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

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

Architecture

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

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

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

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

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

History

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

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

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

This land was also the scene of many battles. In 788 A.D, Jatilavarman Parantaka (Maranjadayan) the Pandya king waged a war over Ay kingdom and encircled Vizhinjam port. The Pandya conquered the Ays and made it a tributary state. Also military campaigns between the Kulasekara rulers (rulers of Venadu) and the later Cholas took place in this region. Vizhinjam also seems to have served as the former Dutch and British factory.

Temple timings: 0900 - 1800 hrs. It remains closed on Mondays.

Best Season: October to March

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

How to get there?

Nearest Bus-station: K-S-R-T-C-Vizhinjam-Bus-Station. A good network of roads connect Vizhinjam with several tourist destinations. within Kerala and India. State buses and inter-state buses can be availed to reach Vizhinjam.

Nearest Railwaystation: Nemem Railway Station , Balabnramapuram Railway Station are the very nearby railway stations to Vizhinjam. How ever Trivandrum Central Railway Station is major railway station 13 KM near to Vizhinjam

Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport- 14 KM

Reference 

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

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Vizhinjam's cave temple wows tourists by asianetcablevision

Heritage Trail: Thiruvallam, Melpadi, Mahendravadi and Pullalur 3

Contd. from Part 2...

Lakulisa Pasupata Shaivism

The earliest known ati marga (ascetic path) is Pasupata Shaivism. It is an ascetic devotional bhakti movement worshiping Shiva as the supreme deity. Lakulisa was the founder of Lakulisa Pashupata Shaivism. This school of Shaivism originated at Kayavarohan in Gujarat and extended to Payar in Kashmir and Orisa in the east. It later spread far and wide and penetrated into Tamil Nadu in the 7th to 14th century A.D. This school also said to have given birth to Kalamukha and the Kapalika schools.The Medieval and Later Cholas seem to have been deeply interested in the Saiva cult called Lakulisa cult. It is learned that Tiruvorriyur was a strong center of this cult during these periods.

Pallipadai



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 (between 9th and 11th century). No sepulchre temple traceable from the Pallava, or Chera kings,  but there are sepulchres from the Cholas and Pandyas. 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 (One in Andhra Pradesh i.e, Kodandaramesvara aka Adityesvara, Tondaimanarrur (Bokkishampalem) near Kalahasti; and two in Tamil Nadu Arinjikai Isvram, Melpadi, Vellore district, and Panchavan Maa Devi Isvaram, Palaiyarai, Kumbakonam)  since they have specific inscriptions in their wall or plinth stating that they are Pallipadai kovil (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.

Cholesvara Temple aka Arinjikai Isvaram

The  small scale east facing Cholesvara Temple aka Arinjikai Isvaram complex is located on the river bank of Ponnai at the out skirts of the village Melpadi and surrounded by the green paddy fields and shady trees. The temple complex is well maintained and protected within Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) fence. The granite temple structure does not show any complex plan and the temple never enlarged by royal successors.  The architectural elements 'reflect Chola convention.’ This whole granite structure stands within the rectangular compound defined by granite perimeter walls. 

Arinjigai-Isvara

Arinjigai-Isvara

The vesara vimana of the main sanctum is small and typically square and includes sanctum (garbhagriha) ardhamandapa and mukhamndapa. From upana to stupi, the vimana is built with green tinged granite stone.  Shivalingam (3 - 4 feet tall) is present in a 10 s.ft sanctum sanctorum. There is an Ardhamantapa before the sanctum.

Vesara Vimana

The external vimana walls are divided into segments and the segmenting is marked by pilasters.  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.

The vimana has the very austere basement (adhishtana) of padabandha type with the components of upa-peeta, upana, jagadi, tri-patta kumuda moulding. There is an arrangement of friezes of bas-relief lion at the kodungai.

