Thirukkadigai, Sholinghur – History
The
place was originally called as Chozhasimhapuram, which later became Sholinghur.
Various scriptures quote the place as Kadigachalam or Thirukkadigai as the
place is believed to offer blessings to devotees with a worship lasting
a Kadigai (24 minutes). Peyazhwar refers the presiding deity as "Vaan
Poonkadigai Ilankumaran". Vishnu
Purana and Padma
Purana refer this place as Kadigai
and since Vishwamitra got his Brammarishi title here, it became Simhapuram. The temple has
many inscriptions at the foothills and also on the top of the hill. They
indicate generous contributions from Kulothunga Chola III Mayuravarman and Seeyagangan.
Some the
inscriptions indicate that the idol Andal was newly installed as the original one was
lost. The town originally was under the control of Shaivites which is
substantiated by the temple ruins near Parappan Kulam, in the valley between
two hills. This is where original Sholinghur was situated. Unfinished Nandhis and Stupas are found in numerous places in
Sholinghur. The temple is one of the famous temples of Narasimha and a powerful
image of Hanuman. Sholinghur was the scene of the battle between
the British and Hyder
Ali during July 1781, in which the British won.
The
temple was visited by preceptors like Nathamunigal, Thirukachi Nambi, Ramanuja
and Manavala Mamunigal. It was the birth-place of Doddachariar, a descendant of
Mudali Andan, the chief disciple of Ramanuja. The temple is under the custody
of Doddachariar's successors known as Periappangar. The birth-place of
Erumbiappa, one of the eight important disciples of Manavala Mamunigal, is very
near Sholinghur. Mamunigal performed ``Tiruppavai Kalakshepam'' in the temple
at the foothill at the request of Erumbiappa, as he did at Srirangam.
This Sthalam
is also called as "Chola Lingapuram" since a Chola king found a Siva
lingam and built a temple for it. Later, the Sthalam is called as
Cholasingapuram and now as Sholingapuram. Karikala Cholan of Chola dynasty
divided his country into 48 divisions of which one is known as Kadigai Nadu.
Kadiga is known as the place of Learning. Please note the name Kanchi Kadigai. Since
Vedha and other rare arts are taught in this place, this is known as
Kadigachalam. Vaishnava teachers called this as Cholasimhapuram. In this Sthalam,
Pallava kings started numerous studying institutions and sculpturing centers.
The
steps from the foot hill to the mountain temple was constructed by Rajayya. Swami
Doddachariar is the main person for the development of Sholinghur. Acharya
Swami, a renowned educationist with the help of Vijayanagara Kings abolished
the forest and established the present Sholinghur. The Temple is during the
Town with a Tank and Car Mandapam. From the records, it is known that the
Temple is renovated during 1588. A.D Swami's ardent devotees M/s. Thakkan Reddy
and Mudaliandan make some renovations under the able guidance of swamiji. They
have the right to take the Vahanams during Brahmotsavam.
After
the completion of the procession they have the right to receive the honour next
to the Acharya. There is an inscription of 14th century in the Big Hill and
another of 17th century in Small Hill and an inscription in Telugu Language.
There is a small window opposite to Lord Narasimha’s Shrine at Big Hill,
through which the Lord give darshan to Yoga Anjaneya at Small Hill. Yoga
Narasimhar is facing east and the Small Hill is at the eastern side of the Big
Hill.
