Sri Shikanathar Temple, Kudumiyanmalai / ஸ்ரீ சிகாகிரீஸ்வரர் கோயில் குடுமியான்மலை, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

The First visit to this temple was a part of the Pudukkottai Heritage Visit with Trich Parthy. The second visit to this Sri Shikanathar Temple at Kudumiyanmalai was a part of the Heritage Visit to temples around Keeranur in Pudukkottai District, organized by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே” group on 2^nd and 3^rd, October 2021.

 

Kudumiyanmalai was ruled by Vaanaathirayars, Irukku Velir, Early Pandyas, Pallavas, Latter Chozhas, Latter Pandyas, Nayaks and Thondaimans.  The remains of earlier human settlements are found around Kudumiyanmalai. The natural shelter on the hills are used as human habitation in the early times.  The Jain monks also lived in the same natural shelters. Tamizhi inscriptions are found on the Jain beds. The temple complex consists of stone-structural temples and a Rock Cut Cave temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Kuduminathar /

                 Thirunalankundrathu Perumanadigal

Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple faces east with 7-tier Rajagopuram base pillars but without superstructure. The Vasantha mandapam is immediately after the entrance and has 24 pillars with statues/sculptures, was built during the Nayak period. On the right side is the 1000-pillar mandapam. Urchavars are in maha mandapam. In koshtam Pickshadanar and Kotravai.

 

Sri Akilandeswari Amman Temple is on the northwest corner of the temple complex. A 2 tier vimana is on the sanctum. The Vimana was built during the 12-13^th century. After Amman sannadhi is the muka mandapa, a 12-pillar mandapam,  on the east and a 6-pillar mandapa, It was learned that Pudukkottai Thondaiman kings used to conduct their coronation functions in Amman’s 24 pillars Mandapa also called as Chokkatan mandapa. A big size stone slab is paved especially for this function.

 

In the outer prakaram, a 1000 pillar mandapam, Madapalli, Urchava Mandapa, Soundaranayaki Amman sannadhi, Vinayagar sannidhi and Akilandeswari Amman Temple. On the south side of the Rock cut cave temple is Sri Soundaranayai Amman temple / Malai Mangai Amman sannadhi, which was built by one Thevaradiyar Durgaiyandi’s daughter Nachi during the 13^th Century Veera Pandiyan period.

ARCHITECTURE

The Kuduminathar sanctum sanctorum consists of  Sanctum, Antarala, Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The temple sanctum sanctorum with 2 thala vimana and mukha mandapas is beautifully constructed. Sanctum sanctorum sala and Karnapathi has Panchara Koshtas. Kumbha panjaras are in the Aharai/saleelantharam between Salaipathi and Karnapathi.  Different Adhistanas are shown on the Salaipathi (Sripandam), Karnapathi,, and Akarai (Padma Kesaram). 

The temple is with 3 prakaras. Sanctum sanctorum, Ardha mandapam, mukha mandapam, Sabha mandapam are in the parakaram. Anivottikal mandapam pillars with beautiful sculptures are in the second praharam. Ardha mandapam bhitti has pilasters with Vazhaipoo Mottu and single pillar Panchara.

Maha mandapam… the mandapam is supported by many pillars without any ornamental sculptures. On the way to maha mandapam to ardha mandapam, Nagabandham and padmavari.

Vimanam… The adhisthana is with upana, Padma vari, kandam, Kapotham, Nasikudu. Yazhivari is above the kapota. Adisthanam is with big padma jagathy, Virutha kumudam, kapotam with beautiful nasikudus, Pattigai with Kumuda.

Prastaram is with Padmavari, kodungai, Yazhivari. Stone lifting Bhuta, Conch blowing Bhutas, Monkey, Lion, Vinayagar, Narasimhar, Elephant, Natarajar, Maha Vshnu, Yoga Dakshinamurthy are in the Keerthi mukha nasikudus.