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

Dakshinamurti

Dakshinamurthi

On the southern wall is found the figure of Dakshinamurti (தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி). Dakshinamurti is seated on a hillock in utkatasana posture (legs are broken) with his left leg placed above the right leg. His front right hand and the front left hand are broken. The back hands carry rosary (akshamala) (அக்கமாலை) in the right and fire in the left. His locks are arranged as jatabhara (ஜடாபாரா) in which the braids (சடை) are curled at the tips and adorned with crescent moon (பிறைச் சந்திரன்) on the right. Patra-kundala earring in his left earlobe and in his right ear an open circular earring (karnavali or vratta-abharana). Chavadi, beaded mala, baguvalai, kankanas, keyura, udarabandha are the ornaments adorn by him. Yajnopavita is worn in upavita fashion and the brahma knot formed above the chest. Animals like snake, ox and deer are shown on the hillock as listening to the God. Besides, two of the sages are shown seated in front of the God. The banyan tree depicts the holy ash bag and kuyil.

Vishnu

Vishnu

On the back wall Koshta of the sanctum sanctorum is found the figure of sthanaka Vishnu (நின்றகோல விஷ்ணு). The Lord is standing in sama with his front right hand in abhaya and the front left hand in katyavalambita. The back hands show kartari hasta mudra and holds prayoga chakra (பிரயோகச் சக்கரம்)  in the right and conch (sankha) (சங்கு)  in the left. He wears krita makuta (கிரீட மகுடம்). Yagnopavita is worn from left to right. Sarapali, armlets, bangles, udarabandha are the ornaments adorn him. He is adorned with long attire in panchakacham (பஞ்சகச்சம்) fashion.with idaikattu. Two lions are shown on either side of his legs.

Brahma
 

Brahma

The Koshta at the northern wall of the sanctum sanctorum houses the figure of Brahma (பிரம்மா (நான்முகன்). The Lord is standing in sama bhanga with his front right hand in abhaya and the front left hand in katyavalambita. The back hands show kartari hasta mudra and holds rosary (akshamala) (அக்கமாலை) in the right and the wrist and palm of the left hand broken.  The four headed deity wears jatamakuta.  Yagnopavita is  is running from left to right. The ears are adorned with patrakundalas. Sarapali, armlets, bangles, udarabandha are the ornaments adorn him. He is adorned with  a heavy lower garment in panchakacham (பஞ்சகச்சம்) fashion.with idaikattu. Idaikattu is shown with only one knot on the right side.

Vishnu Durga

 

Vishnu Durga

The next koshta houses the goddess Vishnu Durga (விஷ்ணு துர்க்கை). The Goddess is standing in sama with her front right hand in abhaya and the front left hand in katyavalambita. The back hands are in kartari hasta mudra (கர்த்தரி ஹஸ்த முத்திரை) and also carry prayoga chakra (பிரயோகச் சக்கரம்) in the right and conch (sankha) (சங்கு) in the left. He is adorned with long attire and idaikattu. Karanda makuta adorn her head. Patra and makara kundalas, kankanas, keyuras, kantika, sarapali are the ornaments adorn by her.

On both sides of the entrance to the main sanctum, there are two tall, robust Dwarapalakas (துவாரபாலகர்கள்) with bulky physique,  bulging eyes (முட்டைக் கண்கள்), bushy eyebrows (அடர்ந்த புருவம்), protruding curved sharp canine teeth (நீண்ட கூறிய கோரைப்பற்கள்), standing facing each other.  Both the Dvarapalakas are best examples of Early Chola sculptures, demonstrating the mastery of the Chola sculptors. 

The dvarapalaka in the south is standing with his right leg in sama and left leg in parsva and resting on the plank. His head is decorated as jatabhara with ardhachandra motiff. He has four hands: front right hand in darjani hasta mudra (தர்ஜனி ஹஸ்த முத்திரை) and the front left hand in katyavalambita. The back right hand carry serpent and the back left hand in vismaya hasta mudra (விஸ்மய ஹஸ்த முத்திரை). The locks are arranged as jatamakuta with kirtimukha in the centre and also adorned with head band. The ears are elongated lobes and adorned with patrakundalas bearing lion motiff.  He is decked with ornaments like head patta, snake coil armlets, bangles, charapali, beaded necklace and udarabandha. The lower garment is fastened by a hip belt

The dvarapala in the north is standing with his right leg in sama and left leg in parsva and resting on the plank. His head decorated as jatamakuta with ardhachandra motiff and the free floating hair forming a thick jatabhara behind him. He has four hands: front right hand in darjani hasta mudra (தர்ஜனி ஹஸ்த முத்திரை) and the front left hand in katyavalambita. The back right hand carry serpent and the back left hand in vismaya hasta mudra (விஸ்மய ஹஸ்த முத்திரை). The patra kundala with swan motiff and makara kundala adorn his long ear lobes.  He is richly adorned with ornaments such as bangles, keyura (armlets), tharagaichummai (hip ornament), beaded necklace around the neck, sarapali,  and udarabandha, and the anklet and the keyura are heavily beaded with salangai.

