Saturday 13 October 2018

Thirumayam Fort, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

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30th September 2018.
One of my long wish of visiting this fort came to true on 30th September 2018. Though few times crossed this fort on my way to Chettinad, Ponniyin Selvan meet at Thanjavur made it happen. It was planned to Visit this fort as a part of our Pudukottai Heritage Visit and proceed to Thanjavur. The fort is a ticketed monument beautifully maintained by Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ). Extensive renovations has been carried out by ASI  in the year 2012 CE.

 The bastion with cannon on the top of the hill

Thirumayam is a corrupted word of Thirumeyyam  ( The Land of Truth). This place was ruled by Mutharaiyar, Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara, Pallavas, Hoysalas, Thondamans and Sethupathi's. There are two rock cut cave temple on the south side of the hill, of which one is dedicated to Vishnu. In addition to this there is a Rock cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva inside the Fort. The shrine is excavated on a boulder about 30 feet high above the ground level.

The fort with moat around the small hill was built by Sethupathi Vijaya Raghunatha Thevan ( 1673 – 1708 CE ) of Ramanathapuram also called as Kilavan Sethupathi. Latter came under the control of Pudukottai Raghunatha Raya Thondaiman, said to be Sethupathi’s brother, who ruled this area. The main gate way is on the east with small Shrines for Vinayagar, Hanuman, Kottai Bhairavar and Kottai Karuppana Swamy. The original fort had 7 concentric circular walls, of which only three are surviving now.

The Fort occupies in an area of  40 acres. There are natural shelters and a rock boulder with prehistoric rock arts on the rocky hill. Before independence the fort was under the control of British and the same was used for military purpose. On the top of the hill an elevated bastion was constructed with a cannon. Other than this there is no trace of structures connected to Military.  During British rule, after Palayakar war with Kattabomman of Panchalankurichi ( Tuticorin area ), his brother Oomaithurai took asylum in this fort. Fearing of threatening from the British, Oomaithurai  was handed over to British.  Hence this fort was called as Oomayan Kottai, by the locals.
 

 Rock Cut cave Shiva Temple 
HOW TO REACH:
Thirumayam is on the way to Trichy to Karaikudi bus route.
Thirumayam is 69 KM from Trichy Railway station, 22 KM from Pudukkottai. 

LOCATION:CLICK HERE





  Rock Cut cave Shiva Temple 
Natural Shelter
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---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Friday 12 October 2018

Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal Rock Cut Cave Temple, Thirumayam, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

30th September 2018
The visit to this temple was a part of Pudukottai Heritage visit. Thirumayam is a corrupted word of Thirumeyyam  ( A Land of Truth). This place was ruled by Mutharaiyars, Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara, Pallavas, Hoysalas, Thondaimans and Sethupathis. There are two rock cut cave temple on the south side of the hill, of which one is dedicated to Vishnu. This is one of the 108 Divyadesam of Vishnu and mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Alwar.


Moolavar: Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal
Thayar : Sri Ujjivana Thayar(உய்யவந்த நாச்சியார் Uyyavantha Nachiyar )

The salient features of this Rock cut Cave temple are..
The Cave is facing south with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. This temple is on the east side of Shiva Temple, once shared the open space in front of the caves. Latter during 13th century a separation wall was constructed between these two temples.

PALLIKONDA PERUMAL
Moolavar is in Sayana posture on Adhiseshan. While right hand is stretched back wards with hanging palm, the left hand is stretched on the side of the body. Brahma is on a lotus, came from naval of Perumal. Sridevi is near the chest and Bhudevi is near the feet. On the wall, keeping Brahma at center bas reliefs of Chandran with his wife, Markandeyar, Bonthu munis, Garudan, Asuras, Devas, Madhu, Kaidabar and Suryan. In addition to this there are bas-reliefs of Thumpuru with his disciples, Naradhar with his disciples, Thanda Padchar, Kuralar, Vidyadharas, Saptha Rishis are also carved.  The legend of Asuras who came to took captive of Sridevi and Bhudevi are running after frightened from jwalas which came from Adhiseshan is clearly shown in the form of bas-relief. Urchavars are in front.

