Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode – Inscriptions
Inscriptions on Rocks:
The rock
cut inscription to the east of the Sixty-Steps: In 916A.D. during the
rule of Rajaraja Cholan, the son of Aranakkan had donated gold coins
for feeding Brahmins on behalf of Manikandi Odayamanthal of Erode.
Another
inscription found in the mandapam in front of Sri Sengottuvelavar Sannadhi.
This inscription was made in the period of Krishnadevaraya. The
administrative officer of the Chola Mandalam by name Triambaka Udayar dedicated
the income from the traders of the periodical market for conducting the
festival of Lord Ardhanareeswara.
Copper Plate Inscriptions:
In
1599AD, Athappa Kangayan constructed some stone steps
leading to the hilltop. During the period the four car streets were planned and
came into use. In 1599AD, Athappa Nallathambi Kangeyan constructed
the mandapam in front of Lord Sengottuvelavar Sannadhi,
the Nritta Mandapam and the Chitra Mandapam and its pillars.
In
1619, Immudi Nallathambi Kangeyan constructed the Mandapam in front
of Lord Ardhanareeswara Sannadhi and extended the Mandapam in front
of Lord Sengottuvelavar. In 1512, during the region of Krishna
Devaraya the practice of celebrating Dwajaroghanam and floating
festival started.
During
the period of Sadasiva Maharaayar, the basic structure of Rajagopuram of
the temple on the hilltop was built. In 1522 A.D, Triambaka Udayar completed
the construction of Rajagopuram of the hill temple. In 1699 AD, the annual
temple festival was celebrated with the big chariot for Lord Ardhanareeswara
made by Nagamalai Gounder.
Molasi
Velappa Gounder constructed the Annai Mandapam in front of Lord Ardhanareeswara
Sannadhi. In 1628 A.D Kondapoopathi who ruled kongu nadu donated two
small chariots. The chariots were almost there for 374 years. In 1628
A.D Chennaraja Chikendrar made a chariot for Lord Sengottuvelavar which is
303 years old. In the same year Nagamalai Gounder made a big
chariot for Lord Ardhanareeswara and celebrated the festival in a grand way.