The yagnopavita,  worn by the two Dwarapalakas, is the plaited human hair pieces known as 'Panchavadi' (பஞ்சவடி). According Lakulisa Pasupata iconography (லகுலிச பாசுபத சிற்ப சாஸ்திரம்), Lord Shiva wears Panchavadi in place of yagnopavita.  

Makara Toranas, are seen over each of the niche images  (around the external walls of the sanctum), with Saint Kannappa Nayanar in the toranam over the niche without deity, Bhikshatana accompanied by two Rishi-patnis in the toranam over Dakshinamurti, Krishna in the toranam over Vishnu and the King (Rajaraja I) worshiping Shivalinga (Arinjaya) in the toranam over Bhrama.

Kannappa Nayanar offer his eyes

Saint Kannappa Nayanar was one of the 63 Nayanmars or holy Saivite saints and the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. Thinnan was a hunter by profession, was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva of Kalahasti. He was much disturbed when the blood oozing from the eyes of Shivalinga. Without hesitation the saint removed one of his eyes with the help of an arrow and placed it onto the bleeding eye of Shivalinga. When there was also bleeding in another eye of the Shivalinga, the hunter was about to remove his another eye. Lord Shiva appeared before him and prevented his action. Lord was pleased with his devotion and granted him eternal bliss. From then onwards Thinnan was known as Saint Kannappa and became part of 63 Nayanmars.

Krishna

Worshiper of Shivalingam

Name	Arinjaya Chola (அரிஞ்சய சோழன்)
Other Names	Arikulakesari, Arikesari, or Arindama
Inscription Names	Alvar Arikulakesarideva, Arrur tunjina devan
Reign	956 C.E. - 957 C.E.
Title	Parakesari
Capital	Thanjavur
Queen	Kalyani (Princes of Vaidumbas), Viman Kundaviyar வீமன் குந்தவையார் முதலாம் குந்தவை (Vengi or Chalukya Princes) and Kodai Pirattiyar கோதைப்பிராட்டியார் (Vaanar Princess)
Children	Parantaka Chola II (சுந்தர சோழன்) (Sundara Chola) (907–950)
Predecessor	Gandaraditya (கண்டராதித்ய சோழன்)(950–957) Merkey elundarulina devar His Queen Sembiyan Maadeviyaar
Successor	Parantaka Chola II (சுந்தர சோழன்) (Sundara Chola or Madhurantakan Sundara Chola) (957–970) Pon maligai thunjina thevar (died in Kanchipuram at his golden palace)
Father	Parantaka I முதலாம் பராந்தக சோழன்) (907–950). Third son of Parantaka (Leyden Plates)
Mother	Arumolinangai (daughter of the Paluvettaraiyar)
Elder Brothers	Kumaran Maravan and Gandaraditya
Born	Unknown
Died	957 C.E.
Place of Death	Arrur ஆற்றூர்
Pallipapadi	Cholesvara temple or Arinjikai Eswaram or  Arinjisvara at Melpadi alias Rajasrayapuram of  (a city) in Tunadu, (a subdivision) of Perumbana-padi (a district) of Jayankonda Cholamandalam.
Built by	Rajaraja I in the 9th year of the reign (994 AD) after 37 years Lakulisvara-Pandita, (the head) of the Matha of (the god) Mahadeva of the holy Arinjisvara (temple) in Merpadi, alias Rajasrayapuram
Matha of Arinjisvara	Lakulisvara-Pandita, (the head) of the Matha of (the god) Mahadeva of the holy Arinjisvara (temple) in Merpadi, alias Rajasrayapuram

INSCRIPTION

The inscriptions call the Somanathesvara (சோமநாதேஸ்வரா) temple : Cholendrasimhesvara (சோழேந்திரசிம்மேஸ்வரா) (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.19). The god Mahadeva (Siva) of the holy Arinjigai-Isvara (temple) (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.15)

