Marundeeswarar Temple (Idaiyattrunathar Temple), T.
Edayar – History
The temple is located between the rivers South Pennai
and Malattaru, on the southern banks of Pennai river. The historical name of
this place is “Thiru Maruthanthurai”. The original complex is believed to
have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during
the 16th century. There are inscriptions from later Chola emperors like Rajaraja
Chola I (985–1014), Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120) and Rajendra Chola III (1246–1279).
There are inscriptions from Pandya kings like Maravarman Sundara Pandyan (1216–1238), Maravarman Vikrama Pandiyan and
Maravarman Veerapandian. The contributions of the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire like Achyuta
Raya, Sadasiva
Raya (1542–1570) and Rama Deva are also found in the
inscriptions. There are 18 stone inscriptions belonging to the Chola, Pandyas,
Vijayanagar and Nayakars periods.