07th December 2018.
As per Pulavar Dr S Raju “Tamil Nadu was divided into five regions of which Kongu Nadu was the one. The Sangam Literature treats
Kongu Nadu as a separate Country. The Kongu Nadu was ruled some time by the Cheras. The Kongu Nadu
has its own King and army. The Rajakesari Peruvazhi, one of the ancient trade
routes to Chera Nadu passes through Kongu Nadu. The Kongu Region was sub-divided
into 24 Nadus and Kuruppa Nadu was one of them with Vijayamangalam as a
Capital. The Vijayamangalam was once an epicenter for Jainism in Tamil Nadu. A Kongu Tamil
Sangam was also there in Vijayamangalam.
In 942 CE, Parantaka Chozha-I appointed one of his
relatives and general Veerachozha
Mahimalaya Irukkuvel as the King of Kongu Nadu and gave him the title of Kongu
Chozha. The King Raja Raja after conquering Ganga Nadu, gave autonomous status
to Kongu Nadu. From 1004 CE Kongu Chozhas
ruled Kongu Nadu for almost 300 years. The Kongu Chozhas adopted the name of
imperial Chozhas like Vikrama Chozha, Kulothunga Chozha, etc,. Many Temples were built during their period and
joined Chozhas in wars against Cheras and Pandyas.
The subject Three Navakanda Hero stones along with
loose sculptures are installed in an Amman temple ( Vijayapuri Amman Temple ) at Vijayamangalam. The temple was
believed to be built during Kongu Chozha’s period. The three Heros might have sacrificed their
lives for the Kings or to get victory in the war. The Heros are wearing ornaments and half dress from the hip. All three have the mustache and two are wearing yagnopaveetha. Experts of the opinion that these Navakanda Hero
stones may belong to the 11th to
16th Century, Kongu Chozha / Vijayanagara period.
The hero is wearing a yagnopaveetha and his hairstyle is like a crown which is different from the other two Navakanda Hero stones.
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