The early inscriptions accommodate Melpadi (மேல்பாடி) (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 15 to 18) and Rajasrayapuram (இராஜஸ்ரயபுரம்) (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 15  to 19)  under Jayankonda-Chola-mandalam (province) (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 15 to 18), Tuy-nadu (தூய்நாடு)  (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 18 and 19) or Tunadu (தூநாடு) (division) (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 15, 16 and 17)  of Perumbanappadi (பெரும்பாணப்பாடி) (subdivision)

The whole Chola Imperium was bifurcated into provinces or mandalams and the Chola princes were nominated to govern the provinces. Further the provinces were sub-divided into valanadus or kottams (divisions) (வளநாடு), nadus (districts) (நாடு) or Taniyur (தனியூர்) and kurrams (villages). The towns and villages mentioned in the inscriptions include: Aruva-Kilal Muttigandan of Maruda-nadu in Venkunra-kottam, (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.17).

The assembly of Tikkali-Vallam in Miyaru-nadu, (a subdivision) of Paduvur-kottam, (a district) of Jayankonda-Sola-mandalam was held responsible for the entire responsibility of the village administration. This body participated by the selected few and elders of the village possessed absolute authority over the affairs of villages and the temple. They maintained law and order in the village. It wielded a great authority in the administration of the village and the temple. (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.19)

The names of Chola government officers mentioned in Melpadi inscription include: Irayiravan Pallavayan, alias Mumudi-Sola-Posan, the lord of Araisur (and a native of) Araisur in Pambuni-kuram, (a subdivision) on the southern bank (of the Kaveri) in Sonadu. (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.19). Temple  accountant (karanattan) of Melpadi city, Narayanan Adaikkalavan,  (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 15 to 16) the accountant of this city, Ponnali Arubattiruvan (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No. 18).

"The Cholas of the Middle and Later periods seem to have been deeply interested in the Saiva cult called Lakulisa cult.  Tiruvorriyur was a strong center of the Lakulisa and soma Siddhanta cults." The Cholas in general, and Rajendra Chola I in particular extended patronage to these cults. "It may be of interest to mention that in the days of Rajendra Chola I its (pallipadai) management was in the hands of Lakulisa Pandita, the head of the mutt of the Saivas of the Pasupata sect." (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No. 18). Similarly the affairs of pallipadai temples were supervised by Lakulisa mutt headed Lakulisvara Panditha. The inscription (ARE 271 of 1927) makes mention of a matadhipati Lakulisvara Pandita who supervised the affairs of Panchavan Maadevi Isvaran, built as a pallipadai at Palaiyaarai alias Mudikonda Cholapuram. The pallipadai temple erected in honor of Aditya Chola I (Kothandaraman) at  Tondaimaan Arruur or Peraarruur (9 km from Sri Kalahasti) in Arruurnadu, a division of Tiruvengkatak kottam in Tondainaadu. The inscription  SII, Vol. VII, No. 529 describes the seven day long festival in Tamil month Purattasi and about feeding one thousand people including   Maha-vratins, brahmins and devotees of various classes.  The sabha and nagaram of Tondaimaan Peraarrur agreed to maintain this charity in favour of the Pallippadai Vagisvara Pandita Bhattarar temple, as requested by the Maha-vratins of Adityesvaram, the ka.nap perumakka.l of Panriisvarattu Prithivi Vitangar temple and the Panmahesvaras


Other names mentioned in Melpadi inscription include: Achcheruman Vayiramegan (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.15), Ammuri Ilam-Perundi, a merchant (vyaparin) of Rajasrayapuram (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.18), Kandan Maravan, alias Solendrasimha-Mayilatti, of Sankarappadi (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.19).  Sankarappadi is the kind of traders engaged in producing and trading oil.

Melpadi and its Pidagai were subject to the administration of  'Nagarattar.'  Inscriptions mention about Devadana and land donations were made to the temple and land tax was exempted for devadana lands.  The land tax revenue from five villages was donated Somanathesvara temple.


Streets of Rajasrayapuram (Melpadi): 1. “the high-street of Mummadi-Chola” (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No. 15) and “the high-street of Arumolideva” (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No. 19). 

