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.