A Chozha period Shiva temple in ruins / An ancient dilapidated Shiva Temple, Kolli Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this Dilapidated Shiva Temple near Boat House at Kolli Hills was a part of the Kolli Hills Heritage Walk - “வல்வில் ஒரி தேச மரபு நடை..." organized by எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடை குழு, on 20^th and 21^st May 2023. Thanks to AT Mohan for taking us to this dilapidated Shiva Temple. 

The dilapidated temple is facing east. Moolavar Shiva Lingam is open to the sky on a round avudayar in the sanctum sanctorum. Rishabam is in the ardha mandapam. Moolavar is under worship and poojas are conducted.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, three patta kumudam, and pattika. The bhitti / walls were constructed with double walls. 

The ardha mandapam is still standing on square & octagonal pillars with vettu pothyal. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The side Columns and the lintel of the entrance to the antarala have the 10^th to 11^th Century inscription. Hence we may presume that this Shiva temple existed since the 10^th Century. The inscriptions do not have continuity due to the collapse of side walls, hence the details are not known.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---