Weights and Measurements

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

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

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

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

Gold gifts expressed in weighing units such as Kalanju. One Kalanju (5.320 gm or approximately 1.5 sovereign). Kasu was the coin currency used since from Aditya II. Twenty kasus were equal to ten kalanju. The Melpadi inscription alters the exchange value of Kasu vs kalanju i.e, 25 kasus make 10 kalanju.  

SOMANATHEVARA TEMPLE

According to No. 19, the ancient name of the Somanathesvara temple was Cholendrasimhesvara.[S.I.I. Vol. III. p. 1. No. 15.]


S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.19 On the south wall of the Somanathesvara shrine

This inscription is dated in the 14th year of the reign of the Chola king Rajaraja I.  The inscription records the Irayiravan Pallavayan, a well-known officer of Rajaraja I and Rajendra-Chola I.,[Ep. Ind. Vol. III. p. 14 and notes 2, 3 and 4.] made over 15 kalanju  of gold to the assembly of Tiruvallam, [Ep. Ind. Vol. II. p. 249, note 2.] who, in return, assigned 1,000 kuli of land in the hamlet of Vanasamudram near Tiruvallam to the Cholendrasimhesvara (now Somanathesvara) temple at Rajasrayapuram (i.e., Melpadi).  This land was made over to an inhabitant of Rajasrayapuram, who had to supply ghee for a lamp in the temple.

CHOLESVARA TEMPLE

Rajaraja Chola I is said to have built the temple “as a resting-place (?) for the king who fell asleep (i.e., died) at Arrur” (S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, Nos. 15, 16 and 17). 

S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.15 On the base of the Cholesvara shrine

This inscription is dated in the 29th year of the reign of Chola king Rajaraja I. The inscription records that the citizens of Merpadi granted to the Arinjigai-Isvara temple 5,136 ½ kuli of land, which was bounded in the east by the river Nuga, and in the north by the Cholendrasimhesvara temple.  Nuga is evidently the original name of the river Niva (or Ponnai), on the western bank of which Melpadi is situated, and Cholendra-simhesvara is the ancient designation of the Somanathesvara temple.

S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.16 On the base of the Cholesvara shrine

This inscription is dated in the 29th year of the reign of Chola king Rajaraja I. The inscription records that the citizens of Merpadi granted to the Arinjigai-Isvara temple the hamlet of Pulikkunram on the west of the river Nuga, on the north of Kukkanur, on the east of Tenkolli, and on the south of Palainellur.  (Pulikkunram itself is not found on the map ; but its southern boundary, Kukkanur, is situated on the road from Tiruvallam to Melpadi, and its western and northern boundaries, Tenkolli and Palainellur, are probably the modern tempalle and Sripadanellur.)

S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.17 On the north wall of the Cholesvara shrine

This inscription is dated in the 29th year of the reign of Chola king Rajaraja I. The inscription records the grant of a lamp to the Arinjisvara temple at Melpadi by Aruva-Kilal Muttigandan of Maruda-nadu in Venkunra-kottam, a cultivator. For this lamp he assigned ninety-six full-grown ewes, which must neither die nor grow old.  The shephered Eni Gangadharan of Rajasrayapuram received these ewes and agreed to pour out daily one ulakku of ghee, measured by the Rajakesari unit.

S.I.I. Vol.III, P.1, No.18  On the north wall of the Cholesvara shrine.

This inscription is dated in the 9th year of the reign of Parakesarivarman, alias Rajendra-Choladeva.  It records that certain shepherds of Merpadi pledged themselves to supply ghee for a lamp in the Arinjisvara temple.  This declaration was made before Lakulisvara-Pandita, the head of a Matha connected with the temple.  The name Lakulisvara is interesting, because it suggests that the Matha at Merpadi was a branch establishment of the Lakulisa-Pasupatas of Karohana in Gujarat, who are referred to in the Cintra Prasasti. [Ep. Ind.  Vol. I. p. 273 ff.]  

The following people - Punnai Singan (i.e., Simha), Eni Gangadharan, Vanan Somadan (i.e., Somanathan), Tandan Anai, Nambi Sadevan (i.e., Sahadeva), Ayidi Kadadi, Nambi Tinaiyan, Nambi Panri and vanan Puliyan have agreed for the terms and conditions indicated and stand as security for Eran Sattan, a shepherd of Melpadi, (who) had received ninety ewes of this temple, in order to supply (one) ulakku of ghee, (measured) by the Rajakesari unit for burning one perpetual lamp.

