15^th March 2010.

The visit to this Traveler's mandapa was not a part of the Shiva, Vishnu, and Amman Temples Visit on the banks of river Palar, scheduled on 15^th March 2020. On the way to Villivalam, happened to see this mandapa. Visited the temples and mandapa also. Since ancient times Public /Travelers and merchants used to walk to commute between places. For the same resting mandapas and Choultries were built by the well-wishers and Kings. During the 18^th Century, travelers on foot from the east part of Thondai Nadu towards the capital Kanchipuram might have used this mandapa. This traveler's resting mandapa was reconstructed and maintained by the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This Traveler's resting mandapa was built in 1777 CE and inscriptions are found on the west side wall of the mandapa.

As per the 1777CE inscription, the Traveler's resting mandapa / Vazhipokkar mandapa/ வழிப்போக்கர் மண்டபம், was built by Theethar Chetti/ தீத்தர் செட்டி and Mooththar Chetti / மூத்தர் செட்டி. Another slab on the opposite side of the mandapa also mentions the same names, those who are responsible for the construction of this mandapa.

Another 1777CE inscription mentions “Agaram Thanki”. This signifies that this Village was with a Brahmin’s Agraharam. Two images ( Donors ) are also carved near the inscription.

HOW TO REACH:

The temples are at the Thangi bus stop on the Walajabad to Kanchipuram Main road.

Thangi is 5 KM from Walajabad, 13 KM from Kanchipuram, 30 KM from Chengalpattu, and 51 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE MANDAPAM: CLICK HERE