Mahalingeswarar Temple,
Thiruvidaimarudur – Inscriptions
There are total of 159
inscriptions associated with the temple. The temple contains inscriptions
of Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Kings, Nayaks and Marathas. The
inscriptions in the walls of the temple are from Kulothunga Chola I, indicating
revenue survey and settlement and other additions made inside the temple. This
inscription on the second precinct records a grant of 120 sheep for two lamps
and the pujaris and inhabitants are appointed trustees of the grant. This
inscription is dated to 172nd day of 26th year of the
reign of Kulothunga I, who conquered the Kalinga region.
The other inscriptions mention
the name of the queen and adore her as the "mistress of the whole
world". Three other queens are Dina Chintamani, Elisai Vallabhi and
Tyagavalli. The temple is also famous historically
for devadasi tradition, which involves donating dance women to the
temple during the medieval period. The inscriptions indicate the tradition,
dances, rearrangement during festivals and procession of deities during
festivals. The record is dated in the seventh regnal year of Vikrama
Chola (1118-35 CE).
There are five inscriptions in
this vein from the 10th century and there are three later
inscriptions date 1123 CE, 1142 CE and 1218 CE. The possible reasoning for the
hundred-year gap indicates the shifting of all temple women
to Brihadeeswarar temple by Rajaraja I. Since the temple
received lot of gifts, the Cholas deputed a special army to protect the endowments.
One specific inscription documents the presence of theatre (Natakasala) for
enacting dramas.
The theatre artists received
patronage from kings and one Veli (approximately 3 acre) of cultivable land was
granted as gift to the artist for nurturing the art. The Koothu (a form of folk
drama) artists performed different styles of Koothu including Aryakoothu and
Chakkaikoothu during festival time. The temple also served as the centre for
fostering fine arts.