Gopuram.. The entrance is with a 7-tier Rajagopuram with less ornamental work doors. Gajalakshmi is at the top of the entrance. Dwarapalakas are on both sides.

Vasantha mandapam… This mandapam measures 90’ X 90’  in square. There are a total of 96 pillars, and each row consists of 12 pillars. The Pillars have various deity sculptures like Murugan, Vinayagar, Sankara Narayanan, Manmathan, Rathi, Hanuman, Oorthuva Thandavar, Mohinis, etc,. This mandapam was renovated between 1215 to 1265 CE. 

Mukha mandapam Donors

Hanuman

Arumugar

Narasimhar

Ravana

Manmathan and Rathi

Kali

Mohini with Rishis

Mohini with Rishis

Sankara Narayan

Sankara Narayanan

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The Mela Koil was excavated after the Saiva Ssamaya Marumalarchi. The Chozha period inscriptions are found ( 9^th to 10^th Century ), in the Mela Koil and Second Parakaram, but not in the main shrine. It is believed that the temple might have been reconstructed/remodeled. Based on the architectural style, it is believed that this temple was constructed/re-modeled during the Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-I, period. 

There are more than 120 inscriptions found on Moolavar, Sri Akilandeswari Amman Sanctum, Soundara Nayaki Amman Sanctum, Madapalli, and Prakara walls. Sri Kuduminathar’s sanctum Sanctorum belongs to the 9^th Century. The Amman temple and the rest of the mandapams were constructed during the 12^th to 13^th centuries. As per the Pudukottai inscription, this hill was also called Thirunalankundram, and Lord Shiva was also called Shikamaninathar.

The inscriptions mainly record the donations made in the form of gold, land, taxes, irrigation, a judgment made for the offenses, auction sale, annadhanam, Naivedyam, burning perpetual lamps, Poojas, offerings, etc,.  

Pandya period inscription on the Amman sannidhi wall records the details of returning back to the kingdom of Chozhas. Pudukkottai Thondaiman Kings used to do their Coronation in the   24 Pillar Chokkattan mandapam. 

A 14^th to 15^th Century, Sundaratholudayan Mavalivanaatharayan, ( who ruled Madurai and Ramanathapuram area ), inscription in the form of a poem on the north wall of 2^nd Rajagopuram entrance records the flag of all three Dynasties of Tamil Nadu and Garuda Flag is above them all

சென்னிப் புலிகொடியும் தென்னன் கயல் கொடியும்

மின்னும் கழல் பிறையோன் விற்கொடியும் – மன்னும்

வருசைக் கொடைத் திருமல் மாவாலிவாணன் தன்

கருடக் கொடியே கொடியாம் காண்

Another poem reads as

வன்புடையார் தேவியர் தம்  மங்கலனான் தட்டானிக்கன்புரிய வொடாணியாகு மெ யின்பராசர் கொபாலன் பல்லவர் கொன் கொளி வீரராயன் சிஞ்கார வாள் !

As proof of the construction of the 2^nd level Rajagopuram by Pandyas, their emblem Fish with Chendu is found on the side column.

The Tamil Inscription in the form of poem inscribed at the Rajagopuram entrance 

தென்னவன் செய்ய பெருமான் திருமதுரை

மன்னவன்தன் மால்களிற்று வல்லிக்கும் -பொன்னிநாட்டு

ஆலிக்கும் தானை அபயன் குலமகளிர்

தாலிக்கும் ஒன்றே தலை.

பொன்னி வளநாடு பாணன் பெறப்புரந்தான்

சென்னிதிரு மார்பில்சேல் தீட்டினான் - முன்னே

புரம்எரிவார் மண்சுமக்கப் பூபாரம் காத்தான்

தரம்அரியான் மீனவர்கோன் தான்.

கன்னி வளநாடான் காவேரி நாடாளச்

சென்னி விழுந்தோடும் சேவடிகள் - பொன்இரை

எரிகாலும் கான நடத்திச் சென்னியையும்

கரிகாலன் ஆக்கிடவோ காண்".