SRI SATHYAMURTHY PERUMAL
Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and Sundarapandian Mandapam. In koshtams, various standing postures of Vishnu. An ekathala dravidian style Vimana is over the sanctum. In the sanctum Perumal Sri Sathyamurthy is in standing posture with Bhudevi and on the right Pururava Chakravarthy,  Sathya Maharishi. Urchavars Thirumeyyar, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Andal are in front. Garudan sannidhi is  in the centre of Sundarapandyan Mandapam.

In the prakaram sannadhi for Thirumeyyar Sathyamurthy,  Ujjivana Thayar,  Viswak senar, Chakkarathalwar, Sri Ramar, Poovaraga Perumal, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Krishna and Andal.

On the east side of the Temple premises there is an octagonal Tank, which was excavated by Pillayarpatti Murugappa Chettiyar’s son Ramanathan Chettiar, in Kalayukthi year, Thai month 12th day ( in Tamil ). This Tank is called as Chandra pushkarani. On eight places, bas reliefs with inscriptions as Indirathuyamana Pandya, Garuda Bhagwan, Anjaneya murthy, Adishesha Katsakan Bhagwan, Chandra Bhagwan, Sathya Maharishi, Puroorava Chakravarthy and Kamalanayanaraja.





INSCRIPTIONS
There are 30 inscriptions found in this rock cut cave, which includes Rajarajan-I ( the oldest inscription), Mutharaiyar, Sundarapandian, Parakrama Pandyan Sadaya Varman, Krishnadevaraya, Sethupathis, Thondaimans, etc,. The 8th Century inscription  believed to be the oldest is guarded by the grill arrangement speaks about  Vidael Vidugu Mutharaiyar also called as Vizhuper Adhiyaraisan, Sathan Maran’s mother Perumpidugu Perundevi renovated a temple in this premises and donation of land to sanctum. In addition to this the Sundara Pandyan's period Shiva temple inscription speaks about the dispute between Shiva and Vishnu temples  regarding sharing of the temple tank and Land. It was resolved that 3/5 portion of the share was given to Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal Temple in presence of Hoysala Kings Thandanayakar Appanna Thandanayakar.

From the inscriptions Perumal in Sayana Kolam was called as “KidanthaPiran”, “Pallikondarulina Alwar” and “KaNmalarntharulina Emperuman”. Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal is called as “Nintrarulina Vishnu Pattaarakar”( Chozha inscription at Shiva Temple ), “Nintrarulia Thevar”, “Meyyaththu Malaialar”, “Azhakiya Meyyar”.

The exact period of excavation of this rock cut cave was not known, even though 30 inscriptions are found in this Rock cut cave. From the available evidences the Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal also called as, Nintraruliya Perumal  existed before 8th century and the rock Cut Cave temple might have been excavated in 8th Century.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH :
Thirumayam is on the way to Pudukottai, Chettinad from Trichy.
21 KM from Pudukkottai and 68  KM from Trichy.
Nearest Railway station is Trichy.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE



 Octagonal Tank
 A relief from the pillar

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Thursday 11 October 2018

Sri Sathyagiriswara Rock Cut Cave Shiva Temple, / Sri Satyagireeswarar Temple / Satya Giriswarar Temple, Thirumayam, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

30th September 2018
The visit to this temple is a part of Pudukottai Heritage visit. Thirumayam is a corrupted word of Thirumeyyaim  ( A Land of Truth). This place was ruled by Mutharaiyars, Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara, Pallavas, Hoysalas, Thondaimans and Sethupathis. There are two rock cut cave temple on the south side of the hill and a rock cut cave on the North, which may be approached through ladder. Out of Two cave one is excavated for Shiva and the other for Vishnu.


