Buddhas..! Buddhas…!!, in Sri Kachabeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Buddha bas-reliefs at Sri Kachabeswarar Temple at Kanchipuram was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. It was planned to meet at this temple as a First Heritage walk of the new year 2022. Thanks to தொண்டை மண்டலம் வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்.

Rajagopuram inner side 

It is believed that the Buddha statues & Buddhist sculptures unearthed in and around Kanchipuram belong to the 6^th to 7^th Century, during that period Buddhism was at a peak in Tamil Nadu. But as per the experts the Buddha statues unearthed at CM Subbaraya Mudaliar School, Karukkinil Amarthal Temple, Kanchipuram Police Station, Pallur, belong to the 9^th to 11^th Century. This indicates that, even though it is claimed that Buddhism declined due to the rise of the Bhakti movement through, Sundarar, Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Buddhism was patronized by the Chozha and Pandya Kings, till 14^th Century. As per the History, most of the temples were closed without poojas during the Sultan’s and Muslims Rule. After Vijayanagaras came to power the temple activities were revived once again, with the construction of Mandapams joining the  existing sanctum sanctorum, some of the temples being rebuilt completely, construction of Raya Gopurams / Raja Gopurams. As per the experts, the Buddhism-related bas-reliefs found in the Temples Mandapam pillars and Rajagopuram are due to the freedom given to the sculptors and not that they were brought from the dilapidated or destroyed the Buddhist temples.

In the above context, some bas-reliefs are found in Sri Kachabeswarar Temple Mukha mandapam pillars and Rajagopuram prastram Nasi kudus. In the bas-reliefs, Buddha is shown in meditation posture, except one. In that Buddha is shown in Bhoomi sparsa hastam.

Rajagopuram front side on the left

On Mandapa Pillar

On Mandapam Pillar

On Mandapam Pillar

Kachabeswarar Shiva Temple

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal Kovil / Chozha Kerala Vinnagaram, Salukkai, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal Temple at Salukkai was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi, Hero Stones, Buddha bas-reliefs at Kanchipuram, Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Babu Mano, Mr Manoj  L Chakravarthy, Mrs Ruth, சுகுமார் அருள் and the members of “தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்” for taking me to all these Temples and Heritage sites. 

Moolavar  : Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal

Thayar     : Sri Sugunthavalli Thayar

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a Deepa sthambam ( bas-reliefs of Anjaneyar and Garudan are at the base ) and an entrance arch on the south side with Maha Vishnu’s dasavathara stucco images.  An Anjaneyar Sannidhi is facing main temple. After a small entrance, balipeedam, Thulasi madam, kodimara base and Garudan. Moolavar is believed to be of swayambhu. Moolavar is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. There is no images in the koshtam. Utsava murtis are in antarala. Thayar Sugunthavalli and Andal are in ardha mandapam.

In praharam Sri Varadaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Alwars, Garudan and Balipeedam. 

 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a Pratibandha adhisthana with Vrutha kumuda.  Koshtas, Salaipathi, Karnapathi are separated by vishnu kantha pilasters. The pilasters are with Kalasam, kudam plain mandi, palagai and vettu pothyal. Pancharas are in between Salaipathi and Karnapathi. Sala koshtas are protruding outside as padra sala. The mahara thoranas are plain and no images found.

The Bhitti starts with vethigai. The prastaram is with valapi, Kapotham with nasi kudus, and Bhoomi desam. Vyalavari is missing may be missing during renovations. A  stucco vesara Vimana is over the Bhoomi desam.  The Vimanam do not have images except in the salas.

The Front mandapam was built during Vijayanagara period. The Temple was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. And their inscriptions are found in the adhisthanam. 

