Shikanathar Temple Complex, Kudumiyanmalai
– Inscriptions
There are about 120 inscriptions found in the temple complex. Inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan Varaguna I, Srimara Sri Vallabha, Mahendra Pallava I, Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar, Parantaka Chola I, Parantaka Chola II, Kulothunga Chola I and Rajaraja Chola II can be found in the temple complex. There are two early Pandya inscriptions belonging to 7th century CE in this temple. It records some donations made to this temple.
All the early Chola inscriptions in this temple are located in the Melakoil (Rock cut cave shrine) and on the walls of the second prakaram and not a single early Chola inscription is found in the main shrine of Shikanathar. The main shrine might have been completely reconstructed during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya I. The earlier inscriptions had been re-inscribed on the prakaram and kitchen walls.
There are also Jain inscriptions found on the south western part of the hill. The Lord Shiva of the rock cut cave shrine is mentioned as Thirumetrali Mahadevar and the Lord Shiva of the main shrine is mentioned as Thirumulattanathu Perumanadigal in the inscriptions. The village was mentioned as Thirunalakkunram in the earlier period inscriptions and Shikanallur in the later period inscriptions.
Most of the inscriptions records
grant, gifts & endowments made to this
temple, grants for conducting festivals, administration activities of the
temple & the region, taxes levied, irrigation, judgement made for the
offences, auction sale, renovation activities and feeding the ascetics &
devotees.
Musical Inscription:
For brief details, please refer below link;