Moolavar    : Sri Sathyagiriswarar
Consort      : Sri Venuvaneswari

Some of the important features of this rock cut cave temple are....
The entrance Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers and maha mandapam is after that. The sanctum Rock cut cave is facing east with a Rishabam/ Idabam is in front. Moolavar and Rishabam / Idabam are excavated from the mother rock. Moolavar 65 CM tall on a 69 cm tall vesara avudayar. The dwarapalakas Soola Thevar & Mazhuvadayar and Lingothbavar in front of rock cut caves looks cute. The artha mandapam, Ambal shrine, A Banu Uma Maheswarar Shiva sannadhi, Bairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Chandran, Mahaganapathy, Natarajar  are in the prakaram built in latter period. The temple premises also has a natural pond.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
On the north side of the rock cut cave  there are Pallava  grantha inscriptions called Parivathini ( means  a Veena with 7 strings, mentioned in Amarakosa, Raghu vamsam and Buddha Charithiram ) ) is the oldest of all the inscriptions. On the South side sanctum it was believed that there was a musical inscription  and the same was chiseled out in 13th century and Sundara Pandyan’s 7th year rule inscription was inscribed. Traces of old inscription can be seen. This inscription has 47 lines. The inscription also records the removal of the old inscription, since it was written in an unknown language. This inscription gives the details of the dispute between Shiva and the Vishnu Temple regarding of sharing of property and how it was resolved during Hoysala period, in front of Appanna Dhanda nayakar. As per the inscription the common land, water body, periphery belongs to both temples  are to be shared in a ratio, ie 2/3 portion to Vishnu temple and 1/3 was given to Shiva temple.

The rock cut cave has 9 inscriptions, belongs to Rajarajan & Rajendra Chozha, Maravarman Sundara Pandyan and Parakrama Pandyan periods. Comparing to Kunrandar Kovil, Mahadevar, Veerasigamani rock cut caves, this Thirumayam rock cut cave may be excavated during 7th century, Pallava period.

The inscription- old and new can be seen 

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH :
Thirumayam is on the way to Pudukottai, Chettinad from Trichy.
21 KM from Pudukkottai and 68  KM from Trichy.
Nearest Railway station is Trichy.

LOCATION OF THIS ROCK CUT CAVE TEMPLE    :CLICK HERE

  Soolathevar -Rock cut Dwarapalakas - Mazhuvudayar 

 Lingothbavar



HIGHER LEVEL ROCK CUT CAVE IN SIDE THIRUMAYAM FORT
The cave is inside the fort excavated for Shiva to a size of  2.88 m x 2.7 m x 1.99 m, 10 meters height from the ground level. The entrance is 2 meters x 94 CM, carved in three steps on top and side, looks like a wooden frame . A ladder arrangement has been provided by ASI ( Archaeological Survey of India ). A Shiva Lingam  of 66 cm tall on a 95 cm square Avudayar excavated from the mother rock. The komuka is supported by a bootha gana On the side there is a Pallava grantha inscription  which may be about Parivaathini – a 7 string Veena. 

 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Wednesday 10 October 2018

Sri Vijayalaya Chozhiswaram, Pathinen Bhoomi Vinnagaram & Pazhiyili Eswaram, – A Rock Cut Cave Temple at Narthamalai in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

30th September 2018.
This hill Nagarathar malai was turned to Narthamalai. This hill is one of the group of 9 hills of Pudukottai, dominated by the Nattukottai Nagarathars ( Chettiars ), who are involved in business. It was believed that the stones required for Thanjavur Rajarajecharam was sourced from these hills. The Narthaamalai Temple complex consists of  Vijayalaya Chozheswaram, a structural Temple built by Mutharaiyar  during 9th Century and a Rock cut cave temples for Shiva and Vishnu, which  houses ‘Pathinen Bhoomi Vinnagaram’ and ‘Pazhiyizhi Eswarar shrine’. In addition to this there are two unfinished small caves. ( This post was up dated with Jwarahareswarar Rock Cut Cave and more details. Please click this link for more details )