   

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 1069 CE Chozha period.  Chozha Keralan was the Second son of Rajendra Chozha –I. His original name was called as Manukulakesari ( from the inscriptions Manukulakari is available with Chozha Keralan. Manukulakesari means .. the descendent of Manuneethi Chozha and Kesari – like a Simham ). In 1018 CE, he was appointed as ruler of Kerala, hence called as Chozha Keralan. Chozha Keralan alias Jayamallan ( a title, since he conquered Chalukya King Jayasimhan, in 1021 CE war ) was died before 1033 CE, may be in a war after 1021 CE. As per Ila Thiyagarajan, The Jayamalleeswaram at Vashitapuram is a pallipadai temple of Chozha keralan.  The historians like V G Srinivasa Rao, V Rengachari and Kudanthai N Sethuraman differs, who was Chozha Keralan. As Per Ila Thyagarajan, the fragment inscription recorded from Vashistapuram and considering the period of Kalithindi war, Chozha Keralan was the Second Son of Rajendra Chozha-I and younger brother to Rajadhirajan – I and Veera Rajendran. 

This place was called in different names such as Salukkai alias Chozhakeralapuram, a business Town, Salukki Kulakalapuram and  Manukulakesarinallur,  in memory of Chozha Keralan.  The Maha Vishnu Temple was called as Chozha kerala Vinnagar.  This Maha Vishnu temple was constructed during “Veerarajendran” also called “Chozha Lingeswaran”,  the third brother of Chozha keralan, in memory of his brother.

Krishnadeva Maharaya's saka year 1441, year inscription at Sri Manukulakesari Iswaram Udayar temple, records the remission of Tax of 20 pon as sarvamanya  to the two temples ie. to this shiva Temple and The Chozha kerala Vinnagaram Emperumanar of Salukkai alias Chozha Keralapuram, from the administrative control of Vandavasi Sirmai to Veerabhadraraya sirmai. for the expenses connected to offerings, worship and festivals in these two temples.

The Pandya King Maravarman alias Thirubhuvana Chakravathi Kulasekara deva's 40th reign year inscription records the gift of lands as Tax free in the Village as KudiningadaTiruvidayattam to the God Chozha kerala Vinnagaram Emperuman by the residence of Salukkai alias Chozha keralapuram.

The Pandya King Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan's ( 13+1 ), 14th reign year inscription records endowment of naivedyam for Kothandaraman sandhi  for the same in the 4 periphery limit of Veerambakkam village, lands which  includes Nanjai and Punjai after exempting the taxes like Keetruvari, Ponvari, nattuvari, Thattarpattam, etc,.

The Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Rajendra Chozha Deva's 8th reign year inscription records that the Pondai Matrupuli of Venkundra Kottam consecrated the images of Chozha Kerala Vinnagaram Emperuman of Western temple, Manukula mahadeva Iswaram Udaiyar of Sri Kailayam ( Temple ), Veerakeralap Perumpalli ( Uttara Devi ) and Ambala Nangai as a protection for the City ( Salukkai ) and Made Provision for the worship, offering, Lamps and nandavanam / flower Garden in the first two temples mentioned above and also made Gift of land to all the temples assigning the Villages of Erumbur, Kurumbur Veeraperumbakkam and Illuppai. The servants required for these temples were also given with house sites. 

One of the 16^th Century Vijayanagara Period inscription records the construction of Thirumandapam, Sobanam Thiruvasal / entrance. In that Maha Vishnu’s name is clearly mentioned as Chozha Kerala Vinagaraperumal.

LEGENDS

It is believed that Suga Brahmarishi and Bharadwaja worshiped Sri Sugar Narayana Perumal of this temple.

