Korukkai Veeratteswarar Temple – Inscriptions
There
are 21 one stone inscriptions proclaiming details of this kshetram. In the 12th
century AD, this place was referred to as Vikrama Chola Chaturvedi Mangalam in
Kurukkai Nadu. An inscription on the Northern wall of the mandapa in front
of the Central shrine of the temple dating back to 1169 AD tells an interesting
story relating to an event at this temple. A piece of land had previously
remained uncultivated for over 50years. The assembly of the temple paid the
taxes that were due for all these years to reclaim the land. Subsequently once
again it remained fallow and taxes unpaid. Hence it was decided to gift the
land to the temple. The land was to be cultivated with paddy and with the
income generated from it a 100 red lotus garlands (Chengalanur) were to be
presented to the deity for mid night service.
20 years
later, in 1188AD, during the rule of Kulottunga III a gift of house was made to
the temple. There was a provision made for bailing of water from adjoining well
and for taking water by digging a channel. In early 13th century AD, there was
a gift of paddy to meet the expenses of servants of Palliyarai and also for the
construction of a cave called Thirunavukarasu Thiru Kuhai for the destitute apurvins
who visited it and Mahesvaras who attended the festival of Thiruvai Gasi
Thirunaal. Also, there is a record of the recitation of Thiru Thandagam at the
temple in 1207AD.
One of
the most inscriptions inside the temple is recording of the names of slaves
that included both men and women numbering over 100 who were purchased. Through
the 12th and 13th Century AD, there were several ongoing contributions for the
burning of the perpetual lamp at the temple. These contributions came in the
form of cash as well as gift of land. There are several such inscriptions
dating back a 1000 years. Many of them on the outer walls are intact. However,
some of them on the inner walls have lost some of the sheen and are not in a
readable state.
The
temple itself is in a dilapidated state with big cracks on the walls of the Madapalli
that could come down anytime. The Vimana of the Lord which has several
sculptures is also in bad shape. The huge wall at the entrance of the temple
next to the Raja Gopuram has also caved in. The previous restoration work had
taken place in 1959. Since then, there has been very little repair and
maintenance work that has been undertaken and this has resulted in the sheen
going off several inscriptions. The temple is under the administration of Dharmapura
Adheenam.
The
inscriptions are found on the mandapam and Chandeswara shrines. Most of the
inscriptions refer to gifts of lands to the temple. However, a few are of
interest. One of them refers to the recitation of Thiruth Thandagam in the
temple inscribed during the nineteenth regnal year of Kulothunga III. Another
inscription of the same king (Kulothunga III) records a gift of money by a lady
to some other temple. The last named Araiyan Umaiyalvi belonging to Periya
Ahapparivarman gifted for offerings to the temple of Thiru
Chamundisvaramudaiayr and to the images of Thiruppalliyaraiaa Nachiyar and
Atkondanayaka Deva set up by her in the temple at Panaiyur in Kurrukkainadu.
