This is the "77th Thevara
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam" and the 23rd Sthalam on the north side
of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Thiruvelvikudi is on the banks of the river
Kaveri. This is one of the Temple
participants in Nandhiyam Peruman’s marriage at Thirumazhapadi with Urchavars.
In
Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar mentions that after worshipping Lord Shiva of
Ethirkolpadi, Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple.
செழும் திருவேள்விக் குடியில் திகழ் மணவாள நல்கோலம்பொழிந்தபுனல் பொன்னி மேவும் பினிதத் துருத்தி இரவில்தழும்பிய தன்மையும் கூடத் தண்தமிழ் மாலையில் பாடிக்கொழுந்து வெண்திங்கள் அணிந்தார் கோடிகாவில் சென்று அடைந்தார்
Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar and
Vallalar have sung Hymns /Pathigam in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Thirugnanasambandar mentions that Lord Shiva used to stay at Thiruvelvikudi during the day and at Thiruthuruthi during nighttime in all his 10 hymns. Also, he covers both temples in this single hymn. What a coincidence!
Sundarar also sang the hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of the temples at
Thiruvelvikudi and Thiruthuruthi in a single hymn.
ஓங்கிமேல் உழிதரும் ஒலிபுனல் கங்கையை ஒருசடைமேல்தாங்கினார் இடுபலி தலைகல னாக் கொண்ட தம்மடிகள்பாங்கினால் உமையொடும் பகலிடம் புகலிடம் பைம்பொழில் சூழ்வீங்கு நீர்த் துருத்திஆர் இரவிடத்து உறைவர் வேள் விக்குடியே------- திருஞானசம்பந்தர்மூப்பதும் இல்லை பிறப்பதும் இல்லை இறப்பதில்லைசேர்ப்பது காட்டாகத் தூரினும் ஆகச்சிந் திக்கினல்லால்காப்பது வேள்விக் குடிதண் துருத்திஎங் கோன்அரைமேல்ஆர்ப்பது நாகம் அறிந்தோமேல் நாம்இவர்க்(கு) ஆட்படோமே....... சுந்தரர் -“மன்னர்சுகவழ்விக்குடிகளடிமண் பாசலாலென்னும்வேள்விக்குடி யமர்ந்த வித்தகனே....... திரு அருட்பாMoolavar : Sri Gowthageeswarar, Sri Kalyanasundareswarar, Sri ManavaaleshwararConsort : Sri Parimala Sugantha Nayagi, Sri Kouthakesinarumchanthu Nayagi
Some of the important features of
this temple are.....The temple faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In the koshtam, Vinayagar,
Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Arthanareeswarar
(different from others – Parvati on the right side – right half) as Rishabanthikar,
Pichandanar, Brahma, Chandrasekar, Natarajar (Lord Shiva with Parvati’s
marriage bas relief in the Makara torana is above Natarajar), and a King
worshipping Lord Shiva.
In the ardha mandapam, Agasthiyar,
Natarajar, and Vinayagar (Pillayar are doing a prayer for Lord Shiva's Velvi
Completion.
In the praharam, Valamchuli Vinayagar,
Murugan, Natarajar, Sage Agasthiyar, Nalvar Esanamurthy, Gajalakshmi, Rama,
Sita, Lakshmanan, Anjaneyar, Suryan, and Kala Bhairava. Two Bhairavas are facing Moolavar. Stucco images of Kalyanasundarar and Parvati are in a
separate Sannadhi and look very beautiful.
Kalyanasundarar bas-relief on the makara thorana above Natarajar koshtam
Agasthiyar and a King worshipping Lord Shiva
Arthanareeswarar
ARCHITECTUREThe temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and artha mandapam. The temple was constructed with stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The
sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam and kapota bandha adhistanam with Jagathy, threepatta
kumudam, kapotam and prativari. The makara thundam are shown on the corners with a warrior coming out of yazhi’s mouth. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of vrudha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, a plain mandi, palakai, veera
kandam, and vettu pothyal.
Agasthiyar and a King worshipping Lord Shiva
Arthanareeswarar
The
prastaram consists of valapi with lotus petals, kapotam with nasikudus, and Vyyalavari. The vimanam over the bhumidesam was constructed with brick. The vimanam
is of 1 tala, greevam and a Vesara sigaram. Maha nasis are in all 4 directions of the sigaram. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu
and Brahma are in the tala and greeva koshtams.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung
hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have existed before the 7th Century. It may have been reconstructed during the Parantaka-I period and
later contributed to by the Vijayanagara Nayaks. As per the Inscriptions, Lord Shiva
was called Manavalanambi, Mangkalawakkar, Thiruvelvikudi Udayar, etc.
As per the inscriptions, this place was
under Rajathiraja Valanattu Kurukkai Nattu Gangaikonda Chozha
Chathurvedimangalathu, Thiruvelvikudi, and Viruthabayangara Valanattu
Kurukkainattu Thiruvezhvikudi. Lord Shiva was called Thiruvelvikudi
Mahadevar Mangala Nakkar.
Parakesari Vikrama Chozha’s 4th-year reign inscription records that Bhuloka ManickaChathurvethi Mangalam sabai gifted / sold land to Thiruvaduthurai Temple as irayili. This is for the
Thiruketharam temple constructed by Gnanasivar, to provide food for the Thabasis
and the devotees who came for darshan. The Land was purchased for 90 Kasu, and
the tax was also borne by the Sabhai. It
gave permission to Gnanasivar and his descendants to care for this endowment. The
Sabai received 20 Kasu from Gnanasivar. The gifted land was allowed to
create Nandavanam, Temple Tank, Madapalli, etc.
The three fragment stones of the 11th-century Chozha period inscription record the installation of an idol for Ainootruva
Pillayar and Thirugnanasambandar. For Pooja and naivedyam, a land measuring 412
kuzhi was gifted as irayili after purchase.
Rajendra Chozha-I’s 16th-year reign inscription records the land gifted to this temple for the Adhi
Chandeswarar’s pooja, creating a Kitchen / Cooking place and growing the Sengazhuneer plant for worship on the channel. This inscription also specifies/mentions the materials offered for pooja and naivedyam like vegetables,
beetle nut, leaves, pepper, paddy, firewood, etc.
The Rajendra Chozha-II’s 4th-year reign inscription records that Koovandan Alavallan Pattan established an
idol of Thiruvarur Nambi, and a gift of 30 Kasu was received by the Siva Brahmins
of the temple. The interest from the gift has to be used for pooja and
naivedyam. After the pooja, naivedyam is to be given to the Thevaradiyar
Rajendra Chozha-II’s 27th-year reign inscription records the endowment of night-artha jama pooja to
Kshetrapala, by Gundur Govinda Kiramavithan, who received 60 kalam paddy. The
interest or 22 kalam paddy has to be utilised for the Naivedyam, and after the
poojas, naivedyam is to be offered to the Thevaradiyars, also called Maheswarars.
Rajakesari Varman’s 15th-year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for
Thiruvelvikudi merchant Velinakkan, by his sons Nakkan Thiruveli and Nakkan
Kooththan. 96 sheep/goats were gifted to this temple.
Koparakesarivarman (Uthama Chozhan )'s 12th-year reign inscription records the endowment of the Thirumanjanam water of 15 kalam, channelled (Mel Paruthi Vaikkal) from the river Kaveri, for which 3 makani lands were donated to the temple after
purchasing from two people. Vadakarai Nattu Videl Vidugu Devi Chaturvedi
Mangalam sabha exempted the tax for the land donated. The same person donated 2 ma of land purchased
after paying gold and gifted to this temple for burning a perpetual lamp. This
endowment was established by Nallatrur Nayan Kunamalapadi Kunamalapadi Udayan
Ayyan Mara Singan, alias Seerasekara Mooventha Velan. The same person donated a silver plate measuring 30 Eezha
kasu for the water naivedyam. He also donated 400 Kalanju silver (measured in
oorkal) Velli Thalikai (vessel).
Rajakesari Varman (Kulothunga Chozha-I), 3rd-year reign, inscription records the endowment of 3 people for
playing Sripali, blowing kalam, and sekandi during the pooja. Which land was donated by
the Kurukkai Nattu Murugavel Mangalathu Sabha? From the land donated, dresses and
food were supplied.
Rajaraja-I period inscription starts with his mei keerthi records that the
lands gifted for the Eruthupadi Mahadevar temple as irayili. These are
inscribed in many places of the temple.
These inscriptions are grouped and re-inscribed during Rajendra
Chozha-I’s period.
Sri Koparakesari... a Chozha period 10th-century inscription records that a portion of the temple was constructed by the
Valanjiyar, Nanadesika Aayiraththu Ainootruvar, Thisai Ayiraththu Ainootruvar, and the village people. Another inscription records the part names of the
adhisthana like Thadipadai and Kaalpadai, and the donors of the stones like
Samithan Vela Cholai, Soolapani Velur Kilavan, three people, and Maran Salukki
of Kandarathicha Therinja Kalikolar caste are also mentioned.
Uthama Chozha’s 6th-year reign inscription records the gift of Silver Kalasam weighing 142 kalanju by
Uthama Chozha’s mother, Chembiyam Mahadevi
A 10th-century Chozha period
inscription records the installation of Dwarapalaka by the name Mahakala by
Thenkarai Nattu Aniya mudayanKari Veppan, alias Karikala kanna Mooththa Velaan.
The sanctum entrance door frame was donated by Periya Kilavan Pattadevan of the income department, by the name of Thinaikala Thravi Saththu Avanam, recording/ Document writing person.
The temple was renovated, and Kumbhabhishekam
was performed in 2000.
The rest of the inscriptions are continued at the end of this article...
Ref
Nagapattinam Mavatta Kalvettukal
LEGENDS
As per the archakar, all Navagrahas
attended the velvi; hence, there is no separate sannadhi for Navagrahas. During
velvi, Dakshan sent birds to disturb, but the dwarapalakas made them into rings and wore them in their ears, which is not available in any other temple.
As per another legend, since Parvati
was not attentive while Lord Shiva was teaching the Pranava mantra, Lord Shiva cursed
Parvati to take birth as a cow at Therazhundur.
Parvati, in the form of a cow, worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Maha Vishnu played
the role of shepherd. At Thirukozhambam, Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva, and the Cow’s
hoof marks can be seen on the chest. At Thiruvaduthurai, Parvati worshipped Lord
Shiva in the form of a Cow and got relieved from the curse. At Ethirkolpadi, Lord
Shiva, as the bridegroom, was welcomed by his
father-in-law, Sage Bharata. All the Velvi, which includes yagna, was performed
in this temple, and Marriage was conducted at Thirumanancheri.
Lord Shiva’s marriage velvi was
performed here. For Parvati, “Gnana Tharanam” was given in this temple; hence, this
place is called “Kowthukapanthana kshetra”.
Urchavars will participate in
Nandhiyam Peruman’s Marriage at Thirumazhapadi.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from Regular Poojas, special
poojas are conducted on Vinayagar Chathurthi in Avani (Aug- Sep),
Thiruvathirai in Margazhi (Dec-Jan), Mahashivaratri in Masi (Feb–March), and Panguni Uthiram in Panguni (March–April).
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open
from 08.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs, and from 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Vaidyanatha
Gurukkal may be contacted on landline number +91 4364 235 462 and mobile number +91 97508 81536 for further
details.
HOW TO REACH:
The temple is about 3 km from Kuthalam and is near Anjaru Varthalai. On the Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai route, get down at
Kuthalam. From Kumbakonam, Thiruvelvikudi is on the Kumbakonam to Poompuhar route.
The temple is 10 km from Mayiladuthurai,
27 km from Kumbakonam, 30 km from Sirkazhi, 50 km from Chidambaram, and 268 km from Chennai.