FRONT MANDAPAM ( ONLY BASE )
The rock cut cave front Mandapam base is in front of the Vijayalaya Chozheeswaram. The Base is about 1.78 meters high from the ground level with 8 steps . The round Kumudha has the inscriptions. In the open mandapa base Sculptures of Sukhasana Shiva, Saptamatrikas in  two panels, Veenathara Dakshinamurthy, Vinayagar, Dwarapalakas, Elephants and Makara thorana.  The  mandapa base is with Yazhi vari & the images of Yazhi, Elephant, Simha, purusha mirugam etc,.Mahara is at the corners. Saththam Pazhiyili’s daughter  and Minavan Tamizh Athiraiyan Vaalan  Anantha’s wife Pazhiyili Chiriya Nangai constructed the front Mandapam, Nandi and balipeedam.







PAZHIYILI ESWARAM.
This rock cut cave shrine was excavated on the east side of the hill facing east. From inscription, the cave was excavated  during the Pallava King Nirupathungavarman’s  7th year rule, by the Vidael Viduku Muththaraiyan’s son Saththam Pazhiyili. Dwarapalakas and Nandhi are in front. In the sanctum, a damaged flat Shiva linga  is on a square avudayar carved out of mother rock.  Savainjathan belongs to Peruvilaththoor of Annal Vayil kootram donated a land  to  Naivedyam of this temple. The land was handed over to Uruthiran Theyupukki by Chiriya Nangai and to pay 25 kalanju gold as a penalty, if default occurs.




PATHINEN BHOOMI VINNAGARAM
In front of Pazhiyili Eswaram sannadhi there are 12 Vishnu statues carved out of mother rock , 6 on each side. Shiva Temple’s arthamandpam acts as a shrine for this Vishnu shrine. The mandapa is supported by 2 pillars and 2 pilasters. Out of 12 Vishnu's 10 are facing east and 2 are facing South and North. All the 12 Vishnu statues are similar in appearance and size. As per the iconography the experts of the opinion these Vishnu’s sculptures may belong to 9th or 10th century. The Sundarapandiyan’s  ( 1227 AD ) 12th year rule inscription calls this Vishnu’s shrine as “Pathinen Bhoomi Vinnagaram”. The inscription also speaks about the Tax to be paid by the Newly wedded couple’s parents  to the temple.

The mandapa base also has the Kulothunga Chozha’s ( 1115 AD), 45th year rule. The inscription mentions that this Village name as “Thelingakulakalapuram” in Annal Vayil  kootram of Irattappadi Chozhavala Nadu. This rock cut cave was named as Thirumer Kovil and Lord was called as Thirumanikkathalwar. In addition to this the Telelingakulakaala merchant Thevan Periyan Mudi konda Chozha Thelungaraiyan donated a land  for thirupadi, the 75 kalam  paddy/ year yielded will be given to this temple.
 

VIJAYALAYA CHOZHEECHURAM
The temple is on the opposite to Pazhiyil Eswarar Rock cut cave temple. Facing west with a Nandhi in front.  Might have a mandapam initially but only pillars exists now. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandpam with 6 pillars, built in Dravidian style. Pallava period dwarapalakas are at the entrance of artha mandapam. Shiva linga is in the  round sanctum, where as outer is in square shape. Vimana above the sanctum is in round shape ( Vesara ).   In the outer prakaram there are 6 more shrines  without any images. The paintings in the mandapa will be covered in a separate post.

The inscription below the north side dwarapalaka mentions that this temple was originally constructed by a small regional king  Saththam Bhoothi aka Ilangovathi Muththaraiyar in 9th Century and after it collapsed due to rain, the same was re-constructed by Mallan Vidhuman also known as Thennavan Tamizh thiraiyan.  The Original temple name was not known and the present name is known from the Sundara Pandiyan’s inscription as Vijayalaya Chozhiswaram.




