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Friday, October 27, 2017

Thirukkadigai, Sholinghur – History

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.