The Remains of Archaeological evidences / தொல்லியல் எச்சங்கள், Saptamatrikas, Jyeshta Devi /Thavvai / Mooththa Devi, Mahishasura mardini, Pallava Pillars at Thirumalaicherry / திருமலைச்சேரி/ Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to the Saptamatrikas and archaeological remains of Thirumalaicherry was a part of Shiva, and Vishnu Temples and Heritage sites at Thirumalaicherry, Gudimallur, and Kaveripakkam. My sincere thanks to Mr Ramesh Krishnamurthy for taking me to all these places. This place Thirumalaicherry was under the rule of Pallavas, Chozhas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagaras, Muslim Rulers, and Britishers during various periods. Their remains of archaeological evidence are found in this Village.

Saptamatrikas….

The Ponniamman temple near the ration shop is dedicated to Saptamatrikas. Saptamatrikas Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Brahmi, Gaumari, Indrani, Varahi, Chamundi along with Vinayagar and Veerabhadara are installed in U shape with Veerabhadra and Vinayagar. Chamundi is kept at the center and worshipped as Ponniamman. All the Saptamatrikas are in sitting posture keeping one leg down with their respective Vahanas at the base. These Saptamatrikas belong to Rashtrakuta king Krishna-III's period. 

There is also a Saptamatrikas panel kept in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. In this panel, Veerabhadra and Vinayagar are not there. 

Jyeshta Devi / Mootha Devi / Thavvai …. 

A Jyeshta Devi is also found in front of Ponniamman Temple. She is in a sitting posture with a flabby belly, big breasts, thick thighs with legs apart, and keeping both hands on the thighs. She is wearing ornaments on her neck, ears, and hands. She is shown with big eyes. The leg portion is found damaged.

Mahishasura Mardini…. 

This Mahishasura Mardini is in the middle of the Village worshipped as Durga Devi. This Mahishasuramardini belongs to Rahstrakuta king Krishna-III's period. This Mahishasura Mardini is with 8 hands holding Various weapons like Conch/ sankha, Chakra,  bow, shield, arrow, and a man's head. Her Vahana Simha is shown on her feet side. She is wearing marbu kachu, Karanda makuta, Keyuram, and bangles in her hands. She is killing Mahishan with a long sword keeping her left leg on Mahishan’s back and holding his hand with one hand. 

Simha Pillars / Lion Pillars …

There are two Simha Pillars / Lion Pillars found in this Village, of which one is at the newly built Sri Subramaniar temple and the other one is in front of a Mariamman Temple. These Pillars belong to the 8^th Century Pallava period. These two pillars indicate that a Pallava-period Temple might have been built in this Village. These two pillars may be the remains of that temple.

HOW TO REACH

To reach Thirumalaicherry,  from Chennai just before the Kaveripakkam Toll gate, turn left and travel on Anaicut Road towards Palar Anaicut Walaja Entrance. 4.6 KM from Madras – Bombay Trunk Road / Chennai to Vellore Road / Mumbai Hwy.

The temple is about 8.9 km from Walajahpet, 10.3 km from Kaveripakkam, 12 km from Arcot, 12 km from Ranipet,  33 km from Vellore, and 104 km from Chennai.

The nearest Railway Station is Walajah Road Junction

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---