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 Kolli Hills Heritage walk  - “வல்வில் ஒரி தேச மரபு நடை..." organised 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 on a round avudayar is in the sanctum sanctorum is open to sky. 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 adhisthanam with jagathy, three patta kumudam and Pattika. The bhitti / walls was constructed with double wall. 

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

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The side Columns and the lintel of the entrance to the antarala has the 10^th to 11^th Century inscription. Hence we may presume that this Shiva temple existed since 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 ---