பாண்டியரின் வெற்றிச் சிறப்பும், சோழரை வென்று அந்நாட்டைப் பாணனுக்கு அளித்ததும், சோழர் மார்பில் மீன்சின்னம் பொறித்ததும், சிவன் பிட்டுக்காக மண்சுமந்ததும், சோழர் தோற்று ஓடியதையும் இப்பாடல்கள் கூறுகின்றன. 

An inscription on the footpath leads to Amman temple records as “Swathisri Thirunalakundram Rakutharayan Ashram Anjinan Pukazhidam”. This inscription belongs to the 13^th Century. This inscription shows that this Ashram served as a refugee camp for those frightened.  

The inscription on the steps leading to ( Kudaboga Koil – Kudaivarai Kovil ) the mandapam records the gift by Raghunatharaya Thondaman.

The sanctum wall inscription records the gift of wellbeing of the Sri Venrumalaiyida Pallavarayar’s son Sri Ranganatha Pallavarayar by Venru Malai Idan Pallavarayan.

Kulothunga Chozha’s 18^th reign year inscription records the endowment of Thirupalli ezhuchi at Ambal temple with Naivedyam, Kariamudhu, for which a two ma land was gifted to this temple and the lands periphery limits are mentioned by a person called Kulothunga Chozha Kadambarayan.

The inscription without the King’s name records that a Lady working with the temple called Solaichi’s daughter PallavarayamanickathaL was given with Kaani Vilai Piramanam ( Land sale ) and Chandeswara Pattaya. Thithiyandi Silamban had stolen decorative Pattu/Silk cloth of the Ammaichiyar Agalameentra Nayagiyar and sold it. This was found out and he was chased out of the Village and fined 10 pon. When he said he could not give that amount his land was confiscated and sold for 10 pon and deposited in the treasury.

The temple treasury people ordered, and the same was in the form of an inscription to Visalur Konattu Mutharaiyar and Sevinthivanamutharaiyar not to cover their faces and heads.  This order is given, when they went along with the dead body for cremation ( … ?) and they were removed from the caste so they tried to vacate this place.

The Soundaranayagi Amman Sannidhi is on the south side of the Rock cut cave temple. This was constructed during the 13^th Century Pandya Period. The Veerapandya’s 11^th Reign year inscription found on the sanctum wall records that this was constructed by the daughter of a Dancer.

THIRU METRALI ( ROCK CUT CAVE TEMPLE )

The Rock Cut Cave temple called Melakovil by the locals is on the foot hills, excavated during the 8^th century, once called Thirumulattanam / Thirumetrali. Vinayagar and Dwarapalakas are on the walls of the sanctum in ardha mandapam. The Shiva Linga is with square avudayar, an integral part of the mother rock. The sanctum inside walls are finished neatly with motifs on all four sides of the roof. The Cave temple consists of a sanctum, an ardha mandapam, and a Mukha mandapam The front Mukha mandapam was built at a later date, abutting the ardha mandapam. The ardha mandapam was supported by 2 square pillars and 2 pilasters with a platform constructed by Raghunatha Thondaiman. Somaskandar and Chandikeswarar are in sukhasana in the Mukha mandapam.

On the left ( South ) side of the sanctum sanctorum entrance Grantha inscription records the name of the 7 or 8-string Veena’s name as “Parivathini” also called Vallabi or Vibanji

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS

There are 45 inscriptions found in the Rock Cut Cave temple. Out of 45, 26 are in mukha/ front pillars, 18 are in mandapam walls, and one is on sanctum pilaster.  These inscriptions belong to the Pandya (Oldest) and Chozha periods. The inscriptions record Lord Shiva Kuduminathar as “Thirunalagundrathu Perumanadigal” and mainly record the donations made to the temple in terms of money, Gold, and Lands. The rock-cut cave might have been excavated during the 7th century or before with the presence of Parivadini ( a musical instrument -7 String Veena ) inscription. 

