Friday, September 9, 2016

Narasimhaswamy Temple, Namakkal – History

Narasimhaswamy Temple, Namakkal – History
The temple is believed to be built during the 8th century by the Pandya kings in Rock-cut architecture. Historian Soundara Rajan places the date to a pre-Varagunan I (800–830) era on the 8th century. Based on the paleography and Rock-cut architecture, P.R. Srinivasan has placed it at 8th century. Most of the historians have compared the temples with similar architectural elements found in Badami Caves (6th century) and a possible influence.
Some historians have argued that the Azhwars during the Bhakti tradition have discarded Rock-cut images and hence no mention is found in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham about this temple. But the argument is disproved by other historians who have quoted rock-cut temples like Thirumeyyam in Pudukottai district and Ninra Narayana Perumal temple in Virudhunagar district finding mention in the canon.
The records of the details of the inscriptions are found in the Annual report of Epigraphy -1961. There are no inscriptions in the temple, but an undated inscription in the Ranganatha temple, which is on the upper cave in the hill. Historians believe it is possible that both the temples were built during the same period. This temple is taken over and maintained by Archaeological department under monuments and sites act 1958.