Saturday, July 23, 2016

Thirumagaraleeswarar Temple, Thirumagaral – History

Thirumagaraleeswarar Temple, Thirumagaral – History

The temple is originally believed to be built in brick in 7th century CE by Pallavas. The brick structure was completely converted to granite structure by the Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola. The temple received extensive patronage from Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings and Telugu Chodas.  Inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, Kulothunga Chola II, Kulothunga Chola III, Rajaraja Chola II, Jadavarman Sundara Pandya I, Veera Maha Devaraya & Kampanna Udayar of Vijayanagara Dynasty and Telugu Choda King Vijayakanda Gopalan are found in this temple.

Magaral was called as Jayamkonda Chozha Mandalathu Eyir Kottathu Magaral Naattu Magaral and Lord Shiva was called as Magaral Udaya Nayanar, Thiru Agatheeswaramudayar and Thiru Agatheechuramudaya Nayanar as per the inscriptions available in this temple. Magaral was a very prominent place during the Chola era and finds frequent mention in the records of the period. The rajagopuram was built in 1963. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamilnadu.