Subramanyaswamy Temple, Thiruparankundram – Inscriptions
Inscriptional
evidences point out that this temple, being carved out of a hill, was most
probably earlier a Jain cave (earlier to this, the Murugan temple existed much
before. i.e., during 7th century and converted into Jain worship
centre by Jain monks who influenced the Pandya king Koon Pandiyan), which was
however later converted into a Hindu temple. Gajapathy, Minister of the Pandya
King, was instrumental during the latter part of the 8th Century, to complete
this conversion. The temple was built during 8th century by Pandyas
as rock cut – temple i.e Kudavarai Koil. Later during Nayaks (1559 to 1736 AD)
gopurams were constructed.
The
front mandapam with 48 sculptured pillars were installed during Pandya and
Nayakar Period. There are 41 inscriptions that provide details about the period
of construction, administration and donations given for renovations.
Information about the rulers, Sadaiyavarman Kulasekharan, Maravarman
Sundarapandyan and Maravarman Vikrapandiyam are found in these inscriptions.
Details about the renovation and works carried out by the Pandyan
Maranchadayan, Thirupuvana Chakravarthi Konerinmaikondan, Sonadukonda
Sundarapandyan and Vijayanagara Varathappa Naicker tell us about the
involvement of different dynasties in this shrine.
