Friday, February 5, 2016

Palani Murugan Temple – Archaeological Details

Palani Murugan Temple – Archaeological Details
The Palani Hill temple has been constructed on the top of a hill. It is said that the temple was built by a Chera King.
Inscriptions: 
On the outer walls of Lord Muruga’s shrine there are many edicts, made by some Pandya Kings, Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandian, Sadaiyavarman Veerapandian, Veera Nanjana Udaiyar, Mallikarjuna Devarayar II and others.

The edict by Sundarapandian is the oldest of all. He was also known as Kongupandiyan and was the famous king of the later Pandya Dynasty. He ascended the throne in 1251 AD.
In 1300 AD king Jatavarman Sundarapandian gifted a village for carrying a special daily Pooja in his name. It is called Avani Vendha Raman Sandhi. 
From the inscriptions on the wall, it is known that many kings have gifted lands and villages to the temple to enable the conduct of regular Poojas.
Sculptures:
In the front Mandapam of the temple there are many beautiful and artistic sculpture pieces live Siddhas in penance, parrot, peacock, deer, Karpaga vriksha (Divine Tree) and so on. There are also icons of Dhandayuthapani & Yali. At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram there are two nice sculpture pieces - a young lady carrying her child in the right arm and carrying a flower basket in the left; another beautiful lady, the friend of the first standing in front of her. There are pillars with Yali in the Paaravel Mandapam.

In the Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young, good looking damsels. They create a sense of admiration in the minds of the visitors. The Tamils believe that Murugan resides where there is beauty. The Sanctum of Dhandayuthapani Swami is full of art-work. The ceiling here having the Kodungai design speaks of the talent of the sculptors.

The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this area adds beauty. Such artistic work can be seen on the pillars of Tiruvavinankudi temple and Periyanayakiamman temple. In the Navaranga Mandapam here there are two pieces the divine dance of Lord Siva and (opposite to this) the dance of Kali after her shedding her ego.
Paintings:
In the temple walls of Periyanayaki Amman Temple there is a beautiful ancient painting, revealing the art of singers, artists and dancers. It belongs to the Nayak period.



Ancient Coins:

In Palani area, old coins of ancient kingdoms were also found.