Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruthangal – History
Ninra
Narayana Perumal Temple is believed to have been built by Pandyas. There are a host of inscriptions in the temple
indicating information related to the gifts offered to the temple. One of the inscriptions
from 1032 CE indicates the temples as Paramaswamy who willingly chose the
hillock as his abode. A lake by name of Vallabha Pereri existed by the side of
the temple. During the reign of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan
I (1308 - 23 CE), a shrine was erected for the image
of Singapperumal (Narasimha). The two sons of Tiruvenkatanatha, an official in the
Pandyan Empire constructed the western precinct.
During
1220 CE, they constructed a mutt and endowed for the recitation of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. During the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan (1216–1238 CE), special poojas were instituted. In 1227, Gurukalathirayan, the
minister of Sundara Pandyan arranged for the construction of the sanctum,
Mahamandapam and Ardhamandapam. In later periods, a lady named Tirumangai Andal
installed the metal images of Karmachanai Emperuman and the Devis. The festival
idols were taken out in procession during new moon day.
The
inscription about these inscription were recopied as the rock contained the
original epigraph was shattered. In modern times, two philanthropists, named
Ramanujadasa and Narayanadasa arranged for the construction of Kalyana Mantapa,
Garuda Mandapa and other Mandapas (halls). During 1979, the northern compound
wall, 120 ft. by 30 ft. tall collapsed due to torrential rains, which was
repaired with the help of local support. In modern times, the temple is
maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of
the Government of Tamilnadu.