The nearest Railway Station is
Mayiladuthurai.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
A flex board
The inscriptions continued
Summaries
of 52 inscriptions of Manavālēsvarar temple at Thiruvelvikkudi, Mayiladuthurai
Taluk. The language and Script of all the inscriptions are in Tamil. Grantha Script
is also used in some of the inscriptions.
1/1987
Vikramachola - 4th regnal year - 1122 A.D. Records the sale of land as tax-free
to the temple of Thiruvaduthurai by the assembly of Bhülökamānikka
chaturvēdimangalam, which assembled at the temple of Tiruvelvikkudi. This land
was sold for farming. The Apurvins, who used to come to the temple for worship
and the Māhēsvarās in the temple of Tirukkēdāram, which was erected by Gñāna
siva. The price [90 kasu] is inclusive of the amount to be remitted in lieu
of the land tax. It is said that this dharma has to be protected by the
Gnanasivā, his successors and the Mahesvaras. who come forward with the
intention to do it.
2/1997
Vikramacõhia - 4th regnal year - 1122 A.D. Records
the sale of land to the temple of Tiruvavaduturai in the name of Adichandesvara
by the assembly of Bhülõkamānikka chaturvedimangalam, which assembled at the
temple of Tiruvelvikkudi. This land was purchased for installing a Sivalinga in
the name of Tirukkēdara Isvaramudaiyār by Alagavitangan Uyyavanthān alias
Gñānasivar of Pundi in Paravainadu of Rājarājavalanādu. Also mentions that the
assembly received 20 Kasu from Gñānasivar and made the land tax-free, and he
was permitted to erect a temple, Courtyard, flower garden, Tirvmadaivilāgam and water tank, etc. in this land. And this tax-free land should be enjoyed by
Gnänesivä, his successors and the Maheswarās who come forward to look after the
temple in the future. The members of the assembly have signed at the end of
this record.
3/1997;
Name of. the. King and regnal year are last - 11th century AD: Badly damaged.
Registers the gift of tax tree land as Thirunāmattukkāni for the expenditure of
worshipping the images of Aiññurruvappillaiyar and Aludaiya pillaiyār alias
Gñānā Sambandhar, which were installed in the temple of Tiruvēlvikkudi. This
record is in three fragments.
4/1997
Vikramachõla - 5th regnal year - 1123 AD. Registers the sale of land as tax-free by the assembly of Bhulõka-mānikka chaturvedi mañgalam, to the temple of
Tirukkadäram, erected by Gnänasiva, who is also mentioned in the previous records for worship and for feeding the Mahesyaras "coming to the
temple. This land was pürchased for 61 Käsu, which is also being inclúsive
of land tax with price.
Gñānasiva,
who established the temple of Tirukkēdāram, is also mentioned, that "he is
worshipping for the welfare of the health and (their) lineage, according to the
order, delivered at Tiruvavāduturai". So we can infer that the order should have been issued by the king Vikramachoła only.
'ARE
149/1926 mentions' that the donation was also made for reciting the Védās and Sastras
in' the temple. But that portion was not found when this record was
copied by the State Department of Archaeology in 1997.
5/1997
Vikramachola - 6th regnal year - 1124 AD. Badly Damaged. Registers the sale of
land to Gñānasiva [see. No: 1,2,3,4] by the assembly of Bhulökamānikka
chaturvedi mangalam. Special worship of Nandhi devan, feeding the Apurvins and
Mahesvaras, is also mentioned.
6/1997
Rājēndra chõla I - 16th regnal year - 1028 AD. Registers the sale of land as Salabhöga to the Adichandesvara of this temple to
feed the worshippers and to grow red lily flowers. [செங்கழுநீர்ப்பூ], for providing
garlands to the Mahadeva of Thiruvelvikkudi, with the remission of tax by the
assembly of Kadalangudi in Kurukkainadu, a subdivision of Rājendra singa
valanadu on the northern bank. Some portions of this record are badly damaged.
7/1997
Rājēndra Chõla II - 4th regnal year - 1054 A.D. Registers the gift of 30 Kasu
by certain Küvāndān Adavallan Bhatta, a member of Alunganam (Executive body of
this village), for the food offerings to the image of Tiruvārur Nambiyar, which
was also set up by him in this Temple. The Siva bráhmanas of Thiruvelvikkudi in
Gangaikondachõla chaturvedimangalam, in Kurukkai nadu, a sub-division of
Rājādhirāja vala nadu, received the gifted amount as capital, to provide food
offerings to that image, with the calculated amount of interest on it. It is
also said that the offered food should be supplied daily to Devaradiyār girls in
this temple.
8/1997 Rājēndrachõla II - 27th regnal year - 1079 A.D. 1 Registers
an agreement made by the same No. 7 in the 27th year to provide food offerings
at the midnight service to the deity Kshetrapaladeva [Sculpture] from the
interest on 60 kalam of paddy received by them from Govinda kramavittan of
Kundur.
9/1997 Name of the King and regnal year are not given - 12, 13th century
A.D. States that this stone was the gift of Amarnīti Anniyur Nakkan, who was the
head man of Korukkaiyur.
10/1997 Chola King Rajakesarivarman - 15 regnal year -
10th century A.D. Records a gift of 96 sheep for a perpetual lamp to the Alwar
of Thiruvelvikkudi by certain Nakkan - Thiruveli and Nakkan Kuththan, on behalf
of their father veli Nakkan, a merchant of Thiruvelvikkudi in Kurukkai nadu on
the northern Bank.
11/1997 Chola King Kõpparakesarivarman (Uttamachola) - 12th
regnal year - 982 A.D. The assembly of Videlvidugudevichchaturvedi mangalam
decided at the meeting in the Mandapa to remit the taxes on some lands which
was purchased for bringing water from the Kaveri for the sacred both of the
deity by Ayyan Märasingan alias Virasekhara Muvendavelan of Gunamalappādi in
Nallargür nādu.
12/1997
Chola King Kopparakesarivarman - 14th regnal year - 984 A.D. Records a gift of a silver plate weighing 30 Ilakkasu by the same Guraumalappadi Udaiyan Iyyan Mara
Singan, alias Virasekara Muventha velan of Nallarrur nadu on the northern Bank,
for doing the water offerings to the deity of this temple. [See.
No: 11]
13/1997
Rajendra Chola II - 7th regnal - 1059 AD. Damaged. Commences with the short
introduction of the King, beginning with the words இரட்டபாடி ஏழரை இலக்கமும். Records an
agreement by the Sivabrahmanas of the temple to provide offerings to the
Goddess, in return for the land received by them, free of taxes, at Bhuloka
manikka Chaturvedimangalam, in the same nadu from Tiruvadi [Ira*]yeri,
evidently the lady mentioned. In No: 134/1926 above. [See ARE 137/1926]
14/1997
Chola King Kopparakesarivarman [Uttamachola] - 4th regnal year - 974 A.D. Records
the gift of a silver vessel weighing by the measurement called urkkal of 400
Kalanju to the Mahadeva of Tiruvelvikkudi by the same person called Ayyan
Marasingan alias Virasekara muvenda velan of Gunamalapadi, who was mentioned in
the above records. [Nos. 11 & 12]
15/1997
Chola King Rajakesarivarman - 3rd regnal year - 11th century A.D. Refers to the
gift of land by the assembly of Murugavel mangalam a brahmadeya in Kurukkainadu
on the northern bank [of the river Kaveri] for the maintenance of three
musicians, i.e. two persons for sounding the Kalam and one for muting the gong
during the worship of Sribali offerings to Mangala nakkar in the temple of Mahadeva.
The arbitrator of this village, by name Nayadharan Nakkan alias Alangāraprian,
wrote this document under the order of the Mahāsabha of this village.
16/1997
Chola King Rajakesarivarman - 4th regnal year - 11th century A.D. Restored a
gift of land made tax-free by a person called Pāradäyan Venkadavan, of
Murugavel mangalam, a brahmadeya in Kurukkai nadu on the northern bank, for
food offerings to the deity of Naduvil Srikoil in this village.