King Bodoli

Location: Inscription on the southern wall of the Maha-mandapa of Somanatheswarar temple, Melpadi Village, Chittur taluk (previous division), Chittur district (previous division).

இடம் : சித்தூர் மாவட்டம், சித்தூர் தாலுகா, மேல்பாடி கிராமத்துச் சோமிநாதேசுவரர் கோவில் மகாமண்டபத்தின் தெற்குச் சுவரில் உள்ள உள்ள சாசனம்.
Edition: South Indian Inscriptions, Volume IV No. 317 (பதிப்பு : தென் இந்திய சாசனங்கள், தொகுதி நான்கு : எண் 317.) (S. I. I. Vol. IV. No. 317.)

சாசனச் செய்யுள்

பொத்தப்பிச் சோழன் புடோலி அரசன் புவிமே
லெத்திசையுஞ் செல்லும்எழில் மேற்படி - மெய்த்தவத்தாற்
சோளேந்திர சிங்க நாயகற்குத் துகவமணி
வளேந்து மண்டபஞ் செய்தான்.

(குறிப்பு :- மூன்றாம் அடியில் ‘துகவமணி’ என்றிருப்பது ‘துங்கமணி’ என்றிருக்க வேண்டும்.)

Meaning: This inscription is dated in the 8th year of the reign of Chola king Rajaraja I. The mandapa was built by King of Bodoli, Maturantaka Pothoppi Chola (Telugu Cholas), who is also the uncle of Seeya Ganga Deva, 'the Sirai meetta Perumal'.

விளக்கம் : இந்தச் சோமநாதர் கோவில், முற்காலத்தில் சோளேந்திரசிங்கர் கோவில் என்று பெயர்பெற்றிருந்தது என்பது இந்தச் செய்யுளினால் தெரிகிறது. இந்தச் செய்யுளுக்கு மேலே இவ்வாக்கியம் எழுதப்பட்டிருக்கிறது :

“இராஜராஜ தேவற்கு யாண்டு எட்டவாது. சிறை மீட்ட பெருமாளான சீயகங்க தேவர் மாமன் மதுராந்தகப் பொத்தப்பிச் சோழன் புடொலி அரசன் இத் திருமண்டபம் செய்வித்தான்.”

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. "Arrur tunjina devan" (the king who died at Arrur) in 957 AD
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:

Melpadi is a Village located in  the border of the Vellore District and Thiruvallur District. Thiruvallur District R.k.pet is East towards this place . Also it is in the Border of other district Chittur . It is near to the Andhra Pradesh State Border.

• Address :     Melpadi village, Sivalayam Street , Ramalayam temple, Pin code: 632520
• By Bus: Located 27 km towards North from District head quarters Vellore. 18 km from Sholinghur. 122 km from State capital Chennai.
• Nearest Railway Station     Mukundarayapurm Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway stations to Melpadi. However Katpadi Jn Railway Station is major railway station 21 km near to Melpadi
• Nearest Airport     Chennai Airport distance 122 km. from the Temple

Reference

1. Arinjaya Chola (Wikipedia) 
2. Chola Memorial Temples. N.Ganesan. May 11, 1998. Indology.info 
3. Living beyond death: Chola sepulchres. thefreelibrary.com
4. Melpadi (Wikipedia)
5. The Colas by K.A. Nilakanta Sastri. University of Madras. 1975. pages. 812
6. சாசனச் செய்யுள் மஞ்சரி. மயிலை சீனி. வேங்கடசாமி (தொகுப்பு) தமிழ் இணையக் கல்விக் கழகம்  
7. சோளிங்கர் வள்ளிமலை மேல்பாடி (750 அடி உயர மலைமீது உள்ளது கோயில்). தினமலர் ஜூலை 1, 2011
8. பள்ளிப்படை  (விக்கிபீடியா)
9. ராஜேந்திர சோழனின் பிறந்த நாள் எது? குடவாயில் பாலசுப்ரமணியன் தி இந்து செப்டம்பர் 3, 2014
10. பள்ளிப்படைக் குழப்பங்கள். வரலாறு ஆசிரியர் குழு    இதழ் 47. மே 16 - ஜூன் 17, 2008