar, Cuddalore - Paranthaga Chola I
10. Cholapuram Sivan Koil, Perambalur - Paranthaga Chola I
11. Pullamangai Brahmapurirswarar,Papanasam, Thanjavur - Paranthaga Chola I
12. Thiruchennampoondi Sadayari, Thanjavur - Paranthaga Chola I
13. Thirunamanallur Tiruthondeeswarar, Tiruvannamalai - Paranthaga Chola I
14. Thiruvaduthurai Komuktheswarar, Nagapattinam - Paranthaga Chola I
15. Alambakkam Kailasanathar, Trichy - Paranthaga Chola I
16. Thirukandiyur Virattaneswarar, Thanjavur - Paranthaga Chola I
17. Thirupalthurai Adimuleswarar, Trichy - Paranthaga Chola I
18. Srinivasanallur Koranganathar, Musiri, Trichy - Paranthaga Chola I
19. Valikandapuram Valikandeswarar, Veppanthattai, Perambalur - Paranthaga Chola I
20. Thiruvalanchuzhi Temple, Tanjore District, Near Kumbakonam - Paranthaga Chola I
21. Tirumalpur, Vellore – Paranthaga Chola I
    
    
    Sundara Chola / Uthama Chola

1. Ponsei Nalthunaieswarar, Mayiladuthurai - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
2. Perungudi Agastheeswarar, Trichy - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
3. Konerirajapuram UmaMaheswarar, Mayiladuthurai - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
4. Thirukodikaval Sivan Koil, Mayiladuthurai - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
5. Karunthittaikudi Vasisteshwarar, Thanjavur - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
6. Anangur Sivan Koil, Namakkal - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
7. Thirunaraiyur Sithanathaswamy,Kumbakonam - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
8. Courtallam Soleeswarar, Kanchipuram - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
9. Koviladi Divyaganeeswarar, Trichy - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
10. Thodaiyur Bishamanganeeswarar,Pudukottai - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
11. Thirunageswararm Nageswarar, Kumbakonam - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
12. Sembianmadevi Kailasanathar, Thiruvarur - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
13. Thirukarugavur Sivan Koil, Thanjavur - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
14. Govindaputhur Gangasadatharar, Ariyalur - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
15. Kilapazhuvur Alandurayar, Ariyalur - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
16. Kodumbalur Thaligal, Pudukottai - Sundra Chola / Uthama Chola
    
    
    MEDIEVAL CHOLA PERIOD
    
    
    Rajaraja Chola I

1. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur - Rajaraja Chola I
2. Masilamaneeswarar temple, Utatur(Urrattur), Padalur, Trichy - Rajaraja Chola I 
3. Parameeswarar temple, Thirumangalam, Lalgudi, Trichy - Rajaraja Chola I
4. Kuganathaswamy Temple, Kanyakumari – Rajaraja Chola I 
5. Melpadi Samathi Koil, Vellore – Rajara Chola I
6. Narasimmaswamy, Ennairam, Villupuram – Rajaraja Chola I 
7. Kamarasavalli, Ariyalur – Rajaraja Chola I 
8. Adhi Lakshmi temple, Natham, Lalgudi, Trichy - Rajaraja Chola I and Kulothunga III 
9. Virinjipuram, Vellore – Rajaraja I and Kulothunga Chola I
10. Tiruvalisvaram temple near Tirunelveli – Rajaraja Chola I / Rajendra Chola I
11. Vaidyanatha Temple at Tirumalavadi – Rajaraja Chola I / Rajendra Chola I
12. Uttara Kailasa Temple at Thanjavur – Rajaraja Chola I / Rajendra Chola I
    
    
    Rajendra Chola I 

1. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram - Rajendra Chola I
2. Dharasuram,, Thanjavur – Rajendra Chola I 
3. Bala Subramaniyar Koil, Theni – Rajendra Chola I
4. Ramanatheeswarar koil, Esalam, Villupuram – Rajendra Chola I
   
   
   LATER CHOLA PERIOD
    
   Rajaraja Chola II 

1. The Airavatesvara(Raja Rajeswaram) Temple at Darasuram, Kumbakonam - Rajaraja Chola II
2. Apradeeswara Temple- Nagar, Lalgudi - Rajaraja Chola II
   
    

1. Karakoil at Melakkadambur - Kulothunga Chola I
2. Amirthakateshwarar Temple, Melakadambur, Chidambaram - Kulothunga Chola I
3. Kambhareeswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam, Thanjavur District -  Kulothunga Chola I
4. Tirupuvanam, Thanjavur – Kulothunga Chola I

1. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy - Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola)
2. Vekkaliamman Koil, Uraiyur, Trichy - Kochenga Chola

1. Agasteeswarar temple, Perungudi, Trichy - Sundara Chola
2. Nandhikeswarar, Thuriyur, Trichy - Sundara Chola

1. Achaleeswaram temple, Tiruvarur - Sembian Mahadevi, 10 the century
2. Tirunallam Temple(Gandaradityam) – Sembian Mahadevi
3. Kailasanathaswamy Temple, Sembianmadevi – Sembian Mahadevi
   
   
   CHOLA TEMPLES REBUILT 

1. Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, Naaratahamalai, Pudukottai District - Rebuilt by Vijayalaya Chola I
2. Thiruvalithayam - Padi, Chennai - Rajaraja Chola III
3. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram - Rajendra Chola II 
4. Muvar Koil, Pudukottai - Parantaka II
5. Kampaharesvara temple at Tribhuvanam near Kumbakonam - Kulothunga Chola III
6. Kailasmudaiyar temple, Cholamadevi, Thiruverumbur, Trichy - Virarajendra Chola
7. Patteswarar Temple, Perur, Coimbatore – Karikala Perivalanam 
8. Tirunageeswaram, Tanjavur – Gandaraditya Chola 
9. Maada Kovil, Uraiyur, Trichy – Sengan Chola 
10. Tirupachur, Tiruthani, Chennai – Karikalan Chola 
11. Thiyagarajar Temple, Tiruvarur - Muchukanta Chola
12. Sri Pundarikashan Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai - Sibi Chakravarthy

1. Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai - 9th century Chola king
2. Erumbeeswarar temple, Thiruverumbur, Trichy - Early Chola kings 
3. Amaleesvarar Temple, Gopurapatti, Tiruvassi, Trichy - Early Cholas
4. Vada Tirthanathar temple, Andavanallur, Trichy - Early Cholas
5. Sundareswarar temple, Paluvur, Karur-Trichy road - Early Cholas
6. Ekambareswarar Temple, Chidambaram - Rebuilt by Chola kings
7. Kasi viswanathar temple, Thirupattur, Siruganur, Trichy - Unknown Chola king 
8. Muchukondeeswarar, Kodumbalur, Pudukottai – Unknown Chola king
9. Kangeeswarar Koil, Kangaya Nallur, Vellore – Unknown Chola king
10. Tiruvakarai, Villupuram – Unknown Chola King
11. Tiruvamathur, Villupuram – Unknown Chola King
12. Thirutanthoneeswarar, Uraiyur, Trichy – Unknown Chola king
13. Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam- Unknown Chola king according to Legend
14. Thayinum Nalla Iswaram - Aaragalur, Perambalur District, Near Arumbavur - Vana Kovaraiyan, A Chola subsidiary
    
    Posted by Chennaitian  in Blogspot.Chennaitian on Thursday, July 7, 2011