17/1997
Rajendra Chola I - 6th regnal year - 1218 A D. Begins with the eulogy of
Thirmanni Valara' etc., States that the details of the tax-free lands of
Mahadeva in Thiru Erudupādi, which was the part of Kadalangudi, a brahmadeya of
Kurukkainadu in Rajendrasimha Valanadu, were engraved in this stone. As it is
told in this record, five inscriptions of Rajaraja Chola I. were engraved. See
inscriptions (ஊர்க்கல்வெட்டு
எண். 18,
19, 20, 21 & 22 in this Volume.]
18/1997
Rajaraja Chola I - [20]th regnal year - [1005] A.D. As it is mentioned in the
previous record of Rajendra Chola I, five records of Rajaraja Chola I are
engraved one by one. The first is the [20th] regnal year record of him. States
that the village assembly endowed seven ma of tax-free land as Thirunandavanam
[flower garden] to the temple of Thiru Erudupadi Mahadeva in Videlvidugu
Chaturvedi mangalam, of Kurukkainadu in Rajendrasimha Valanadu.
19/1997
States that the donation of tax-free lands as Sribalipuram to the temple of Thiru
erudupadi, which is nearer to the Videlvidugu chaturvedi mangalam, by some persons
belonging to the village Idaiyäru, in Kurukkainadų of Rajendra simhavala nādu.
20/1997
Rajēndra chola I - 24th regnal year - 1009 A.D. Registers
the gift of land with remission of tax to the Thiru Eruthupādi mahādeva temple,
near Videlvidugu Chaturvedi mangalam by some persons.
21/1990
Rajaraja Chola I - 24th regnal year - 1009 A.D. Registers the gift of land with
remission of tax as Sribalipuram to the village Älangudi in Nallārgur nädu of
Rājēndra simhavalanādu. This land is said to be situated in the place, which
was called Kilur-Mudappanthuru near Alangudi.
22/1990
Rājarāja chola I - 27th regnal year - 1012 A.D. Records
the gift of land with remission of tax to the above-mentioned temple (No. 21)
for burning a perpetual lamp and flower garden by the members of the Kaddalore
in Perävůr nadu of Uyyakondār valanādu.
23/1997
Kulottunga Chola I - 10th regnal year - 1081. A D. Begins with the eulogy
Pugalmādhu Vilange, etc. Registers an agreement made to Pidaran Ariyal, a
vellala lady of Sembiyan Kandiyūr, by four Sivabrāhmanās of the temple of
Tiruvilakkudi Mahādēva.at Gangaikondachõla chaturvēdimangalam in Kurukkainadu, a
sub-division of Virudarājabayankara Valanādu, to burn a twilight lamp in front of
the consort of the god Manavālanambi.
24/1997
Name of the King and regnal year are not given, 10th century A.D. This
inscription is engraved on the side of the Dhakshinämurthi image in this
temple. States that the image was erected by a certain Kādaraich-chingam, a servant
of the Valanjiyar, a merchantile community in this village.
25/1997
Name of the King and regnal year are not given - 10th century A.D. States that
this stone was the gift of Mallananangai, wife of Viranāranappallavaraiyar.
26/1997
Name of the King and regnal year are lost - 10th century A.D. This fragment
inscription reveals that this temple was built with stones, which were
donated by the members of Kaikkõla Community.
27/1997
Chola King Kopparakesarivarman - regnal year lost - 10th century A.D. States
that a portion of the temple [நாலோ பாதி / Nāl
padi] was constructed by the Two Merchantile groups called Valanjiyar and Nana
Desi Tisai Ayiraththa iõñúgruvar and their servants. It is interesting to note
that the Valanjiyar had the right to be part of the village or separate
from it. [கூடிப் பிரியக்
கடவ வளஞ்சியர் ] Thiruvaiyāru
yögiyār, alias Tiruvēlvikkudi Nambi and his son Srikarana Thirukkagralippiththän
of Tiruvēlvikkudi seem to have been the architects of this temple.
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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