The First visit to this temple was a part of Pudukkottai Heritage
Visit with Trich Parthy. The
second visit to this Sri Shikanathar Temple at Kudumiyanmalai was a part of
Heritage Visit to temples around Keeranur in Pudukkottai District, organized by
“Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே” group on 2nd
and 3rd, October 2021.
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 structural temples and Rock cut cave
temple.
Moolavar : Sri Kuduminathar /
Thirunalankundrathu
Perumanadigal
Consort : Sri
Akilandeswari
Some of the important features of this temple are...
The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram base pillars,
but without super structure. The Vasantha mandapam is immediately after the
entrance has 24 pillars with statues / sculptures, was built during Nayak
period. On the right side is the 1000 pillar mandapam. 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.
ARCHITECTURE
The Kuduminathar sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum,
Antarala, Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The temple
sanctum sanctorum is with 2 thala vimana and mukha mandapas are beautifully
constructed. Sanctum sanctorum sala and Karnapathi has Panchara Koshtas. Kumbha
panjaras are in the aharai / saleelantharam between Salaipathi and
karnapathi. Different adhisthanas are
shown on the Salaipathi ( Sripandam ), karnapathi and akarai ( Padma kesaram
).
The temple is with 3 prakaras. Sanctum sanctorum, Ardha mandapam,
mukha mandapam, Sabha mandapam are in the parakaram. Anivottikal mandapam pillars are with beautiful sculptures is in
the second prakaram. Ardha mandapam bitti has the pilasters with vazhaipoo
mottu and single pillar panchara.
Maha mandapam… the mandapam is supported with many pillars without
any ornamental sculptures. On the way to maha mandapam to ardha mandapam,
Nagabandham and padmavari.
Vimanam… The adhisthana is with upana, Padma vari, kandam,
Kapotham, Nasikudu. Yazhivari is above the kapotha. Adisthanam is with big
padma jagathi, virutha kumudam, kapotham with beautiful nasikudus, Pattigai
with Kumuda.
Prastaram is with Padmavari, kodungai, Yazhivari. Stone lifting
Bhuta, Conch blowing Bhutas, Monkey, Lion, Vinayagar, Narasimhar, Elephant,
Natarajar, Maha Vshnu, Yoga Dakshinamurthy are in the Keerthi mukha nasikudus.
Gopuram.. The entrance is with a 7 tier Rajagopuram with less
ornamental work doors. Gajalakshmi is on the top of the entrance. Dwarapalakas
are on both sides.
Vasantha mandapam… This mandapam measures 90’ X 90’ in square. There are totally 96 pillars, each
row consists of 12 pillars. The Pillars has the various deity sculptures like,
Murugan, vinayagar, Sankara Narayanar, Manmathan, Rathi, Hanuman, Oorthuva
thandavar, mohinis etc,. This mandapam was renovated between 1215 to 1265
CE.
Mukha mandapam Donors
Hanuman
Arumugar
Narasimhar
Ravana
Manmathan and Rathi
Kali
Mohini with Rishis
Mohini with Rishis
Sankara narayanan
Sankara Narayanan
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
The Mela Koil was excavated after the Saiva samaya marumalarchi.
The Chozha period inscriptions are found ( 9th to 10th
Century ), in the Mela Koil and Second Parakaram, but not in the main shrine.
It is believed that the temple might have reconstructed / remodeled. Based on
the architecture style, it is believed that this temple was constructed / re-modeled
during Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-I, period.
There are more than 120 inscriptions found on Moolavar, Sri
Akilandeswari Amman Sanctum, Soundara Nayaki Amman sanctum, Madapalli and
Prakara walls. Sri Kuduminathar’s sanctum Sanctorum belongs to 9th
Century. The Amman temple and the rest of the mandapams were constructed during
12th to 13th century. As per the Pudukottai inscription, this
hill was also called as Thirunalankundram and Lord Shiva was also called as
Shikamaninathar.
The inscriptions mainly records the donations made in the form of
gold, land, taxes, irrigation, judgement made for the offences, auction sale,
towards annadhanam, Naivedyam, burning perpetual lamps, Poojas and offerings etc,.