Devotees worships Perumal and Thayar for child boon. And as a part of thanksgiving thulabharam is offered in this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Vaikasi, Purattasi Saturdays, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Pavithrotsavam in the month Thai, etc,. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Srinivasa Bhattacharya  may be contacted on his mobile numbers +91 9486369874, +91 9677084196 and +918610140553 for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Salukkai is about 2 KM off from Tiruvannamalai to Kanchipuram Main Road, 7.2 KM from Vandavasi, 21 KM from Cheyyar,  39 KM from Kanchipuram,  57 KM from Chengalpattu and 113 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Sri Varadaraja Perumal

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Hero Stones at Purisai, Thiruvannamalai District and Anumanthandalam in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to these Hero Stone at Purisai and Anumanthandalam  was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Babu Mano, Mr Manoj  L Chakravarthy, Mrs Ruth, சுகுமார் அருள் and the members of “தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்” for taking me to all these Temples and Heritage sites. 

HERO STONES AT PURISAI.

There are two Hero Stones installed at the entrance of Sri Ellai Amman Temple at Purisai. In these two Hero stones, one is smaller and the other one is little bigger.

In the smaller hero Stone, the hero is in three bhanga standing posture looking straight. He is holding a sword in the right hand and a shield in the left hand. Legs are shown as that the hero is marching forwards on the left side. A Dress is shown below his waist. He is wearing ornaments on the neck and ears.  Dress is shown below his waist. A Vijayanagara style tuft is shown on his head. The hero may be warrior.

In the bigger  hero stone, the hero is in a three bhanga standing posture. He his holding a sword in the right hand and a bow in the left hand. Legs are shown as that the hero is marching forward on the left side. A Dress is shown below his waist. He is wearing ornaments on the neck and ears. A Vijayanagara style tuft is shown on his head. The Hero may be killed during a war or in the process of saving his cattle ( Anirai meetal ). 

Both the hero stones may belongs to 16^th to 17^th Century.   

LOCATION OF THE HERO STONE : CLICK HERE

HERO STONE AT ANUMANTHANDALAM

This hero stone is installed in the midst of this Village. The Hero is shown in three bhanga standing posture holding a Sword in the left hand and shield in the right hand. The sword looks similar to Gangar period Swords. A Straight tuft is shown on his head and wearing ornaments on his neck and ears. His legs are shown such that he is marching towards his right direction. Also from holding the sword, we may presume that the Hero is a left hander. He might have died in a war.

This hero stone belongs to Gangar period 08^th – 09^th Century CE.

LOCATION OF THE HERO STONE : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Manukula Mahadeva Eswarar Temple / Manukula Kesari Eswaram / Lord Siva Temple, Salukkai, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Manukula Mahadeva Eswarar Temple at Salukkai was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi, Buddha bas-reliefs at Kanchipuram, Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Babu Mano, Mr Manoj  L Chakravarthy, Mrs Ruth, சுகுமார் அருள் and the members of “தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்” for taking me to all these Temples and Heritage sites.

Moolavar  : Sri Manukula Mahadeva Eswarar

Consort    : Sri Maragathavalli

Some of the salient features of this temple….

The temple is facing  east with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Vinayagar, Lord Shiva with Parvati as Rishabaroodar and Murugan are on the  top of the entrance arch. Vinayagar, balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance arch. There is also another entrance (with Vinayagar and Murugan on both sides ) on the south side just opposite to Ambal sannidhi. Stucco dwarapalakas are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Ambal sannidhi is in the ardha mandapam. Moolavar is of swayambhu on a round avudayar. Rishabam,  balipeedam, Nalvar  are in the ardha mandapam. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam Vrahi, Varasiddhi Vinayagar, Pichadanar, Rishabam, Lingas, Chandikeswarar, Nagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Bhairavar and Navagrahas.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha Mandapam / Sobana mandapam. The entrance to the ardha mandapam is  from east and South directions. The Adhisthana is  on a raised upana. A pirathibandha adhisthana is on a the upana, with jagathy, vrutha Kumuda, kapotham and Viyyalavari. A Pancharam is in the  Aharai or the saleelantharam ( Between salaipathi and karna pathi ). The Pancharam is on a padma bandha adhisthana.  The Bhitti  salaipathi and karna pathi are separated by Vishnu kantha pilasters with square base malai thongal, thamarai kattu, kalasam, kudam, thadi mandi ( Lotus petals ), palagai, veerakandam and Vettu pothyals.

