Thursday, January 5, 2017

Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruthangal – History

Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruthangal – History
Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple is believed to have been built by Pandyas. There are a host of inscriptions in the temple indicating information related to the gifts offered to the temple. One of the inscriptions from 1032 CE indicates the temples as Paramaswamy who willingly chose the hillock as his abode. A lake by name of Vallabha Pereri existed by the side of the temple. During the reign of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I (1308 - 23 CE), a shrine was erected for the image of Singapperumal (Narasimha). The two sons of Tiruvenkatanatha, an official in the Pandyan Empire constructed the western precinct.
During 1220 CE, they constructed a mutt and endowed for the recitation of RamayanaMahabharata and Puranas. During the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan (1216–1238 CE), special poojas were instituted. In 1227, Gurukalathirayan, the minister of Sundara Pandyan arranged for the construction of the sanctum, Mahamandapam and Ardhamandapam. In later periods, a lady named Tirumangai Andal installed the metal images of Karmachanai Emperuman and the Devis. The festival idols were taken out in procession during new moon day.
The inscription about these inscription were recopied as the rock contained the original epigraph was shattered. In modern times, two philanthropists, named Ramanujadasa and Narayanadasa arranged for the construction of Kalyana Mantapa, Garuda Mandapa and other Mandapas (halls). During 1979, the northern compound wall, 120 ft. by 30 ft. tall collapsed due to torrential rains, which was repaired with the help of local support. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu