Ulagalantha Perumal Temple,
Thirukovilur – History
Thirukkovilur is considered as
one of the important cities in ancient Tamil Nadu, similar to Kanchipuram,
Madurai and Thanjavur. The temple finds mention in Sangam
literature in Tamil from
3rd BC to 3rd centuries CE. Akananuru, Purananuru, Natrinai and Kurunthokai have
mention about the temple. Malaiyaman Thirumudikkaari, the ruler of
Thirukovilur, was lavished praise in the texts for his charitable disposition
to the institutions. The city was sacked by Athiyaman, a Velir Chieftain during
Sangam Era.
It is believed that Avvaiyar,
the celebrated Sangam period poet, arranged marriage for two chieftains at this
place. Poet Kapilar is believed to have found suitable grooms for king Pari's
daughter Angavai and Sangavai with the help of Avvaiyar at this place and set
himself up in fire. The event is commemorated every year in a huge rock called Kapilar
Kundru, where a small shrine exists even in modern times.
Thirukkovilur was originally
under the rule of Malayalayam chieftains and later switched hands to
Miladudaiyar and again went back to Malayalayam chieftains. The Miladudaiyar
had direct relationship with the Medieval
Cholas, with their princess Vana Mahadevi marrying Sundara
Chola and gave birth to Rajaraja
I, the illustrious Chola king. This
temple was originally a brick and mortar structure in the period of
Parantaka Chola I (early 10th century).
The
temple was patronized by the great Chola Emperors
Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I. The
temple was rebuilt completely with granite structure during the
period of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola II (1063–70). The
temple was called Thiruvidaikazhi Azhwar temple during the rule of Rajendra
Chola II as per the inscription available in this
temple.
Narasimha Varma, a general of Emperor Rajendra Chola II,
constructed the other shrines also in granite. There is an inscription dated to
1171 CE during the reign of Rajadhiraja
Chola informs about the donation of seven Kalanju (a
measure used in olden times) by a lady for the conduct of festivals of Vaikasi
and Aippasi and also for the recitation of Thiruvaimozhi sung
by Nammazhvar in
the
temple.
The
temple received benevolent contributions from various
Kings such as Rajadhiraja Chola, Virarajendra Chola, Kulothunga Chola I,
Kulothunga Chola III, Vikrama Pandya, Kadava Chieftain Kopperunjinga, Saluva
Narasimha Deva Raya, Sadasiva Raya, Rajaraja Chediyarayan and Immadi Narasa
Nayak as seen from the inscriptions in the
temple.
The
temple was expanded during the rule of the
Vijayanagara kings and Nayaks. The temple was the fortress to
the British during the Carnatic wars. It was also attacked
during the days of the period of Hyder Ali. The administration of the
temple is under the control of Thiru Kovilur Sri Emberumanar
Jeer.