The prastaram is with utharam valapi, kapotham and yazhivari / vyyalavari. Bhuta ganas are in the valabi. The first level Vimanam was built with stone, which includes thala vahana. The greevam and the Dravida sigaram with 8 faces was built with stucco. Maha nasis are in the cardinal direction. The salai and Greeva koshtas are with the images of Lord Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma.

The Temple was reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. And their inscriptions are found in the adhisthanam.

    

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to 1069 CE Chozha period.  Chozhakeralan was the Second son of Rajendra Chozha –I. His original name was called as Manukulakesari ( from the inscriptions Manukulakari is available with Chozha Keralan. Manukulakesari means .. the descendent of Manuneethi Chozha and Kesari – like a Simham ). In 1018 CE, he was appointed as ruler of Kerala, hence called as Chozhakeralan. Chozha Keralan alias Jayamallan ( a title, since he conquered Chalukya King Jayasimhan, in 1021 CE war ) was died before 1033 CE, may be in a war after 1021 CE. As per Ila Thiyagarajan, The Jayamalleeswaram at Vashitapuram is a pallipadai temple of Chozha keralan.  The historians like V G Srinivasa Rao, V Rengachari and Kudanthai N Sethuraman differs, who was Chozha Keralan. As Per Ila Thyagarajan, the fragment inscription recorded from Vashistapuram and considering the period of Kalithindi war, Chozha Keralan was the Second Son of Rajendra Chozha-I and younger brother to Rajadhirajan – I.  

This place was called different names such as Salukkai alias Chozhakeralapuram,a business Town, Salukkai Kulakalapuram and Manukulakesarinallur,  in memory of Chozhakeralan.  The Shiva temple was Manukulakesari Eswaram. This Shiva Temple was constructed during “Veerarajendran” also called “Chozha Lingeswaran”,  the third brother of Chozha keralan, in memory of his brother. The name of Lord Shiva as “Manukesari eswaram was maintained till 16^th Century Vijayanagara period.

The Tribhuvana Chakravarti Rajendra Chozha Deva's 8th reign year inscription records that the Pondai Matrupuli of Venkundra Kottam consecrated the images of Chozha Kerala Vinnagaram Emperuman of Western temple, Manukula mahadeva Iswaram Udaiyar of Sri Kailayam ( Temple ), Veerakeralap Perumpalli ( Uttara Devi ) and Ambala Nangai as a protection for the City ( Salukkai ) and Made Provision for the worship, offering, Lamps and nandavanam / flower Garden in the first two temples mentioned above and also made Gift of land to all the temples assigning the Villages of Erumbur, Kurumbur Veeraperumbakkam and Illuppai. The servants required for these temples were also given with house sites. 

Vikrama Chozha's 4th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a sandhi lamp, Naivedyam Milakamuthu, Neiyyamuthu, Thayiramuthu, Adaikayamuthu, Beetle nut leaves  10 nos,  for the same 4 kasu for naivedyam and 2 Kasu for Sandhi lamp gifted by Thiruvalavayudayan. 

Krishnadeva Maharaya's saka year 1441, records the remission of Tax of 20 pon as sarvamanya  to the two temples ie. to this shiva Temple and The Chozha kerala Vinnagaram Emperumanar of Salukkai alias Chozha Keralapuram, from the administrative control of Vandavasi Sirmai to Veerabhaadraraya sirmai. for the expenses connected to offerings, worship and festivals in these two temples.

The Pandya King Maravarman alias Tribhuvana Chakravarti Kulasekara Deva period inscription records the gift of the Village Murukkeri in SalikkaippaRRu as a Tax free Devadhana  to this temple of Aludayar Manukulakesarieswaram udaya Nayanar for worship and Thirupani / repair works.

Kulothunga Chozha-I's 49th reign year inscription starts with meikeerthi as "புகழ்மாது விளங்க...." records the sale of 2 Veli land as devadhana by the merchant guild of Chozhakeralapuram, a city of Venkunra nadu a division of Venkundra Kotta, in Jayangonda Chozha Mandalam to Sundari Udayanjeyda alias Puvendiya Chozha Manikkam, a dancing girl attached to this templeManukulakesari iswaram udayar,  for setting up the image of Tiruppalliyarai Nampiratiyar and for offering to and for burning a perpetual lamp before the image.

An incomplete inscription of Rajakesarivaram Thiribhuvana Chakravarti alias Kulothunga Chozha's 3rd reign year inscription starts with his mei keerthi as "பூமேவி வளர..." records the sale of a land.    

The present trustee, who has spent around 11 Lakhs  from his personal fund towards maintenance of this temple.

LEGENDS

Devotees prays Lord Shiva and Ambal for removing marriage obstacles and marriage boon.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on pradosham and Mahashivaratri days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 09.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Gurukkal Balakrishnan may be contacted on his mobile +919786376572 for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place Salukkai is about 2 KM off from Tiruvannamalai to Kanchipuram Main Road, 7.2 KM from Vandavasi, 21 KM from Cheyyar,  39 KM from Kanchipuram,  57 KM from Chengalpattu and 113 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Chandikeswarar

Maha Vishnu and Bhairavar

Bhairavar

Chandikeswarar

Varahi

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Kotravai and Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai sculptures at Kilkolathur and Anumanthandalam, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Kotravai and Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai sculptures at Kilkolathur and Anumanthandalam was a part of Shiva and Vishnu Temples, Sculptures like Kotravai, Jyeshta Devi at Purisai, Kilkolathur, Salukkai and Anumanthandalam on 2^nd January 2022. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Babu Mano, Mr Manoj  L Chakravarthy, Mrs Ruth, சுகுமார் அருள் and the members of “தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்” for taking me to all these Temples and Heritage sites. 

KOTRAVAI AT ANUMANTHANDALAM

This Kotravai / Durgai Amman is sculpted on a boulder in the form of a bas-relief.  This Kotravai is in samabhanga standing posture with 8 Hands. Her lower hands are in abhaya and kadi hastam and rest of the hands are holding various weapons including Conch and Chakra.  She is wearing ornaments on the  neck and ears. Dress with frills below her waist and marbukachu is also shown. A man offering his head / navakandam is on the right side and another man with sword is on her left side.

This Kotravai belongs to 9^th Century Pallava period.

LOCATION OF THE KOTRAVAI      : CLICK HERE

THAVVAI / JYESHTA DEVI at ANUMANTHANDALAM

This  Thavvai is installed on the road side at the entrance of the Village Anumanthandalam. She is without her son Mandhan and daughter Mandhi. She is with two hands, while the right hand is in abhaya hastam and left hand is  holding a small bowl. She is shown with flabby belly big thighs and breast. A karanda makuda is shown on her head and wearing ornaments on her neck and ears.  This Thavvai / Jyeshta Devi belongs to 8^th – 9^th Century CE.

It was told that the Villagers worships this Thavvai as Nookul Amman and annual festival will be conducted in the month Aadi and Koolvaarpu also done. 

   

KOTRAVAI AT KILKOLATHUR

This Kotravai sculpture is on the way to Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Kilkolathur.  In this kotravai is in samabhanga standing posture  with eight hands. The lower hands are in abhaya and kadi hastam. The rest of the hands are holding various weapons. She is wearing ornaments on the neck and ears. Dress with frills below her waist and marbukachu is also shown. An antelope and a Tiger is shown of the top of the sculpture. A person in cutting his head / navakandam is on her right and a Lady devotee is shown on her left side. 

This kotavai belongs to 8^th - 9^th Century Pallava period.

LOCATION OF THE KOTRAVAI      : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---