Ravikula Maanikkaeswarar Temple, Dhadapuram,
Villupuram
Ravikula
Maanikkaeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Dhadapuram
Village near Thindivanam in Villupuram District of Tamilnadu. Dhadapuram
Village is located at a distance of 14 kms North-West of Tindivanam towards
Vandavasi, is of great historic significances connected with the lives of
Kundavai Devi and great Rajaraja Chola. The Chola Princess Kundavai
Devi created this town, Rajarajapuram, in the name of his loving brother
Rajaraja Chola. She also constructed the temple for Lord Manickeshwarar
and Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple. The temples are rich in architecture
with lots of inscriptions that tell the history of the land.
The old
name of Dhadapuram was Rajarajapuram. In the records it is referred to as
‘Venkundra Kottathu Nalloor Naattin Rajarajapuram’. This temple was constructed
by Raajaraja Chola’s sister Kundavai Pirattiyaar. There are 14 inscriptions in
the temple. The inscriptions of Rajaraja Chola II, Rajendra Chola I, and
Rajendra Chola II are the notable ones. Kundavai Pirattiyaar constructed Ravikula
Maanikkaeswarar temple, Kundavai Vinnagar Azhvar temple and the Kundavai Jain
temple. The Azhvar temple is now known as Kari Varadharaja Perumal temple.
Inscriptions
say that Parantaka Chola Kundavai Pirattiyaar constructed this temple in the
year 1004 AD. The period of this temple and the Tanjore Brihadeeswarar temple
are the same. Kundavai Pirattiyaar has given large Treasures for lamps to be
lit in the temple. The name of the Shiva is Ravikula Maanikkaeswarar temple
(earlier called Manikandeeswarar). Balipeedam, Nandhi mandapam, Muga mandapam,
Maha mandapam and Ardhamandapam have been constructed with selective quality
stones. The Balipeedam is in the form of a Lotus bud.
The face
of the Yali in the Mugamandabam is square shaped. The pillars of the Ardhamandapa
have wonderful carving. The Moolavar Maanikkaeswarar faces east. The Aavudaiyar
is round shaped. We find minute lines called Brahmsudhra lines on the forehead
of the linga. The name of the amman is Manikkavalli. Ambaal has 4 hands. The
Vinayaka with stone umbrella and the Veena Dhakshinamurthy with the bull are
some special Sannidhis. All the deities have been constructed with great care.
The whole temple is artistic. All the temple rituals are being celebrated in a
grand manner.
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