HOW TO REACH:
This Narthamalai is 20 KM from Pudukkottai on Pudukkottai to Trichy road.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Tuesday 9 October 2018

Sri Kuduminathar Temple, Kudumiyanmalai / Thirunalangundrathu Perumanadigal Temple, Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

 29th September 2018.
The visit to this temple is a part of Pudukkottai Heritage Visit. Kudumiyanmalai was ruled by Vaanaathirayars, Irukku Velir, Early Pandyas, Pallavas, Latter Chozhas, Latter Pandyas, Nayaks and Thondaimans.  The remains of earlier human settlement 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 masonry temples and Rock cut cave temple.


Moolavar    : Sri Kuduminathar / Thirunalankundrathu Perumanadigaal
Consort      : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a Rajagopuram base pillars, but without super structure. The Vasantha mandapam is immediately after the entrance has 24 statue pillars, was built during Nayak period. On the right side is the 1000 pillar mandapam. 

The Kuduminathar sanctum sanctorum consists of  Sanctum, Antarala, Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. Vimanam over the sanctum is very much similar to Rajagopuram has the images of Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu and Brahma. Urchavars are in maha mandapam. In koshtam Pickshadanar and Kotravai.

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

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, was built by one devaradiyar Durgaiyandi’s daughter Nachi during 13th Century Veera Pandiyan period.

There are more than 120 inscriptions  found on Moolavar, Sri Akilandeswari Amman Sanctum, Soundara Nayaki Amman sanctum, Madapalli and Prakara walls. The inscriptions mainly speaks about donations made in the form of gold, land, taxes, irrigation, judgement made for the offences, auction sale, etc,. One of the Chozha king Koparakesari Panmar Parantaka Chozha’s 15th year rule inscription mentions that his son Kothandaraman donated 15 thulai gold towards burning of a perpetual lamp.  Most of the inscriptions speaks about donation made for the burning of perpetual lamp. Another Pandya period inscription on the Amman sannadhi wall gives the detail of returning back the kingdom of Chozhas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION
As per one of the Pudukottai inscription the hill is also called as Thirunalangunram and Iraivan is also called as Shikamaninathar. The Rock cut cave might have been excavated during 7th century or before with the presence of Parivadini ( a musical instrument -7 String Veena ) inscription. 

Utsava Mandapam

Pudukkottai Thondaiman Kings Coronation 24 Pillar Chokkattan mandapam 
Rasi and Nakshatra mandalam
Pandya's inscription of returning back the Kingdom to Chozhas

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. 

THIRU METRALI ( ROCK CUT CAVE TEMPLE )
The Rock cut cave temple called Melakovil by the locals is  on the foot hills, excavated during 8th century, once called as Thirumulattanam / Thirumetrali. Vinayagar and Dwarapalakas are on the walls of the sanctum in artha mandapam. The Shiva Linga with square avudayar, an integral part of the mother rock is in the sanctum. The sanctum in side walls are finished neatly with motif  on all four sides of the roof. The Cave temple consists of sanctum, artha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam The front Muka mandapam was built at a latter state, abutting the artha mandapam. The artha mandapam was supported by 2 square pillars and 2 pilasters with a platform constructed by Raghunatha Thondaiman. Somaskandar and Chandikeswarar is in sukhasana are in the Mukha mandapa.

INSCRIPTIONS
There are 45 inscriptions found in the Rock cut cave temple. Out of 45, 26 are in muka/ front pillars, 18 are in mandapa walls and one on sanctum pilaster.  These inscriptions belongs to Pandya ( Oldest ) and Chozha period. The inscriptions mentions Kuduminathar as “Thirunalagunrathu Perumanadigal” and mainly speaks about the donations.

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 as Thirunalagundram, Kundriyur during early Pandiya period and Kudumiyanmalai from 17th century.

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

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

The Musical inscription on the sides of 4 feet Vinayakar
Rishabaroodar with Nayanmars on both sides

HOW TO REACH: 
Kudumiyanmalai is 19.5 KM from Pudukkottai and 60 KM from Trichy.
Kudumiyanmalai is on the bus route from Pudukkottai to Maraparai.
Nearest Railway station is Pudukkottai.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---