Pandya period inscription on the Amman sannidhi wall records the
details of returning back the kingdom of Chozhas. Pudukkottai
Thondaiman Kings used to do their Coronation in the 24 Pillar Chokkattan mandapam.
A
14th to 15th Century, Sundaratholudayan
Mavalivanaatharayan’s, ( who ruled Madurai and Ramanathapuram area ),
inscription in the form of poem on the north wall of 2nd Rajagopuram
entrance records the flag of all the three Dynasties of Tamil Nadu and Garuda
Flag is above the all
சென்னிப்
புலிகொடியும்
தென்னன்
கயல் கொடியும்
மின்னும்
கழல் பிறையோன் விற்கொடியும் – மன்னும்
வருசைக்
கொடைத்
திருமல்
மாவாலிவாணன்
தன்
கருடக்
கொடியே
கொடியாம்
காண்
Another
poem reads as
வன்புடையார்
தேவியர்
தம் மங்கலனான்
தட்டானிக்கன்புரிய
வொடாணியாகு
மெ யின்பராசர் கொபாலன் பல்லவர் கொன் கொளி வீரராயன் சிஞ்கார வாள் !
As a proof of construction of 2nd level Rajagopuram by
Pandyas, their emblem Fish with Chendu is found on the side column.
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.
An inscription on the foot path leads to Amman temple records as
“Swathisri Thirunalakundram Rakutharayan Ashram Anjinan Pukazhidam”. This
inscription belongs to 13th Century. This inscription shows that
this Ashram served as a refugee camp for those frightened.
The inscription on the steps leading to
( Kudaboga Koil – Kudaivarai Kovil ) the mandapam records the gift by
Raghunatharaya Thondaman.
The sanctum wall inscription records the
gift of well being of the Sri Venrumalaiyida Pallavarayar’s son Sri Ranganatha
Pallavarayar by Venru Malai Idan Pallavarayan.
Kulothunga Chozha’s 18th reign year inscription records
the endowment of Thirupalli ezhuchi at Ambal temple with Naivedyam, Kariamudhu,
for which a two ma land was gifted to this temple and the lands periphery
limits are mentioned by a person called Kulothunga Chozha Kadambarayan.
The inscription without King’s name records that a Lady working
with the temple called Solaichi’s daughter PallavarayamanickathaL was given
with Kaani vilai piramanam ( Land sale ) and Chandeswara pattayam. Thithiyandi
Silamban had stolen decorative Pattu / Silk
cloth of the Ammaichiyar Agalameentra nayagiyar and sold. This was found out and he was chased
out of the Village and fined 10 pon. When he said he cannot give that amount
his land was confiscated and sold for 10 pon and deposited in the treasury.
The temple treasury people ordered, and the same was in the form
of inscription to Visalur Konattu Mutharaiyar and Sevinthivanamutharaiyar no to
cover their faces and head. This order
is given, when they went along with dead body for cremation ( … ?) and they was
removed from the caste so they tried to vacate this place.
The Soundaranayagi Amman Sannidhi is on the south side of the Rock
cut cave temple. This was constructed during 13th Century Pandya
Period. The Veerapandya’s 11th Reign year inscription found on the
sanctum wall records that this was constructed by a daughter of a Dancer.
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 ardha mandapam. The Shiva Linga is with square avudayar, an
integral part of the mother rock. The sanctum in side walls are finished neatly
with motif on all four sides of the roof. The Cave temple consists
of sanctum, ardha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam The front Mukha mandapam was
built at a latter date, abutting the ardha mandapam. The ardha mandapam was
supported by 2 square pillars and 2 pilasters with a platform constructed by
Raghunatha Thondaiman. Somaskandar and Chandikeswarar are in sukhasana in the
Mukha mandapam.
On the left ( South ) side of the sanctum sanctorum entrance
Grantha inscription records the name of the 7 or 8 string Veena’s name as “Parivathini”
also called as Vallabi or Vibanji
HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS
There are 45 inscriptions found in the Rock cut cave temple. Out
of 45, 26 are in mukha/ front pillars, 18 are in mandapam walls and one on
sanctum pilaster. These inscriptions belongs to Pandya ( Oldest )
and Chozha period. The inscriptions records Lord Shiva Kuduminathar as
“Thirunalagundrathu Perumanadigal” and mainly records about the donations made
to the temple in terms of money, Gold and Lands. 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.
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.
Kovi Rajakesaribarmar’s 10th reign year inscription
records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 7 Kalanju gold was
gifted by Kundriyur Nattu Kuththakudi KanpanThunaiyanen.
Kovi Rajakesari’s 20th reign year inscription records
the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 2 klanju gold was gifted by
Mutharaiyar Nambi’s daughter ( Eravakko) daughter Nangai Vikrama kesariyan
Achci Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar’s wife Nangaiyar. Also in continuation Thaliyuran also gifted
Thulaipon for burning daylight lamp.
Koparakesaribarmar’s 6th reign year inscription records
the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kodumbalur Thazhi Aruran, for the
same 11 thulai gold was gifted to this temple.
The Pandya King Veerapandya’s… period inscription records that the
sabha assembled at the temple to enquire the theft of Gold by Siva Brahmin.
During the enquiry, the Karthachan and Siva Brahmin accepted that they had
taken 60 pon and the rest was taken by the other Siva Brahmins. After enquiry
the lands owned by those were confisticated and attached to the temple.
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 records 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.
மத்ய க்ராமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
ஷ்ட்ஜக்ராமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
ஷாதவே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
ஸாதாரிதே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
பஞ்சாம சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
கைசிக மத்யமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
கைசிகே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:
Rudrachariyar’s disciple
a King inscribed the above inscription for learning to the students. The 4 feet
Vinayagar bas-relief on the right side
of this inscription belongs to 12th Century.
On the south west corner
“Malai mangai Amman” stone structure temple was constructed by a Devaradiyar
Nachi, daughter of Dhukkaiyandi, which shows how Devaradiyars are treated and
their position in the society. The Vinayagar temple on the North side of the
Mela Koil was constructed by the Villagers of Vayalogam.
Near
the Parivadhini inscription, there is a 6th Century vattezhuthu
inscription on the rock, which records the name of “Paramasevakan Nakkan”. As
per the scholars the name may be of the person responsible for excavating the
rock cut cave. This is the earliest inscription to the Musical inscription and
Maransadyan inscription.
On the back side of the Rock cut cave temple on the hill rock
Shiva and Parvathi are sitting on Nandi in the form of Rishabarudar, on both
sides 63 Nayanmars are shown on both sides carved in the form of bas-relief.
LEGENDS
As per the legend, the Sivachariyar gave
the flower, which was meant for Poojas to a lady. When the King arrived
unexpectedly, the Sivachariyar didn’t know what to do. So he got back the
flower from the lady. The Sivachariyar had done the pooja and gave the flower
to the King. On receiving the flower, the King noticed a hair in the flower. When
the king asked for explanation for the hair, the Sivachariyar told that the
hair belongs to Lord Shiva. Immediately Lord Shiva appeared with a tuft on his
head. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Kuduminathar.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular Poojas, special
poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Pongal, Navaratri,
Deepavali, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Arudra Darshan, Panguni Uthiram and on all important festivals.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between
07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.
HOW TO REACH:
Kudumiyanmalai is on the bus route from Pudukkottai to Manaparai.
Kudumiyanmalai is 19.5 KM from Pudukkottai, 55 KM from Karaikudi, 60
KM from Tiruchirappalli and 389 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Pudukkottai and Junction is
Tiruchirappalli.
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
Lord Shiva Holding himself as Shiva Linga 
Inside view of the Vimana -Kathalika
Malai Thongal 
Lord Shiva as Gangadharar
Lord Shiva as Veenadharar
Samaratharis
Uma Maherwarar
Lord Shiva and Parvati
Ardhanareeswarar as Ganga visajjanar
Nandhi with Bhuta ganas
Ganesha with Bhuta Ganas
Thiripurantakar
Gaja Samharar
Lord Shiva Holding Himself
The remains--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