One of the Chozha king Koparakesari Panmar Parantaka Chozha’s 15th-year rule inscription mentions that his son Kothandaraman donated 15 Thulai gold towards the burning of a perpetual lamp. 

Kovi Rajakesaribarmar’s 10^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 7 Kalanju gold was gifted by Kundriyur Nattu Kuththakudi KanpanThunaiyanen.

Kovi Rajakesari’s 20^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 2 Klanju gold was gifted by Mutharaiyar Nambi’s daughter ( Eravakko) daughter Nangai Vikrama Kesariyan Achci Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar’s wife Nangaiyar.  Also in continuation, Thaliyuran also gifted Thulaipon for burning daylight lamps.

Koparakesaribarmar’s 6^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kodumbalur Thazhi Aruran, for the same 11 Thulai gold was gifted to this temple.

The Pandya King Veerapandya’s… period inscription records that the sabha assembled at the temple to enquire about the theft of Gold by Siva Brahmin. During the inquiry, the Karthachan and Siva Brahmin accepted that they had taken 60 Pon,s and the rest was taken by the other Siva Brahmins. After inquiry, the lands owned by those were confiscated and attached to the temple. 

MUSICAL INSCRIPTIONS:

This inscription is on the left side of the rock-cut cave temple on the rock. From the inscriptions, this place was called Thirunalagundram, Kundriyur during the early Pandiya period, and Kudumiyanmalai from the 17^th century.

On the left side of the Rock cut cave temple, the 12^th Century 4 feet of Vinayagar is carved. By the side of the Vinayagar is the famous Musical inscriptions. The inscription records about the music, believed to be inscribed in the 7^th Century. The inscription is in 7 parts and starts with Sitham Namasivaya. As per the experts, the inscription describes the Ragas and some experts are of the opinion that this is South India’s basic musical rules.

மத்ய க்ராமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

ஷ்ட்ஜக்ராமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

ஷாதவே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

ஸாதாரிதே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

பஞ்சாம சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

கைசிக மத்யமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

கைசிகே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

Rudrachariyar’s disciple a King inscribed the above inscription for learning to the students. The 4-foot Vinayagar bas-relief on the right side of this inscription belongs to the 12^th Century.

On the southwest corner “Malai Mangai Amman” stone structure temple was constructed by a Devaradiyar Nachi, daughter of Dhukkaiyandi, which shows how Devaradiyars are treated and their position in society. The Vinayagar temple on the North side of the Mela Koil was constructed by the Villagers of Vayalogam. 

Near the Parivadhini inscription, there is a 6^th Century Vattezhuthu inscription on the rock, which records the name of “Paramasevakan Nakkan”. As per the scholars, the name may be of the person responsible for excavating the rock-cut cave. This is the earliest inscription to the Musical inscription and Maransadyan inscription.

On the back side of the Rock cut cave temple on the hill rock Shiva and Parvathi are sitting on Nandi in the form of Rishabarudar, on both sides 63 Nayanmars are shown on both sides carved in the form of bas-relief.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, the Sivachariyar gave the flower, which was meant for Poojas to a lady. When the King arrived unexpectedly, the Sivachariyar didn’t know what to do. So he got back the flower from the lady. The Sivachariyar had done the pooja and gave the flower to the King. On receiving the flower, the King noticed a hair in the flower. When the king asked for an explanation for the hair, the Sivachariyar said that the hair belonged to Lord Shiva. Immediately Lord Shiva appeared with a tuft on his head. Hence Lord Shiva is called Kuduminathar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Pongal, Navaratri, Deepavali, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Arudra Darshan, Panguni Uthiram,  and on all-important festivals.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH: 

Kudumiyanmalai is on the bus route from Pudukkottai to Manaparai.

Kudumiyanmalai is 19.5 KM from Pudukkottai, 55 KM from Karaikudi, 60 KM from Tiruchirappalli, and 389 KM from Chennai.

The nearest Railway station is Pudukkottai and Junction is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Ayyanar

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---